Spectacularly bringing the intricate style and all-consuming dedication of the Japanese Kabuki artist to the big screen, Sang-il Lee’s epic new drama KOKUHŌ is a decades-spanning tale charting the ambition, friendship and rivalry of two young trainees.
Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, gifted Kikuo (rising star Ryō Yoshizawa) is taken under the wing of famed Kabuki actor Hanjirō Hanai (played by the iconic Ken Watanabe, 'Memoirs of a Geisha', 'The Last Samurai'). Alongside the great performer’s only son, Shunsuke (Ryūsei Yokohama), he dedicates his life to the artform – a centuries-old Japanese theatrical tradition known for its costumes, elaborate makeup and innovative stagecraft.
Over the ensuing decades, against the backdrop of stunning stagings of classic Kabuki tales, the destiny of the two young disciples entwines and twists - from acting school to the most prestigious stages - and their hearts suffer as much yearning, scandal and glory as their on-stage alter-egos. Only one of them will become the master of the art.
Based on the best-selling novel by Shūichi Yoshida, KOKUHŌ (which translates as 'National Treasure') stormed the Japanese box office in mid-2025, with demand escalating for months on the back of word of mouth, becoming the highest grossing live action film in Japanese box office history with over 12.3 million admissions, a true cultural phenomenon.
