Monday Night Foreign Films - Kokuho

2025 Japan 2h 54 minutes
Drama NR
In Japanese with English subtitles

Japan's Submission to Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film "Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor. Alongside Shunsuke, the actor’s only son, Kikuo decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre. Across decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals, as each pushes to become the greatest living Kabuki master.

From acclaimed director Lee Sang-il (Pachinko), KOKUHO (meaning ""national treasure"") is a film of awe-inspiring scope and sumptuous beauty, and a monument to the artists who would sacrifice everything in the pursuit of the ultimate performance."
Film Sponsor: Shima Lara