AceShowbiz - Fresh off a triumphant run in Japan, where it became the second-highest-grossing live-action film, Kokuho is set to captivate American audiences. Acclaimed producer and distributor GKIDS is bringing Japan's official entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards to Los Angeles and New York City for an exclusive one-week engagement before its wider release. Directed by Sang-il Lee, known to US viewers for his work on Pachinko season 2, this Kabuki-infused drama promises a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience.

At the heart of Kokuho is Ryo Yoshizawa, a popular Kamen Rider actor, who embodies the role of Kikuo, an actor driven by the relentless pursuit of artistic greatness. Yoshizawa underwent an intensive 18 months of Kabuki training to authentically portray his character. The film is set against the vibrant backdrop of 1964 Nagasaki, where young Kikuo, orphaned after his Yakuza gang leader father's death, is taken in and raised by the legendary Kabuki actor Hanjiro, played by the incomparable Ken Watanabe. Alongside Hanjiro’s son, Shunsuke (portrayed by Ryusei Yokohama, recently seen in the Japanese adaptation of Nevertheless), Kikuo embarks on a decades-long journey to master the traditional craft, inspiring and challenging each other along the way.

The narrative of Kokuho explores complex themes, particularly Kikuo's struggle to overcome his controversial background. Despite the societal recriminations tied to his father's past, Watanabe’s Hanjiro is resolute in raising Kikuo alongside his own son, fostering an unbreakable bond between the boys. However, this unusual arrangement also breeds deep-seated resentments, leading to betrayals and profound suffering as they navigate their shared path to theatrical glory. Through every challenge, the film is imbued with a unique grandeur, celebrating the profound love of beauty, the art of theater, and the sheer power of performance that define Kabuki.

Kokuho has already garnered significant critical acclaim during its extensive festival run, making its debut at Cannes in Directors’ Fortnight before gracing the Shanghai International Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival, and Los Angeles' own AFI Fest. Now, GKIDS, fresh off its 2024 triumph with Hayao Miyazaki's The Boy and the Heron (which won Best Animated Feature), is dedicated to bringing the exquisite beauty and dramatic power of Kabuki to a wider American audience, hoping to replicate its domestic success.

For those eager to experience this cinematic event, tickets are now available for Kokuho's special one-week engagements. Screenings commence on November 14 at AMC Universal CityWalk Hollywood in Los Angeles, and on November 21 at the Angelika Film Center in New York City. Don't miss this opportunity to witness a true masterpiece on the big screen.