Kokuho: Japan’s Kabuki Heritage Captured on Film 

-Anwar Shahadat-

New York,  Nov. 23, 2025.

The Japanese film Kokuho, submitted for the Foreign Language Oscar category, is an epic cinematic experience that left a lasting impression on me. It combines music, performing arts, history, tradition, and the psychology of its characters, all within the world of Kabuki. Director Lee Sang-il has created a film that feels both monumental and intimate, guiding the audience through a tradition that is almost 500 years old while keeping the human story at its heart.

Kabuki, the form at the center of the film, is a classical Japanese theatre tradition in which male actors often play female roles, known as onnagata. This practice, developed centuries ago, is portrayed with incredible depth in the movie. Watching the actors transform into these roles, fully embodying the gestures, voice, and posture of the female characters, I felt a profound respect for the dedication and artistry required. Kokuho doesn’t just show performances; it immerses the viewer in the entire process—the rehearsals, the costumes, the makeup, and the discipline that shapes these performers’ lives.

A Tender Journey of Hope and Humanity: Deeply Beautiful, and Unforgettable: The Quiet Power of Train Dreams

Anwar Shahadat

Train Dreams is a beautifully crafted and emotionally uplifting cinematic experience that celebrates resilience, human connection, and the enduring power of the American frontier spirit. From the first frame, the film creates a warm, poetic atmosphere, blending breathtaking landscapes with heartfelt, human storytelling. Every scene feels lovingly composed, inviting viewers into a world both intimate and expansive.