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.

The story focuses on a Kabuki family and the tension between its members. The central character, Kikuo, is adopted into the family as a young boy and is exceptionally talented. The family also has a biological son of the same age, which creates both tension and intimacy. Watching their relationship develop—through friendship, rivalry, and affection was one of the film’s most compelling aspects. The family patriarch, a master Kabuki artist, passes not only the art itself but also the family name and legacy to the adopted son, showing how tradition, merit, and identity intertwine. The emotional depth of these choices resonated with me deeply, making the story both moving and thought-provoking.

Although the film runs nearly three hours, I never felt the length was excessive. The pacing allows the story to unfold naturally, giving time to each character’s development and to the intricacies of the art form. I felt fully immersed, as if I were moving alongside the characters through decades of their lives. The actors are authentic and captivating, conveying both the grace of Kabuki and the inner struggles of the characters. The onnagata performances, in particular, were mesmerizing, showing both the beauty and the intensity of the discipline.

The direction is precise, and the cinematography never feels forced. Every scene, whether on stage or backstage, serves the story and the cultural context. The film’s central theme—the struggle for identity within a rigorous tradition—remained clear throughout, and it left me reflecting on how art shapes both life and self.

Kokuho is not just a film about Kabuki; it is a story about family, legacy, and dedication. Experiencing it felt like witnessing a living tradition come to life. Without a doubt, this film stands out as one of the most powerful and moving Japanese films of recent years and a strong contender for international recognition.