ADVANCE SCREENING: Sunday December 7, 3:10pm

Spectacularly bringing the intricate style and all-consuming dedication of the Japanese Kabuki artist to the big screen, Sang-il Lee’s 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 (Ryō Yoshizawa) is taken under the wing of famed Kabuki actor Hanjirō Hanai (Ken Watanabe). Alongside the great performer’s only son, Shunsuke (Ryūsei Yokohama), he dedicates his life to the artform – a centuries-old 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.

Based on the best-selling novel by Shūichi Yoshida, KOKUHŌ (which translates as 'National Treasure') stormed the Japanese box office in 2025 and became a true cultural phenomenon.

Japanese language, English subtitles