Kokuho
- Monday, Mar 9, 2026, 6:45pm
Screening location: Northwest Film Forum – 1515 12th Ave, Seattle
From acclaimed director Sang-il Lee (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. Nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at this year's Academy Awards.
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.
In Japanese with English subtitles.
“While subtlety is among the movie’s plentiful strengths, there’s no masking its emotion, artistry, beauty or impact, with every ounce of passion rewardingly on display.” Sarah Ward, Alliance of Women Film Journalists
“Steeped in modern Japanese history without explicating it, director Sang-il Lee’s feature is propelled by operatic intensity and visual poetry.” Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter