Vue Lumière has announced the impending release of "Kokuho," Japan's most successful live-action motion picture to date, in cinemas across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This Kabuki theater-inspired drama has achieved remarkable financial success in Japan, having accumulated an impressive $125 million since its initial release. The film also garnered critical acclaim, securing a nomination for Best Make-up and Hairstyling at the 98th Academy Awards and being shortlisted as Japan's submission for Best International Feature Film.
Helmed by director Lee Sang-il and based on a screenplay crafted by Okudera Satoko, "Kokuho" made its global premiere at the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Prior to its wider theatrical release in the U.K. and Ireland, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the film at two renowned festivals: the Glasgow Film Festival on March 1-2, and the Dublin International Film Festival on March 1.
The narrative of "Kokuho" is drawn from Yoshida Shuichi's 2018 literary work. This period drama unfolds over five decades, delving into the intricate relationship of rivalry and camaraderie between two central male figures within the traditional Kabuki theater realm. The story commences in 1964 Nagasaki, where a 15-year-old named Kikuo finds himself under the tutelage of a distinguished Kabuki actor following the demise of his yakuza father. As Kikuo trains alongside the actor's son, Shunsuke, both characters embark on distinct yet intertwined paths, ultimately leading one to achieve mastery in this revered art form.
The ensemble cast features notable talents such as Yoshizawa Ryo, Yokohama Ryusei, Takahata Mitsuki, Terajima Shinobu, Tanaka Min, and Ken Watanabe. Industry publications have lauded the film, with a review from Variety describing "Kokuho" as "a vivid portrait of a legendary Kabuki actor over the course of his career," noting its place within "a rich tradition of films that depict the personal cost of making art."
Vue Lumière, functioning as the distribution arm for the European cinema conglomerate Vue, typically introduces 10 to 12 independent international cinematic works annually. Their forthcoming roster includes anticipated titles such as "Little Amelie," "The Thing with Feathers," featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, and "100 Nights of Hero," starring Emma Corrin and Nicholas Galitzine. The U.K. and Ireland theatrical debut of "Kokuho" is scheduled for April 3.