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Kokuho (15)

— ,Cinemas
Two kabukis facing each other

A tale of friendship and rivalry in the world of classical Japanese performance, this epic Japanese historical drama is inspired by director Lee Sang-il's obsession with kabuki theatre.

Kokuho begins in Nagasaki in 1964 and spans five turbulent decades. 

The film follows Kikuo (Ryo Yoshizawa), the teenage son of a murdered yakuza boss, who is taken in by a renowned kabuki master and raised alongside Shunsuke (Ryusei Yokohama), the master’s heir. Both Kikuo and Shunsuke are trained as onnagata, male actors who specialise in playing female roles. The relationship between the boys, equal parts brotherhood and rivalry, propels a sweeping tale of ambition, sacrifice, scandal and devotion.

Visually sumptuous and emotionally piercing, Lee’s three-hour opus is a smash hit at the Japanese box office; and internationally, the film premiered at Cannes Directors Fortnight and was Oscar nominated.

Tagged with: Cinema Magic Mondays New releases

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Film information
  • Release year   2026
  • Country of origin   Japan
  • Director   Lee Sang-il
  • Runtime   2hr 55mins

Cinemas

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.