The Kabuki TV series Kokuho, directed by director Lee Sang-il, was screened in Cannes for two weeks and represents the climax of a 15-year creative journey, bringing life's art, competition, competition and tradition across 50 years of Japanese theater.

The film was originally in Nagasaki in 1964, following 14-year-old Kikuo, who found himself taken to the company of a famous Kabuki actor after his father passed away. Together with Harusuke, the actor’s son, Kikuo dedicated himself to the theatre tradition that has been around for centuries and has developed over decades of performances to decades of performances (from performance school to prestige stages) in the context of “scandal and glory, brotherhood and betrayal.”

"After my movie "The Villain" was released, I started an idea about a movie about Kabki. But, as a movie, it took 15 years to come out." type. The director, known for his 2013 remake of Clint Eastwood, which was shown in Venice, attributes writer Shuichi Yoshida to the foundation that created the film.

The director clearly states what ultimately makes production possible: Rising star Ryō Yoshizawa plays Kikuo. "The key is whether it's to make this novel into a movie or not depends on who can play kikuo," Lee explained. "It's Yoshizawa's existence that makes this movie a life."

The physical need for actors is extraordinary. Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama, who play Shunsuke, both received over a year of large-scale Kabuki training without relying on performing doubles to get the film's exquisite stage sequence.

"A real Kabuki actor started practicing acting because they were kids, even before they had memories," Lee noted. "They grew up with the actors. I know non-Kabuki actors can't be like real Kabuki actors."

Instead, training begins with fundamentals. "What they started was how to start training by how to walk, how to stand, etc.," Lee said. "They took over a year of training to get the outline of the Kabuki actor."

The film's script carefully balances the evolving phase relationship between the theatrical performance and the two clues. "I'm trying to get the best balance between the stage on stage and the scenes outside the stage. I want the audience to see both scenes as seamless as possible," Lee said.

While "Kokuho" has been documented for 50 years in the life of the Kabuki actor, Lee stresses that the central relationship has a deeper meaning: "The relationship between Kikuo and Shunsuke means the underline of the movie - blood or talent."

For Yoshizawa, immersing himself in Kawaki tradition requires outstanding commitment. "I know it's not enough to be able to stand at the feet of a real Kabuki actor, but I've tried to spend a year and a half practicing living as a Kabuki actor," he said. "I now think that the commitment to the challenge and the belief in some way is crucial to the film."

The actor found a personal resonance during Kikuo's artistic journey: "I believe Kikuo is a man fascinated by the art world and is committed to his life, his life, his pursuit of art. He is performing more and more on the stage.

The physical challenge of production pushes Yoshizawa to the extreme. "When I danced the Heron Girl, I was very focused and I could hear nothing but my own heartbeat and breathing," he recalled. "My stubbornness to fulfill my commitment allowed me to accomplish this role."

Yokohama, co-star who plays Shunsuke, describes how their one-year training period naturally builds the bonds they need to have on-screen relationships: “It’s not too close, but not too far, very far away.

For his character, Yokohama finds complexity under the surface: "Harusuke is a hasty character, easy for himself. But reality is harsh for him. His future should promise success, but it suddenly closes down due to his best friend."

The cast is rounded up by Ken Watanabe, an international star who plays Hangiro. Despite lacking a strong master-level relationship in his career, Watanabe has been associated with his roles over decades of professional experience.

"When the director asked me to come up with the kind of emotional sediment (with all the hardships, joys and struggles) that had been built in the entertainment industry, I felt like I could finally connect with the character," Watnerbey explained.

Watanabe comes from the theater himself and makes a personal observation of his character: "I can be associated with the fear and excitement of stepping on the stage. I also have some acquaintances in the Kabuki world, and I draw inspiration from watching how they interact with people on the stage in their daily lives."

"Kokuho" is produced by Aniplex Inc. in collaboration with Myriagon Studio, Amuse Inc., Toho Co Ltd., Lawson Inc. and Credeus. Pyramid International is handling international sales.