Lee Sang-il, Stars Detail Grueling Kabuki Journey on Cannes Film ‘Kokuho’: ‘I Could Not Hear Anything Except My Own Heartbeats and Breath’

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As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to witness the fruition of Director Lee Sang-il’s 15-year artistic odyssey with his Kabuki drama, “Kokuho,” gracing the screens at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. This masterpiece breathes life into an epic narrative encompassing artistry, competition, and tradition that spans over half a century in the realm of Japanese theater.

The story begins in Nagasaki, 1964. It follows Kikuo, a 14-year-old boy, after the death of his yakuza father. He is then mentored by a renowned Kabuki actor, who also has a son named Shunsuke. Together, they delve into the ancient art of Kabuki theater. Over the years, their bond deepens as they progress from training schools to prestigious stages, experiencing both scandals and triumphs, camaraderie and deceit, throughout their journey.

The story takes place in Nagasaki, 1964. Kikuo, a teenager whose yakuza father has died, is taken under the guidance of a famous Kabuki actor. Alongside the actor’s son, Shunsuke, Kikuo learns about Kabuki theater, an old tradition. As they grow and perform together, they face various ups and downs – including controversies and fame, friendships and betrayals.

Following the premiere of my movie ‘Villain,’ I conceived a concept for a Kabuki-themed film. But it wasn’t until 15 years later that this idea saw the light as a full-fledged movie,” Lee shares with EbMaster. The director, renowned for his 2013 adaptation of Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven” which was showcased at Venice, attributes the book that forms the basis of the film to author Shuichi Yoshida.

The director, Lee, leaves no room for doubt about what was instrumental in bringing the production to fruition: the selection of up-and-coming actor Ryō Yoshizawa as Kikuo. “Whether or not I could make this novel into a movie hinged on who could portray Kikuo,” Lee states. “It was the presence of Ryō Yoshizawa that transformed this film into reality.

The physical challenges faced by the actors were incredibly high. For instance, Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama, who portrayed Shunsuke, dedicated more than a year to rigorous Kabuki training, performing the complex stage scenes themselves without the assistance of stand-ins or doubles for the movie.

Lee points out that authentic Kabuki performers begin their training from childhood, often before they can even recall events. This means they develop both personally and professionally simultaneously. It’s inconceivable, Lee suggests, for non-Kabuki actors to perfectly mimic the authenticity of real Kabuki performers.

Instead, their learning process commenced with basics. As Lee explains, “They started in a manner similar to how young members of the Kabuki family learn, by mastering basic movements such as walking and standing.” “For more than a year, they underwent training to achieve the distinctive silhouette characteristic of Kabuki actors.

In the script of the movie, Lee skillfully intertwines the on-screen acting with the growing off-screen romance of the main characters. As he explains, “My goal was to create a harmonious blend between the stage action and the events happening off-stage, so that the audience perceives them as one continuous story.

In “Kokuho,” the story spans five decades of a Kabuki actor’s life; however, Lee underscores that the key bond between Kikuo and Shunsuke symbolizes a more profound message: “The film’s central theme is subtly portrayed through the relationship between Kikuo and Shunsuke — it’s about lineage or skill.

For Yoshizawa, fully embracing the traditions of Kabuki demanded unwavering dedication. He understood that mere mimicry of real Kabuki performers wasn’t enough; instead, he dedicated a year and a half to rigorous practice to embody a Kabuki actor. Reflecting on his experience, he believes that the determination and resolve he demonstrated in tackling this challenge ultimately played a crucial role in making the film.

The actor identified a deep, personal connection with Kikuo’s artistic odyssey: “To me, Kikuo seemed captivated by the realm of art and dedicated his entire existence to its pursuit. As he appeared on stage more frequently, his own life seemed to matter less, and that’s what I perceived as Kikuo.

The intense physical demands of the production forced Yoshizawa to his limits. As he danced ‘The Heron Maiden’, he was so focused that he could barely hear anything other than his own heartbeats and breath, he remembers. His determination to keep his promise helped him complete this role successfully.

In Yokohama’s own words, their year-long preparation for the role of Shunsuke allowed them and their co-star to develop a strong connection essential for their on-screen relationship: “We managed to find a balance, not overly intimate yet still distant enough. This distance enabled us to connect without exchanging many words, but through shared feelings instead.

Delving deeper into Shunsuke’s persona, I discovered a layer of complexity hidden beneath his seemingly carefree demeanor. On the outside, he appeared lax and indulgent with himself, yet beneath this facade, life was unforgiving for him. His future, brimming with anticipated success, unexpectedly crumbled due to the betrayal of his closest friend.

The role of Hanjiro is completed by internationally renowned actor Ken Watanabe. Although he didn’t have many master-apprentice bonds in his personal career, Watanabe found a connection with the character through his extensive professional background spanning over several decades.

Watanabe shares that when the director requested him to expose the decades-built emotional layers in his career, including the challenges, triumphs, and tribulations, he believed he was able to identify with the character on a deeper level.

Being rooted in theater himself, Watanabe utilized his own experiences for his role: “I found common ground with the apprehension and thrill of appearing on stage. Additionally, I have some contacts within the Kabuki world, and I gained insight from watching how they interact with people offstage in their everyday lives.

Kokuho” is a production of Aniplex Inc., working together with Myriagon Studio, Amuse Inc., Toho Co Ltd., Lawson Inc., and Credeus. The task of managing international sales for this product falls under the responsibility of Pyramide International.

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2025-05-18 12:17