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Published on 2/25/2026
Written by: Braylon Mitchell
Best Makeup and Hairstyling nominee at the 98th Annual Academy Awards
Directed by: Sang-il Lee
Cast: Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Ken Wantanabe, Shinobu Terjima, etc.
Plot: In post-war Japan's economic boom, gangster family-born Kikuo Tachibana finds himself adopted by a kabuki actor. Despite life's challenges, he develops into a gifted performer.
REVIEW
"Sweeping" would be a good word to describe this film. Coming in at nearly three hours long, following character arcs spanning several decades, and featuring many long sequences of kabuki performances- this film is a period drama that feels epic both in emotion and production, showcasing the artform of kabuki that most western audiences probably don't have much knowledge of. It's a rise-and-fall plot following our main character's career from its beginning to its end, something that's been done many times before, but because of Sang il Lee's strong direction and the emotional stakes built around the two main characters it rarely comes across as all that predictable despite the plot's familiarity. The shifting character dynamics between Kikuho and Shunsuke's relationship over the many years covered in the film feels Shakespearean. All around, this is a period piece that's incredibly well crafted and emotionally engrossing. It's a pretty great film.
THREE BEST ELEMENTS
The costumes & makeup. As a film about the art of kabuki with many long sequences showcasing those stage performances, the costumes & makeup are two of the most vital aspects of this film- incredibly detailed, accurate, and showy. In particular, the makeup work done for the kabuki performances and the gradual aging of the characters is very much worthy of the Oscar nomination it received.
The score. A phenomenal score, majestic and powerful. The track that plays in the film's final scene was a stunning piece of film music composition.
The performances. In the lead role, Ryo Yoshizawa gives a hell of an emotional performance- very commanding. That goes for Ryusei Yokohama and Ken Wantanabe as well, both are fantastic. Wantanabe's performance might just be the best, or at least one of the very best, of his career. He's an underrated actor.
WORST ELEMENT
The second act/middle part of the film isn't as engaging as the rest of the film.
RATING
8/10
You should watch it, buddy!
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