Kokuho: LEE Sang-il’s very well-crafted drama follows the trajectory of a young boy, who, after his yakuza father is killed, becomes the apprentice of a prestigious kabuki actor. Spanning decades, the film offers a look not only at the presentations themselves but also at the backstage of the world and its culture. The protagonist, a man intent on becoming one of the greats, is played beautifully by YOSHIZAWA Ryoo (and by KUROKAWA Sooya in his youth). His best friend and rival is played by YOKOHAMA Ryuusei (and KOSHIYAMA Keitatsu) in another effective performance. Ken Watanabe is a good presence as the old master, demanding and talented. Cinematographer Sofian El Fani captures it all beautifully, if conservatively. The production design (by TANEDA Yoohei) and costume design (by OGAWA Kumiko) are top-notch, rich and detailed. The make-up work (by HIBINO Naomi and NISHIMATSU Tadashi) is also quite good, both the kabuki make-up and the delicate aging.