Lee Sang-il’s surprise hit of 2025, KOKUHO (which translates as, “national treasure”), a nearly three-hour epic period drama about the cloistered world of traditional kabuki theater, has defied expectations and become Japan’s top-grossing domestic live-action film of all time. It was selected as Japan’s 2026 Oscar submission for Best International Feature, and is currently nominated for a Best Makeup and Hairstyling Academy Award.

KOKUHO traces five decades in the intertwined lives of two kabuki actors: an orphaned outsider and the heir of a prestigious stage family, whose friendship curdles into obsession and rivalry. Adapting a novel by Shuichi Yoshida, Lee — best known internationally for VILLAIN and RAGE — has crafted a “transporting and operatic” story that “blends backstage melodrama, succession saga and making-of-an-artist dynamics” into a sweeping meditation on ambition, artistry and sacrifice. With Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, Ken Watanabe, Mitsuki Takahata, and Shinobu Terajima.

“A visual knockout that patiently explores the price that artists pay for their craft, Kokuho’s astonishing technical virtues are only rivaled by Ryô Yoshizawa and Ryûsei Yokohama’s superb performances.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

“The average response to seeing a nearly three-hour Japanese movie about the art of Kabuki may be that it’s not your cup of (green) tea. But, you’d be sacrificing one of the awards season’s most gorgeous and stirring movies.” (AARP Movies for Grownups)

“Yet, even as it periodically languishes, the film comes back around, with some moving flourishes, to stamp its idea: To witness these vicissitudes over a lifetime, is to see the beauty, bloodshed and loneliness of true artistic greatness. “ (New York Times)

“At the center of its superb cast, Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama deliver exquisitely layered performances that interweave offstage characterization and onstage theatricality. “ (The Hollywood Reporter)

Friday, April 3
Doors 12:30 pm | Film 1:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

KOKUHO “Kokuhô” (Lee Sang-i, 2025 / 175 mins / 14A / Japanese w. EST) 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.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s box office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds, exchanges or transfers.