Kokuho

This stunningly realised period drama spans decades in telling the story of two Japanese kabuki stars vying for top spot. Kabuki elder statesman Hanai (Ken Watanabe, Inception) takes in an orphaned gangster’s son and fosters his talents alongside that of his own child. But as time passes, the bond between the two boys falters and only one can take the spotlight.

Japan’s official submission to the 2026 Oscars became the most popular live action film of all time there, and it’s easy to see why. Lush production design, elegant cinematography and highly detailed but sweeping storytelling combine to make this an essential arthouse epic that is a hymn to the passion and sacrifice of true artistry.