Latest news with #NationalTreasure
Japan Forward
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Kokuho and the Price of Greatness in the World of Kabuki
When we think of summer movies, we normally think of action extravaganzas with big-name stars or animated features to appeal to children. However, as of July 6, the box office leader in Japan was Kokuho ("National Treasure"), a movie set in the world of kabuki. Since its release on June 6, it has been seen by well over 2.5 million moviegoers. It has also generated cumulative box office revenue of nearly ¥4.5 billion JPY ($28.6 million USD). In fact, it is the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film so far this year. Kokuho is a complex story whose central character is Kikuo Tachibana (Ryo Yoshizawa), the son of a Nagasaki yakuza whose father was assassinated by a rival gang when he was only 14. The boy was taken in by a famous Osaka kabuki actor named Hanjiro Hanai II, played by veteran actor Ken Watanabe, to train alongside his own son, Shunsuke (Ryusei Yokohama), to become an onnagata. Onnagata (also called oyama ) are males who specialize in female kabuki roles. They are not female impersonators, as they do not seek to mimic women. Instead, they aim to symbolically embody feminine grace and style. The onnagata tradition dates back to 1629 when the Tokugawa Shogunate banned women from appearing on stage. To compensate, actors developed a highly stylized approach to portraying female roles. This practice has shaped the aesthetics, principles, and acting styles of onnagata over the centuries. In the Edo period (1600-1868), the world of kabuki was highly hierarchical, reflecting the general social structure. Professional acting families came to claim certain roles as their own. Shunsuke is an accomplished onnagata and is expected to be named his father's successor. However, Kikuo is by far the more innately talented, and Hanjiro decides to name him as his successor. The two boys have been brought up more or less as siblings, and their rivalry is emotionally complex. In the end, it is Kikuo who becomes the supreme onnagata, a national treasure. But to reach that pinnacle, he has sacrificed his family, friends, patrons, and even his own identity for the sake of his art. Perhaps it was less a case of will than fate. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by Akutagawa Prize-winning author Shuichi Yoshida. A native of Nagasaki, his stories, some of which have been translated into English, are often set in that area. While researching Kokuho , Yoshida immersed himself in the way of kabuki, and the two main actors trained with kabuki veterans for over a year. Many kabuki actors have praised both the novel and the movie for their authenticity. The director is Lee Sang-il, born in 1974 in Niigata Prefecture. He previously directed several acclaimed movies, including Hula Girls (2006), which was a big hit, and the 2010 crime noir film Akunin ("Villian"), based on another Yoshida novel. Besides fine acting, the movie offers dazzling photography that captures the beauty of the gorgeous costumes and elegant dances, as well as the nuances of the performances. The cinematographer is Tunisia-born Sofian El Fani, whose credits include the 2013 film Blue is the Warmest Color ( La Vie d'Adèle – Chapitres 1 & 2 ) and Timbuktu (2014). Poster for the film Kokuho©Shuichi Yoshida / Asahi Shimbun Publications ©2025 Kokuho Film Production Committee In some ways, Kokuho bears comparison to the famous 1993 China-Hong Kong film Farewell My Concubine , directed by Chen Kaige, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 1993. Both movies span a half-century of modern history, centering on the love-hate relationship between two male actors and the blurred lines between the mundane world and life on stage. It is also interesting that in the 1939 film Zangiku Monogatari ("Story of the Last Chrysanthemum"), directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, the central character is another onnagata. He is the adopted son of a kabuki master named Kikunosuke. In fact, prior to the 1920s, Japanese filmmakers had followed the kabuki convention of using onnagata. At first, the connection between kabuki and the yakuza might seem farfetched. However, during the Edo period, both the yakuza and kabuki performers were considered beyond the pale. In fact, kabuki actors were considered outcasts ( kawaramono ) who were not permitted surnames and were categorized as hinin (non-persons). Theaters were geographically isolated from city centers and located near the pleasure quarters. The government regularly issued sumptuary edicts regulating costumes and even dictating which colors could be used. Kabuki began as a kind of variety show staged by itinerant entertainers. Even after it became an incredibly popular and sophisticated dramatic form performed in specialized theaters, it retained its spirit of rebellion. In kabuki, the bizarre, shocking, sensual, and erotic have always been prized. The results frequently met with the wrath of censors. In many cases, dramatic tension was created by emphasizing conflict between Confucian values such as duty, honor, and filial piety in conflict with human passions. Not surprisingly, like the Noh theater that predated it, Buddhist themes of mujo (impermanence of all things) were also prevalent This is reflected in the kabuki performances in Kokuho . For example, Kikuo and Shunsuke perform the dance Ninin Dojoji together, which is based on a famous Noh play. In the origin story, a jealous woman turns herself into a giant snake, which wraps itself around the temple bell in which her fickle priest-lover has hidden himself. The heat of her jealous passion burns him to death. In their final joint appearance on stage, Kikuo and Shunsuke perform the masterpiece Sonezaki Shinju ("Love Suicide at Sonezaki"). Sonezaki Shinju was originally a Bunraku puppet play written by the famous playwright Chikamatsu Monzaemon. First performed in Osaka in 1703, one month after the actual suicide on which the play was based, the sensational play sparked a wave of love suicides ( shinju ), which brought a crackdown from the Shogunate. Nonetheless, this moving drama enjoyed a great reputation. In fact, it started the sewamono genre of contemporary plays, which dealt with commoners. Although it was revised into kabuki form, the play was seldom performed before World War II. It was revived in 1953. Still from the film Kokuho©Shuichi Yoshida / Asahi Shimbun Publications ©2025 Kokuho Film Production Committee Sonezaki Shinju tells the tale of Tokubei, an assistant at a soy sauce store who has been swindled out of his master's money, and the prostitute Ohatsu who loves him. The scene in which the lovers depart on their final journey together is extremely moving. In fact, the specter of death runs throughout Kokuho . During the opening sequence, a New Year's party at a fancy restaurant in Nagasaki hosted by the Tachibana-gumi is suddenly invaded by their enemies. Kikuo watches in horror as his father is murdered in a rock garden, with snow falling around them. Before being mortally wounded, his father, Kengoro Tachibana, defiantly pulls down the shoulder of his kimono to reveal the tattoo of a mimizuku owl. He then turns in Kikuo's direction and shouts, "Watch this well!" This snowy scene becomes indelibly embedded in Kikuo's memory. After the murder, Kikuo has the same kind of tattoo emblazoned on his back. He, too, has symbolically committed himself to the world of darkness. The finale of the movie features Kikuo performing the dance Sagimusume ("The Heron Maiden"), considered one of the most challenging kabuki dances. The dance involves several transformations through costume changes. As the performance unfolds, the mood gradually darkens. An initially innocent young girl becomes a slave to the passions of love, desire, and betrayal — until she ultimately finds herself literally tormented in hell. She dances frantically to stay alive, but in the end, amidst falling snow, she succumbs, collapsing in death. Only the most accomplished onnagata dare perform Sagimusume , as it takes the performer to the boundary of the realm of the "other world" — where ultimate beauty resides beyond the reality we know in our daily lives. Kokuho is a fascinating movie. And its success shows that the Japanese people still appreciate their traditional culture. Foreigners should, too. Author: John Carroll
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Nicolas Cage explains why his relationship with Sarah Jessica Parker was doomed
Nicolas Cage has divulged on his short-lived romance with Sarah Jessica Parker, admitting he could pin-point to the exact moment he knew their relationship didn't stand a chance. The Oscar winner, 61, recalled making a fashion faux pas when meeting the 'Sex and the City' alum's mother in the early 1990s. 'I cared about Sarah, but I don't think I passed the Mom test,' the actor told E! News. Advertisement 6 Nicolas Cage has divulged on his short-lived romance with Sarah Jessica Parker. Roadside Attractions via Getty Images 'I recall sitting down with her and her mother for dinner at the Russian Tea Room, and I don't know if it was my blue Vanson Leather motorcycle jacket (which I still have) or my sinusitis, but I didn't hear from her again.' Cage's admission comes just days after the 'And Just Like That' star revealed that she had dated the 'National Treasure' actor around the time of their 1992 romcom 'Honeymoon in Vegas.' Advertisement During an appearance on 'Watch What Happens Live' Sunday, host Andy Cohen quizzed the actress, 60, on her former fling. 'Did you date Nic Cage?' the Bravo honcho, 57, asked his longtime friend. 'Um, yes, I did,' she answered. 'Yes, I did.' 6 The Oscar winner, 61, had dated the 'Sex and the City' alum in the 1990s. ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection Advertisement 'Oh wow,' said Cohen, joking that they had 'some talking to do.' Parker and Cage first sparked dating rumors in 1991 while filming their romantic comedy. However, the pair's romance didn't stand the test of time as Parker soon found love with Matthew Broderick the following year. The actress, who played Carrie Bradshaw in 'SATC,' went on to tie the knot with the 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' star in May 1997. Advertisement 6 The 'And Just Like That' star revealed that she had dated the 'National Treasure' actor around the time of their romcom 'Honeymoon in Vegas.' Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen/Youtube 6 Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicolas Cage in the hit 1992 film 'Honeymoon in Vegas.' ©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection The pair are now parents to three kids: son James, 22, and twin daughters Tabitha and Marion, 16. Elsewhere during her appearance on 'WWHL,' Parker was asked 'how and when' she knew that Broderick was 'the one.' The actress admitted that she knew she loved him 'pretty early' on after 'just spending a little bit of time with him.' 'I remember I had to leave to go on location to shoot a movie. We were on East 10th Street [in New York City], and I was getting in a car to go away for a while. I remember thinking, 'I love him,'' she said. 6 Parker pictured with her mother, Barbra Forste, and brother, Pippin Parker. FilmMagic Parker revealed that she said those three magic words to Broderick first, adding she had 'nothing to lose.' Advertisement Luckily enough, Broderick immediately said the words back. Cage, for his part, had said 'I do' a total of five times. Start your day with all you need to know Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters The 'Wicker Man' star was married to actress Patricia Arquette from 1995 to 2001, followed by Lisa Marie Presley from 2002 to 2004. Advertisement He then tied the knot with Alice Kim later that year, before their divorce in 2016. The exes share son Kal-El, 19. Cage went on to wed Erika Koike in 2019, however, their romance crumbled that year. 6 Parker and husband Matthew Broderick share three kids: son James, 22, and twin daughters Tabitha and Marion, 16. Bruce Glikas/WireImage Advertisement Cage is currently married to Riko Shibata, and the couple welcomed daughter August, now 2, in September 2022. The actor is also a father to son Weston, 34, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Christina Fulton.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Night at the Museum reboot announced, social media users slam the idea: ‘It's a big no'
The Night at the Museum franchise, which was brought alive by Ben Stiller and Robin Williams' comedic skills 20 years ago, is set for a reboot. However, the news hasn't exactly sparked excitement on social media, with many users even expressing disappointment about the revival of the film series. The Night at the Museum franchise kicked off in 2006. Night at the Museum set for reboot As per Variety, a Night at the Museum reboot is in the works at 20th Century Studios, with 21 Laps Entertainment getting Tripper Clancy onboard to pen the script. At the moment, the story remains under wraps, but it is believed that the film will narrate a fresh tale from the corridors of the museum with new characters. Shawn Levy and Dan Levine will produce for 21 Laps. Emily Morris will oversee the project for the company. The Night at the Museum franchise kicked off in 2006. It was followed up with three follow-ups: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009), Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014) and the animated feature Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again (2022). ShawnLevy directed the first three films, while Matt Danner helmed Kahmunrah. Ben Stiller starred in the first three movies as museum night security guard Larry Daley, who discovers that the historical exhibits come alive at night. The franchise also featured late Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais, Mickey Rooney, Brad Garrett, Dick Van Dyke and Rami Malek also starred. The fourth film, which debuted on Disney+, featured a new cast including the voices of Joshua Bassett, Jamie Demetriou, Gillian Jacobs and Zachary Levi. The three live-action films grossed over $1.3 billion collectively at the global box office. Fans react Fans are voicing their discontent over the Night at the Museum reboot on social media, arguing that some classics should be left untouched. Some are calling for Hollywood to focus on creating original content rather than rehashing old favourites. 'Who asked for a night at the museum reboot,' wrote one, with another mentioning, 'As the cape movies continue to fail, Hollywood is pivoting to stale franchise remakes like Night at the Museum, National Treasure, and toy movies like Hot Wheels. They are totally flailing. Meanwhile streaming continues to eat their lunch'. 'There could never be a night at the museum without my kings robin williams and rami malek,' read one comment, with another reading, 'I enjoyed the night at the museum movies but this just seems unnecessary.' One fan shared, 'Hell no, DO NOT TOUCH NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM', with another sharing, 'New National Treasure, new Night at the Museum, reboots, 'readaptations', 'reimaginings'… can anyone get funding over $10mill for anything original?' 'No, absolutely NOT. I grew up with those movies and the creators are just going to ruin it all. The thought of any more parts died with Robin. It wont be Night at the museum without our loved characters. Stop remaking and adding parts to movies that DONT NEED it. It ended perfect,' one wrote. Another social media user added, 'A Night at the Museum remake is a big no no. It's a bad idea all around. Fricking Disney and 20th Century Studios! Come up with new ideas from this franchise. Instead of doing a remake of ANATM, do an animated series, spinoff movies, or prequel movies and some shorts'.
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
How F1: The Movie locked down an astounding $40 million in real sponsorship
The Brad Pitt racing action film F1: The Movie dominated the box office over its opening weekend, pulling in $55.6 million domestically and $144 million world wide. It's the best performance not only for an Apple original film, it's also the biggest opening weekend for any live-action movie based on racing (it beat out Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby's $47 million). THE BEST RACING MOVIES OF ALL TIME: The 9 greatest racing films ever While the budget of F1: The Movie has been estimated anywhere from $200-$300 million, a piece of that has apparently been chipped away by actual sponsorship sales. In the fictional story, washed up driver Sonny Hayes (Pitt) ends up joining the APX GP Formula 1 racing team alongside up-and-coming rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). While APX GP isn't a real team, the sponsorships for the driving team certainly were. According to Forbes, producer David Leneer racked up around $40 million in actual sponsorships, including Mercedes, OMP, Tommy Hilfiger, Shark, Geico, EA Sports and APX GP's main sponsor Expensify. Leneer, who Forbes' Matt Craig described as "a pioneer of brand integrations in movies for nearly 30 years," brought in more dollars for F1: The Movie than his other projects like Top Gun: Maverick or the National Treasure and Transformers series. It's a far more natural fit to put brands and logos into a movie that features a sport that is normally covered in brands and logos, but it is certainly a fascinating piece to Apple's latest release.
Pink Villa
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Natalie Portman's Performance in Fountain of Youth Resurfaces: Did She Save Guy Ritchie's Apple TV+ Adventure?
Fountain of Youth, Guy Ritchie's latest adventure film on Apple TV+, is back at No. 1 despite a poor 33% Tomatometer score. Released on May 19, 2025, the big-budget film mixes Indiana Jones-style quests with National Treasure puzzles. While critics weren't impressed, many fans pointed to Natalie Portman's Fountain of Youth performance as a major reason for people to keep tuning in. Did Natalie Portman steal the spotlight in Fountain of Youth? In Fountain of Youth, Natalie Portman plays Charlotte Purdue, a sharp historian turned reluctant adventurer. Charlotte is pulled back into treasure hunting by her brother Luke Purdue, played by John Krasinski. Portman's role gives the story its emotional weight. Her character is a museum curator at the National Gallery in London, but her quiet life is upended when Luke steals a painting from her wall. Though the film's plot has been called 'formulaic,' Portman's subtle performance keeps it watchable. Her scenes show Charlotte's conflict between wanting a normal life and craving adventure. As the puzzles unfold, she turns from skeptic to leader, helping decode hidden clues linked to the legendary Fountain of Youth. How she outshone the rest of the cast Compared to John Krasinski's Luke Purdue, critics say Portman carries more heart. Krasinski tries to play a lovable rogue, but his charm falls flat for some. The script often undercuts Charlotte, giving her lines like 'no way I'm doing that!' only to cut to her doing it anyway. Still, Portman makes it believable. The cast includes Eiza González as a mysterious tracker protecting Luke, Stanley Tucci as the mentor, and Domhnall Gleeson as a dying billionaire funding the hunt. But none match Portman's steady screen presence. The film's final act mixes family drama with over-the-top action, but Portman's grounded acting keeps it from feeling empty. Despite poor reviews, her fans praise her commitment to stunts and emotional moments. Some viewers note that Portman hasn't had a major mainstream hit in years, saying that it's been a long time since Portman has given a good performance in a big film. Films like Jackie and Annihilation proved her depth, and Fountain of Youth shows she can lead a blockbuster, even when the plot lets her down.
