Art Kabuki is a 2021 feature documentary directed by Kazuhiro Nakamura. A breathtaking and stunningly visualized showcase of the timeless nature of Kabuki Theater. Art Kabuki completely transports the viewer into the closest realization of a Kabuki play possible.
As a passing admirer of theater and the theater experience, it is a treat to be able to sit at this crossroads of film and theater as they coalesce in this viewing experience. It is rare that one can truly take in what a full performance means as if you were really there watching it.
That is the core strength of this documentary. We are just looking in. The camera is our lens into what it would be like to watch this performance in person. It perfectly captures the simple nature of Japanese culture as a whole and it makes sure that we see amazing details that you may not even pick up if you were actually there.
Nature, Love, Loss & Reconnection
Each part of the performance is shown in small vignettes, exploring themes of nature, love, loss, and reconnection. Each one is minimalist in its styling but so very effective in execution.
The music is amazing and does so much to create the atmosphere for each of these self-contained stories. There are only four main actors for the performance aspect but yet they command the stage so well it is easy to let the imagination run wild to paint the bigger picture that is being sketched out before us.
Perhaps this is all just a resounding compliment to Kabuki in general. As one who has never seen a stage performance like this up close, it is hard to say, but from an execution standpoint on the film side of things, there is virtually nothing to scoff at or pick apart. The filmmakers behind this knew what they needed to capture and they did it so well.
Art Kabuki Documentary
It may be the bias of a first-time viewer of such a performance, but it is hard to find any fault at play with Art Kabuki. The mission is simple, and it embodies that amazingly. If you have any passing adoration for Japanese culture, this is a must-watch. There have been many silver linings to the global pandemic we have all been facing for over a year now and if this brilliantly captured look into Kabuki was another one, then it is hard to be anything less than appreciative.
Art Kabuki gets
5 biwas out of 5
Written by Daniel Hess.
For more information on Art Kabuki, see the official website
DIRECTOR & WRITER Kazutaro Nakamura
CAST Ryutaro Fujima, Genkuro Hanayagi, Kazutaro Nakamura, Ukon Onoe
