Mukoku (2017)
A raw and emotionally charged Japanese drama about kendo, redemption, and the unlikely bond between a fallen champion and a gifted youth.
Mukoku - Movie Information
- Original Title: 武曲 MUKOKU
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Kazuyoshi Kumakiri
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Drama, Adventure
- Runtime: 2h 5m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 3, 2017 (Japan), April 19, 2018 (South Korea - 15)
- Production Countries: Japan
Mukoku - Plot
Kengo was gifted in Kendo (Japanese martial art) but he quits after a tragic incident. He works as a security guard and spends his days drinking. One day, he encounters a high school student Toru, who has a natural ability in Kendo. Toru revives the spirit of the sport in Kengo and he resumes practice again.
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Mukoku - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kazuyoshi Kumakiri
Main Cast
- Go Ayano
- Nijiro Murakami
- Atsuko Maeda
- Reiko Kataoka
- Misuzu Kanno
- Suon Kan
- Jun Fubuki
- Kaoru Kobayashi
- Akira Emoto
- Ryunosuke Azuma
Mukoku - FAQs
What is Mukoku about?
Mukoku follows Kengo, a once-gifted kendo practitioner who abandons the sport after a traumatic incident and sinks into a life of drinking while working as a security guard. His path changes when he meets Toru, a high school student with raw natural talent in kendo, whose passion reignites Kengo's own fighting spirit.
Who are the main actors in Mukoku?
Mukoku stars Go Ayano as the troubled former kendo prodigy Kengo Yatabe and Nijiro Murakami as the spirited teenager Tooru Haneda. The supporting cast includes Atsuko Maeda, Reiko Kataoka, Kaoru Kobayashi, Jun Fubuki, Akira Emoto, and Misuzu Kanno, among others.
Is Mukoku based on a true story?
Mukoku is not based on a true story. It is adapted from the award-winning novel Bukoku by Japanese author Kazuki Sakuraba, published in 2011. The novel won the Naoki Prize, one of Japan's most prestigious literary awards, and served as the direct source material for the film.
Where can you watch Mukoku online?
Streaming availability for Mukoku varies by region. You can check the most current platforms offering the film, whether through subscription, rental, or purchase, by visiting JustWatch, which aggregates up-to-date streaming options across all major services in your country.
Who directed Mukoku?
Mukoku was directed by Kazuyoshi Kumakiri, a Japanese filmmaker known for his raw and character-driven storytelling. Kumakiri has built a reputation for intense, emotionally grounded dramas, and Mukoku stands as one of his most acclaimed works, praised for its authentic portrayal of kendo culture.
When was Mukoku released?
Mukoku was released in Japan on June 3, 2017. It subsequently opened in South Korea on April 19, 2018, where it received a 15 age rating. The film had its festival circuit run before reaching wider theatrical audiences across East Asia.
What genre is Mukoku?
Mukoku is primarily a drama with strong action and adventure elements, rooted in the world of kendo, the Japanese martial art of sword fighting. It blends sports film conventions with a deeply personal redemption narrative, making it appealing to fans of character-driven stories and martial arts cinema alike.
How long is the film Mukoku?
Mukoku has a runtime of 125 minutes, or approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes. The film uses its running time to develop a layered mentor-student dynamic, building emotional tension gradually before delivering its climactic kendo confrontations.
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