This title could probably be translated as "Revenge in Kobiki Town (where the playhouse is)".
Set in the mid-Edo period, the film is a rich assortment of everything you’d expect from a period drama: Kabuki, Edo lifestyles and gourmet, humanity, camaraderie, violence, brotherhood, and mystery.
The storyline beautifully pays off every bit of foreshadowing. It felt designed to offer great value for money. Had I watched it in a cinema, I’m sure I would have been deeply moved and left completely satisfied.
On my 24-inch display at home, however, the production looked strangely flat—lacking depth and energy, almost like a well-made AI video on YouTube, which turned me off a bit. Plus, the actors' perfectly white, straight teeth and the snow that didn't even look slippery made the whole thing feel pretty fake and cheap.
Meanwhile, the cast was gorgeous, featuring Ken Watanabe (as usual, taking control of the drama) and Kazuki Kitamura (the Neko-Samurai!), among others. Tasuku Emoto was solid, but Kazuya Takahashi, who played Hotaru—a former onnagata—really caught my attention. I only knew him as a cute young idol aspiring to be a rock star. Seeing him in such a peculiar role, with blackened teeth and makeup that highlighted his wrinkles and sagging, was a pleasant surprise. That youngster has truly grown into this fine, mature actor!
(Watched on amazon prime video, Sep 5, 2026)
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