The film ”National Treasure” will be released in Korea on the 19th. A beautiful and artistic madness... A thrilling masterpiece by director Lee Sang Yi.

"You won't be able to take your eyes off it for even a second." 175 minutes of thrills that will pierce the screen and overwhelm the audience. This winter's masterpiece will heat up theaters in Korea, crossing borders.
The movie is "National Treasure." "National Treasure" tells the once-in-a-lifetime story of two men who had to surpass each other to reach the rank of Living National Treasure.
"National Treasure," directed by Lee Sang-il, attracted attention by miraculously surpassing 10 million cumulative viewers in Japan just 102 days after its release.
It earned 16.4 billion yen at the box office, becoming the box office hit of the century that shook the Japanese archipelago. This was only the second time in history that a Japanese live-action film has reached over 10 million viewers.
Following the anime "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Infinity Star Arc," it is the second Japanese film to break the box office record this year.
The film was shortlisted for the Cannes Film Festival and invited to this year's Busan International Film Festival, receiving rave reviews both in Korea and around the world.
Director Lee Sang Yi is a Korean resident in Japan, and has worked on "Hula Girls," "Villain," and "Unforgiven."
He has been active mainly in the Japanese film industry, having appeared in films such as "Rage." "National Treasure" is a film based on the traditional Japanese theater, "Kabuki."
The two men were irreplaceable friends, but also lifelong rivals in the world of Kabuki.
The film portrays Kikuo (played by Yoshizawa Ryo) and Shunsuke (played by Yokohama Ryusei) and their obsession and madness towards art through detailed emotional lines and beautiful visuals.
"National Treasure" illuminates the lives of "onnagata," actors who play female roles in Kabuki.
After finishing his previous film, "Villain," director Lee Sang Yi actually
He met an actor who worked as a "kata" actor, and planned to make a film based on him, and this story was born.
Shunsuke was the successor to Japan's greatest Kabuki master, but he did not have the same outstanding talent as Kikuo. The film depicts the fierce competition between the two men, each trying to overcome their own limitations and become art itself.
The story depicts the process of the two characters going through conflict, fateful misunderstandings and reunions, and finally completing the greatest stage performance with long-winded and delicate direction.
There are many works that have become bibles by illuminating the artistic spirit. The plot of "National Treasure" is also similar to that of other talented artists such as the movie "Amadeus," the TV series "Jeongyeon: A Star is Born," and the manga "Glass Mask."
At first glance, it is reminiscent of various works that unravel the fateful competition between geniuses and hardworking elites. The protagonist Kikuo, who reached the highest level through his outstanding talent regardless of his birth, is likened to "Billy"
"National Treasure" delves even deeper, touching on the issues of "bloodlineism" and "hereditary succession" through Japan's unique historical and cultural background.
Kabuki is an art form with particularly high barriers to entry. No matter how talented you are, you cannot become a top actor unless you are the heir to a Kabuki family that has been in the family for generations.
The tragedy and conflict between Kikuo and Shunsuke also begins with "Bloodline." The flow of emotions, such as the pain and suffering of the two characters who are jealous of each other for the limitations they cannot achieve no matter how hard they try, is conveyed through music and silence.
The delicate movements of the actors in close-up, and the splendid stage are vividly conveyed with the backdrop of a darkened stage.
The gazes of those around him come into contact with the life trajectory and identity of the film's director, Lee Sang Yi, as a Korean resident in Japan, evoking a strange emotion.
Kikuo said, "I want to pour your (Shunsuke's) blood into a cup and drink it all up," and to his son Shunsuke, he said, "You, my son, were born with the blood of Kabuki in your veins.
The film is further touched by famous lines that vividly express the emotions of the characters, such as when Kikuo breaks down when Hanjiro (played by Watanabe Ken) encourages him by saying, "I've been given a gift."
Become the best actor even if it means erasing your gender, face, precious family, and bloodline.
The performances by Kikuo, Ryo Yoshizawa, who portrays Shunsuke, and Ryusei Yokohama, who gives passionate performances, are all artistic. Even if you don't know much about Kabuki, you can fully immerse yourself in the performance.
The gorgeous costumes and beautiful visuals will make your heart pound, and the blood, sweat, and tears of the main characters who continue to shine until the end even though their bodies are broken will bring tears to your eyes.
"National Treasure" will be released in Korea on the 19th of this month.