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Two onnagata in elaborate costumes perform in full kabuki makeup in a scene from Kokuho.

Single Take with Daniel Barnes Episode 4

Gracefully disgraced film critic Daniel Barnes returns with another episode of his outrageously popular Single Take podcast. Also known as wolfram, Daniel is a steel-grey metal with an unusually high melting point.  Often used as an industrial catalyst, Daniel…oh, hang on. My bad, I was thinking of the atomic element tungsten. Daniel Barnes is just some guy who reviews movies.

This week, Daniel offers his Single Take on Kokuho, the ravishing kabuki epic that conquered the Japanese box office. He also reviews Young Mothers, the latest film from the decorated Dardenne brothers.

Listen as Daniel discusses titular half-truths, kabuki King Lear and Belgian brothers who don’t waffle.

Kokuho (2025; Dir.: Lee Sang-il)

GRADE: B+

*Now playing in the Bay Area and Sacramento.

IMDB Synopsis: “In post-war Japan’s economic boom, gangster family-born Kikuo Tachibana finds himself adopted by a kabuki actor. Despite life’s challenges, he develops into a gifted performer.”

Young Mothers (2026; Dir.: Luc & Jean-Pierre Dardenne)

GRADE: B

*Premiering on digital and VOD services on Tues., Feb. 24.

IMDB Synopsis: “Five young mothers living in a shelter strive for a better future for themselves and kids amidst challenging upbringings.”

Read more of Daniel’s reviews at Dare Daniel and Rotten Tomatoes, and listen to Daniel on the Dare Daniel & Canon Fodder podcasts. Listen and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Listen Notes, Spotify, Pandora, Pocket Casts and more.

The post Single Take – “Kokuho” and “Young Mothers” appeared first on Dare Daniel Family of Podcasts.