Director Lee Sang-il’s Kabuki drama “Kokuho,” screening at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, represents the culmination of a 15-year creative journey, bringing to life a sweeping tale of artistry, rivalry and tradition spanning five decades of Japanese theater.

Set initially in 1964 Nagasaki, the film follows 14-year-old Kikuo who, after his yakuza father’s death, finds himself taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor. Alongside the actor’s son Shunsuke, Kikuo dedicates himself to the centuries-old theatrical tradition, with their relationship evolving through decades of performances — from acting school to prestigious stages — against a backdrop of “scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals.”

“After the release of my film ‘Villain,’ I started the idea of a film about Kabuki. However, it took 15 years to come out as a film,” Lee tells Variety. The director, known for his 2013 remake of Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven” that screened at Venice, credits author Shuichi Yoshida...