Sing, Dance, Act: Kabuki featuring Toma Ikuta

2022

Documentary

List

100%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

71%

Audience Score

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In August 2021, Ikuta will try the new kabuki performance for the first time joining the final season of the independent Kabuki stage series called "Idomu (Challenge)" led by kabuki actor Matsuya Onoe. Toma Ikuta and Matsuya Onoe were classmates back in their high school and have been close friends. In their high school days, the two promised that they would stand on the same stage some day. And for the final stage of Onoe's produced Kabuki stage series, Ikuta will star as a special guest in his first ever time in the new kabuki "Akado Suzunosuke" and play the role of Tatsumaki Rainoshin. This documentary follows Ikuta's challenge to the new kabuki and his friendship with Matsuya Onoe.

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Claire Shaffer

New York Times

Even for viewers with no relationship to Ikuta or his prior roles, “Sing, Dance, Act” provides a fascinating look into Kabuki theater and the particular sets of skills that are required to pull off such idiosyncratic performances.

Jun 16, 2022

Full Review

Radhika Menon

Decider

It’s a fascinating and educational look into the world of Kabuki and makes you appreciate the art form, even if it’s the first time you’re witnessing it.

Jul 6, 2022

Full Review

Sabrina McFarland

Common Sense Media

Director Tadashi Aizawa delivers a delightful documentary about a lasting childhood connection that hangs in there!

Rated: 4/5

Jun 29, 2022

Full Review

Kate Sánchez

But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Sing Dance Act: Kabuki featuring Toma Ikuta is a portrait of Toma Ikuta and his acting ability, but it’s also a look into the beauty and power of Kabuki theater and the actors who perform.

Rated: 8.5/10

Jun 15, 2022

Full Review

Charles Solomon

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

I quite enjoyed it. I wish that some of it were a little better shot... But if you are at all interested in Japanese culture and theatre, it's a very interesting film.

Jun 11, 2022

Full Review

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Alexandre P

This Netflix documentary tries to bring the kabuki art - and many of its intricacies - to a wider public. It does that by following a countdown to the opening night of a new play put together by an experienced kabuki actor - Onoe Matsuia - and his teen-idol school friend - Toma Ikuta. I know nothing of kabuki, and welcomed the chance to follow the production to understand the singular choreography, music, and expressions of the craft. The segments where these elements led the narrative were absolutely great - having an inexperienced (in kabuki) actor was the perfect excuse for the audience to hear about the coded movements and glances involved in each scene. The film lost me completely in its attempted tribute to the teen-idol overcoming his lack of kabuki experience. While I can grasp how difficult it all was, the slo-mo takes, cheesy dialogues, and excessive repetition of Ikuta saying he was nervous just took the premise over the top. Despite its qualities in providing rare behind-the-scenes footage of kabuki (in streaming and in English at least), the film ends up being repetitive, predictable, and overly dedicated to the famous teen. The impression I got is that someone was afraid the kabuki qualities were not enough to pay the costs and just pressed-on for the celebrity angle to drive the narrative. Even if Ikuta fans will disagree, for me this choice made the film lose its charm and become melodramatic and boring. Watch if your curious. You can always skip the boring parts anyhow.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

05/20/23

Full Review

Christine S

Very slow moving at first but the last 40 minutes or so showed the actual dramatization of Kabuki actors on stage and it was thoroughly fascinating I am so glad I had the patience to wait for the best part in this movie. Reserve your judgment until you see the reaction of the Japanese audience and their great knowledge and appreciation of the Kabuki art form.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

jill l

I've watched this doc about 5 times already. It's become my new happy place. Wonderfully shot and edited. The interviews woven with footage of creating a kabuki performance are so well done that I just melt into the experience. But, the real stars of this doc are the friendship, support, dedication, and exacting standards everyone involved seems to have. Visually, kabuki is unrivaled. This absolutely captured that.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

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Tadashi Aizawa

Director

Toma Ikuta

Self

Matsuya Onoe

Self

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Synopsis

In August 2021, Ikuta will try the new kabuki performance for the first time joining the final season of the independent Kabuki stage series called "Idomu (Challenge)" led by kabuki actor Matsuya Onoe. Toma Ikuta and Matsuya Onoe were classmates back in their high school and have been close friends. In their high school days, the two promised that they would stand on the same stage some day. And for the final stage of Onoe's produced Kabuki stage series, Ikuta will star as a special guest in his first ever time in the new kabuki "Akado Suzunosuke" and play the role of Tatsumaki Rainoshin. This documentary follows Ikuta's challenge to the new kabuki and his friendship with Matsuya Onoe.

Director: Tadashi Aizawa
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 16, 2022