TOKYO (AP) — A three-hour film about the esoteric world of Kabuki is defying the odds at the Japanese box office, with tickets selling out at some cinemas.

“Kokuho,” which means “national treasure,” has already grossed more than 10 billion yen ($68 million), making it the second-highest grossing Japanese live-action film of all time, and the first to achieve that in more than two decades.

It stars heartthrobs Ryo Yoshizawa and Ryusei Yokohama who portray longtime rivals and soulmates. They are both Kabuki “onnagata” actors, meaning they specialize in women roles, from gorgeous princesses to damsels in distress.

They look stunning, and convincing, having gone through months of training with a real Kabuki actor.

Japan has submitted the film for the international feature category at the A

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