Live News

The Guardian - World News

2026-05-04 08:00:22 (2 days ago)

Kokuho review – passionately male Cain-and-Abel kabuki epic of gender-crossing actors

Lee Sang-il’s heartfelt drama spans 50 years following the bond and rivalry between two brothers who play the rigorously observed female roles in the traditional art form

Lee Sang-il’s heartfelt and muscular epic (whose title means “national treasure”) was a box-office smash on its Japanese home turf, winning a host of festival awards and an Oscar nomination. It’s a mighty Cain-and-Abel drama spanning five decades, set in the rarefied world of kabuki theatre where some of the most exotically prized performers are the onnagata, the men who have mastered the rigorously observed discipline of playing women in classical kabuki roles, a convention which arose from Japan’s 17th-century banning of women on stage, rather as they once were in England 100 years before. It is a semi-intentional irony of this intensely and even passionately male film that actual women are of subordinate importance.

The story begins in an outrageously melodramatic way, with a situation which might even itself have once been amenable to kabuki dramatisation. In 1960s Nagasaki, a yakuza gangster is holding a social event to underline his prestige; he has provided kabuki entertainment for his guests, and such is his reverence for this Japanese high-cultural form that he has permitted his teenage son Kikuo to perform as an onnagata. Kikuo’s performance stuns a renowned kabuki actor called Hanjiro, played by Ken Watanabe. But the event is chaotically attacked by a rival gang, the yakuza is killed, and Hanjiro offers to adopt Kikuo and train him up as a onnagata in his kabuki company, alongside his own son Shunsuke.

The Guardian - World News

2026-05-04 08:00:22 (2 days ago)

Georgina Hayden’s quick and easy recipe for spanakopita orzo | Quick and easy

Oozy and creamy like a good risotto, this is the perfect midweek taste of Greece

For me, it isn’t really spring until the first May bank holiday; the days are longer, the flowers are out, and an abundance of green graces our shelves. This spanakopita orzo is a celebration of all things light, bright and spring. It’s a great weeknight dinner that will instantly transport you to Greece.

Le Monde - World News

2026-05-04 08:00:12 (2 days ago)

Sentenced in absentia, Emilie K., an IS 'returnee,' is retried in Paris

According to the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office, Emilie K. is the first French woman repatriated after a stay in Syria to be retried, starting Monday, May 4, after having previously been sentenced in her absence.

Fox News - Top Stories

2026-05-04 08:00:03 (2 days ago)

Gen Z turns on classic snacks, forcing major grocery shake-up: 'They don't trust them'

Younger consumers are driving snack trends toward simpler ingredients, transparency and smaller pack sizes amid inflation concerns and a hunger for "functional" snacks.

CBC News - Top Stories

2026-05-04 07:57:34 (2 days ago)

Canada commits $270M to Ukraine as Carney addresses European summit in Armenia

Prime Minister Mark Carney says his government will contribute $270 million to help Ukraine secure critical military capabilities in its defence against Russia's full-scale invasion.

Fox News - Video

2026-05-04 07:56:39 (2 days ago)

Klobuchar vows 'top-to-bottom audit' amid Minnesota fraud scandal

Sen. Amy Klobuchar outlined her plan Sunday to overhaul Minnesota government and crack down on fraud, while facing criticism from Republicans tying her to Gov. Tim Walz’s record. (Credit: KMSP)

Fox News - Sports

2026-05-04 07:55:29 (2 days ago)

Heel Turn: New Day leave WWE, Death Riders' influence on Will Ospreay grows, hottest storyline and more

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods depart WWE after a legendary tag team run, becoming two of the hottest free agents in professional wrestling today.

Fox News - Top Stories

2026-05-04 07:54:27 (2 days ago)

'Inside the NBA' pokes fun at Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini controversy in graphic

Charles Barkley and the "Inside the NBA" crew reacted to a graphic poking fun at New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and reporter Dianna Russini's controversy.

RT News - Top Stories

2026-05-04 07:54:25 (2 days ago)

Rare virus outbreak kills travelers on Atlantic cruise ship

At least three travelers aboard an Atlantic Ocean cruise ship have been killed in a suspected hantavirus outbreak
Read Full Article at RT.com

New York Times - World News

2026-05-04 07:51:26 (2 days ago)

What an Inquiry into Hong Kong’s Deadly Apartment Fire Has Revealed

Evidence shared at hearings show how disabled alarms, flammable materials and ignored warnings contributed to the deaths of 168 people in the complex.

ABC News - International News

2026-05-04 07:51:00 (2 days ago)

U.S. military rejects claims that Iran struck a U.S. Navy vessel

U.S. military rejects claims that Iran struck a U.S. Navy vessel

RT News - Top Stories

2026-05-04 07:50:17 (2 days ago)

Slovakia refuses to join EU loans for Kiev – Fico

Slovakia won’t participate in any EU loans for Ukraine, including the €90 billion package approved last month, PM Robert Fico has insisted
Read Full Article at RT.com