Is Cosmetic DNA Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Action, Drama cinema, the 2020 release of Cosmetic DNA stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Ayaka, a beauty college student who loves makeup, is sexually assaulted by a self-proclaimed movie director, Kunijima, who she met at a club one day. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Ayaka, a beauty college student who loves makeup, is sexually assaulted by a self-proclaimed movie director, Kunijima, who she met at a club one day. Ayaka is mentally ill because she has to cry and fall asleep, but she gradually regains her ego by meeting Satomi, a graduate student, and Yumi, an apparel clerk. However, when Ayaka learns that Kunijima's next target is Yumi, she suddenly kills Kunijima, and while processing the corpse, she realizes that human blood is the ideal cosmetic ingredient."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Itsuki Fujii provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Kenya Okubo is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 111 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Cosmetic DNA truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Cosmetic DNA explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Kenya Okubo respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Cosmetic DNA is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Itsuki Fujii or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Cosmetic DNA is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.