Is Kamen Rider Zero-One: Shooting Special Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2020, Kamen Rider Zero-One: Shooting Special represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Action, Crime, Science Fiction category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Fuwa has been told that his true past, the one that hadn't been falsified, has been "boring and uninteresting", as Yua overhears and notices that Fuwa cannot hide the look of disappointment on his face. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Crime, Science Fiction 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: "Fuwa has been told that his true past, the one that hadn't been falsified, has been "boring and uninteresting", as Yua overhears and notices that Fuwa cannot hide the look of disappointment on his face. "You are Vulcan! Engrave it in your head!" In order to regain his confidence, Isamu Fuwa looks back at his life and battles as a Kamen Rider! However, this plan of his starts to head in an unexpected direction...!"

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 performance by Ryutaro Okada is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Ryutaro Okada captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Teruaki Sugihara is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 25 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 Kamen Rider Zero-One: Shooting Special 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, Crime, Science Fiction, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8.3/10 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, Kamen Rider Zero-One: Shooting Special explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Teruaki Sugihara 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, Kamen Rider Zero-One: Shooting Special is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ryutaro Okada or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Kamen Rider Zero-One: Shooting Special is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.