Is Dochinpira 20: The Enchanting Kogyaru Heaven Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1997)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Dochinpira 20: The Enchanting Kogyaru Heaven (1997), audiences are invited back into the world of Action, Crime. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Professional seducer Jin Kaito approaches a girl named Rumi, thinking she’s just another "task". But it turns out she’s part of a kogyaru-style honeypot scam and the thug Toda, her boss, nearly manages to shake Jin down for money. Jin punches Toda and makes a quick escape, but Rumi inexplicably is clinging to him wherever he goes. Soon, Toda learns that Rumi is actually a runaway daughter from a wealthy family. Sensing opportunity, he plans to kidnap her and extort her older brother. When Jin refuses to cooperate, Toda takes matters into his own hands and places a threatening call... Things spiral in a completely unexpected direction when Toda discovers that her brother is a terrifying and powerful man."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Masaki Nishimori attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Action. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Dochinpira 20: The Enchanting Kogyaru Heaven worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Crime films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Dochinpira 20: The Enchanting Kogyaru Heaven misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 73 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.