Cinderella Game (2024)

Predictable Yet Surprisingly Enjoyable (My 1st Daily Drama)

This was my first experience with a daily drama, and I’m happy to say it wasn’t overly frustrating despite its ~100-episode length. Daily dramas often come with their share of exaggerated conflicts, catfights, oblivious characters, and manipulations—all part of the genre’s charm (or curse). While these elements occasionally tested my patience, the show remained incredibly addictive.

PROS:
(1) Story and Pace: The plot revolves around secrets of childhood, tragedy from lies, revenge, chaebols & scheming antagonists under a classic Cinderella trope. Its pacing struck the perfect balance for a daily drama.
(2) The cast delivered commendable performances, suited to the genre’s scale. Special mentions—
➔ Goo HaNa (FL): Returning to the screen after a long break (I loved her in Marriage, Not Dating), she brought charm and sincerity to her role.
➔ Goo Ji Seok (FL’s Brother): Portrayed with depth and conviction. His transition from a vulnerable individual to someone driven by revenge felt authentic.
➔ Eun Chong (Child Actor): He was the show’s soul—a captivating presence who outshined many adult actors. Truly impressive!
(3) Direction, Cinematography, Music: All elements were well-executed. The theme song “Nobody Knows” is unforgettable and will always remind me of this drama, given the number of times I have heard it.

CONS:
(1) Some Villains were left off easily: The ending for certain antagonists felt underwhelming. Some characters deserved harsher consequences; however, their story aligned logically with the narrative.
(2) Younger Goo Siblings: They were literally extra in the plotline, possibly just there to create unnecessary conflicts and promote products within the drama. At times they were right & funny, but they were not used well to the main story.

OVERALL:
If you’re willing to embrace the quirks of daily dramas, this one is worth exploring. As my first foray into the genre, I can’t compare it to others, but it’s a solid choice with all the predictable yet addictive tropes that define such K-dramas. Set the right expectations, and you’ll find it to be an entertaining watch.

© omo-omo-omo | Review #65

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