This review may contain spoilers
Cinderella Game ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 - "Frustrating Potential")
SPOILERS AHEAD
As someone who typically enjoys family dramas, I wanted to like Cinderella Game—the premise showed promise, and the early episodes had an engaging pull. However, the inconsistent writing and characterization ultimately made it a disappointing watch. The biggest issue is the uneven storytelling. What begins as a revenge plot quickly loses momentum, with protagonists who remain passive while the villains dominate the narrative. Seriously, there's a point after episode 85 (maybe sooner) where I legit believe the writer just gave up on writing anything comprehensible. >> Hello, embezzlement scheme where there's evidence staked against me and I have been CAUGHT, later I'll just blame my Aunt and all is right in the world! 😖
Se-Young's arc is particularly jarring—despite actively plotting with her mom to keep her aunt in a coma, attempting to kidnap her cousin, and lying about the Chairwoman's missing daughter, she's bizarrely granted a redemption arc that feels unearned. The female lead's journey is equally frustrating. After enduring episode after episode of mistreatment, her brief "empowered" phase (complete with that striking red suit and bob haircut) leads nowhere meaningful. Her decision to forgive the man who deceived her about her birth mother—while continuing to resist the Chairwoman—strains logic. A more compelling story might have had her strategically accept the Chairwoman's offer, adding layers to the conflict.
Positive Note: The cinematography deserves praise—Se-Young's wedding dress breakdown was visually stunning, even if the character's writing didn't support the emotional weight of the scene.
Side characters are underutilized, particularly the siblings, who devolve into comic relief. The eldest brother's continued obsession with Se-Young, despite her crimes, defies credibility. Meanwhile, Jin-Koo lacks any real agency, serving more as a plot device than a person.The writing's inconsistency is the biggest flaw.
Key plot points are introduced and then forgotten, making it feel like the story resets itself every few episodes.
Final Thoughts: There are elements of a good drama here—the makjang-level conflicts, the strong visuals—but the execution falters too often. If you don't mind rooting for underdogs who rarely win and villains who face little consequence, you might find some entertainment here. For me, it was a letdown.
★★☆☆☆ - Had potential but couldn't stick the landing
☆☆☆☆☆ - I will never watch this drama again (re: Rewatch value)
As someone who typically enjoys family dramas, I wanted to like Cinderella Game—the premise showed promise, and the early episodes had an engaging pull. However, the inconsistent writing and characterization ultimately made it a disappointing watch. The biggest issue is the uneven storytelling. What begins as a revenge plot quickly loses momentum, with protagonists who remain passive while the villains dominate the narrative. Seriously, there's a point after episode 85 (maybe sooner) where I legit believe the writer just gave up on writing anything comprehensible. >> Hello, embezzlement scheme where there's evidence staked against me and I have been CAUGHT, later I'll just blame my Aunt and all is right in the world! 😖
Se-Young's arc is particularly jarring—despite actively plotting with her mom to keep her aunt in a coma, attempting to kidnap her cousin, and lying about the Chairwoman's missing daughter, she's bizarrely granted a redemption arc that feels unearned. The female lead's journey is equally frustrating. After enduring episode after episode of mistreatment, her brief "empowered" phase (complete with that striking red suit and bob haircut) leads nowhere meaningful. Her decision to forgive the man who deceived her about her birth mother—while continuing to resist the Chairwoman—strains logic. A more compelling story might have had her strategically accept the Chairwoman's offer, adding layers to the conflict.
Positive Note: The cinematography deserves praise—Se-Young's wedding dress breakdown was visually stunning, even if the character's writing didn't support the emotional weight of the scene.
Side characters are underutilized, particularly the siblings, who devolve into comic relief. The eldest brother's continued obsession with Se-Young, despite her crimes, defies credibility. Meanwhile, Jin-Koo lacks any real agency, serving more as a plot device than a person.The writing's inconsistency is the biggest flaw.
Key plot points are introduced and then forgotten, making it feel like the story resets itself every few episodes.
Final Thoughts: There are elements of a good drama here—the makjang-level conflicts, the strong visuals—but the execution falters too often. If you don't mind rooting for underdogs who rarely win and villains who face little consequence, you might find some entertainment here. For me, it was a letdown.
★★☆☆☆ - Had potential but couldn't stick the landing
☆☆☆☆☆ - I will never watch this drama again (re: Rewatch value)
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