This review may contain spoilers
Cinderella Game ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 - "Frustrating Potential")
SPOILERS AHEADAs 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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It's Worth A Watch
Let me start by saying, I am a huge fan of Minah. I'd say she's probably my top 5 favorite actress / entertainer. I've seen every drama she was cast in and the last few dramas I felt the casting was mismatched, for lack of a better term.The story itself is pretty good which is what initially caught my attention, then the cast. However, the male lead acting falls flat at times, and I thought he was purposely acting that way due to his character but I'm not so sure. No matter the emotion, the ML just seems like he's going through the motions without really feeling anything. I've been watching this drama slowly because for a lot of the episodes it's hard to watch.
There have been a few times where I felt like the chemistry between the leads are okay but overall I don't really sense it. If the drama didn't include a possible romance, I would get the ghost/human angle...but I don't know, it feels like something is missing.
As the drama moves forward, the story gets better with mystery, even if you find it predictable...it's still a good mystery. I'm a little shocked the story isn't rating higher but with how I'm finding the acting and overall chemistry, that could be the reason why.
Additionally, I do like the side stories/cases happening in the drama and episode 6 made me want to continue watching the show because oh my goodness, it pulled at the heartstrings.
Overall, if you like this genre, give it a watch and see how you like it. And if you're a fan of the case, definitely watch and support.
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