Cinderella Game

Synopsis

Cinderella Game (2016), featuring Kasumi Yamaya, is a Japanese thriller that delves into the dark and competitive world of reality TV dating shows. The film portrays a twisted game where contestants, under intense public scrutiny, compete for love, status, and survival amidst manipulation and hidden agendas. With psychological tension mounting, the story unravels the characters’ true intentions and the facade of glamour typically associated with such shows. The narrative explores themes of ambition, deception, and the human desire for acceptance, combining suspenseful elements with dramatic confrontations to create a chilling portrayal of reality television’s darker side.

Cast

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  Kasumi Yamaya

  Sana Haitani

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  Taro Suruga

  Takimoto

• Miku Yoshida

  Erina Kanehara

• 

  Meiku Harukawa

  Rui Kurebayashi

• Moe Sasaki

  Suzuka Aoi

• 

  Airi Shimizu

  Ayame Shibagaki

Reviews

Cinderella Game has received a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the film holds a relatively low rating of 4.8 out of 10, indicating divided opinions about its overall execution. Many reviewers praise Kasumi Yamaya’s compelling performance and the film’s bold critique of reality TV culture, highlighting its unique premise and psychological undercurrents. However, critics from sources such as AsianMoviePulse have pointed out flaws in pacing and character development, which some felt hindered deeper emotional engagement. The film's cinematography and suspense elements were generally appreciated, but some reviewers expressed that the narrative occasionally succumbs to clichés common within the thriller genre. While not widely covered by major Western platforms like Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic, niche reviewers suggest that Cinderella Game engages viewers interested in social commentary wrapped in a tense, reality-based thriller, but may disappoint those expecting a conventional romance or fast-paced thriller. Overall, it’s considered a polarizing film that sparks conversations about the allure and manipulation inherent in media-driven love contests.