REVIEW: ‘Once Upon a Crime’ Shines As A Fairytale Whodunit

Once Upon a Crime takes the classic tale of Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood and injects it with a fresh dose of mystery and campiness, delivering a unique and entertaining twist on these beloved characters. Directed by Yuichi Fukuda, the film stars Kanna Hashimoto as Little Red Riding Hood, Yuko Araki as Cinderella, and Takanori Iwata as The Prince, immersing them in a murder mystery that combines humor, quirkiness, and elements reminiscent of anime.

The film kicks off with Little Red Riding Hood embarking on a journey of self-discovery, which leads her to cross paths with Cinderella. Little Red’s keen deductive skills, akin to Detective Conan, allow her to discern Cinderella’s mistreatment at home without needing Cinderella’s words. This intriguing twist reimagines Little Red Riding Hood, emphasizing her perceptiveness—a nod to her original tale, where she lacks discernment when she fails to recognize the wolf impersonating her grandmother.

Eager to help, Little Red Riding Hood offers to accompany Cinderella to the King’s Ball, but not before undergoing a magical makeover courtesy of a pair of witches, a true fairytale touch. En route to the ball, the girls encounter a hurdle in the form of a dead body, Mr. Hans, the royal hair stylist. Seeing as there would be no possible connection based on Little Red’s deduction skills, they decide to conceal the body and proceed to the party.

Cinderella experiences a stroke of luck at the ball when the Prince selects her as his dance partner. However, the festivities dramatically turn when Royal guards stumble upon Mr. Hans’s lifeless body, transforming the grand event into a bona fide murder mystery. Little Red Riding Hood assumes the role of the primary detective as the King’s men prove incompetent, making the narrative as much about her as it is about Cinderella.

Throughout the film, it often feels more like watching a live-action anime than a conventional take on Cinderella, and this approach plays to the film’s strengths. The quirky and random moments characteristic of anime translate well to the film, establishing its intent to be campy rather than overly serious in tone. Despite this campiness, the performances are commendable, with every actor, including the transformed human mouse, Paul, embracing their roles and adding depth to the side characters. This balance between humor and seriousness makes the film more than just a dark murder mystery set in a fairy tale world.

One of the standout aspects of Once Upon a Crime is undoubtedly the costume design. While some set designs and locations might give the impression of a stage production, the meticulous attention to detail in the costumes shines through. Cinderella’s and Little Red Riding Hood’s dresses for the King’s Ball are visually striking and perfectly capture the essence of their characters. Subtle butterfly motifs symbolize their transformations and hint at the change Cinderella will undergo.

Despite its merits, the film’s lengthy runtime can be a drawback. Given that it remains a Cinderella story at its core, the 105-minute duration may feel excessive. Personally, I found it engaging enough to watch in one sitting, but breaking it into shorter viewing sessions may make it more digestible for some viewers. The film’s reliance on expositional storytelling during pivotal revelations occasionally causes certain scenes to linger longer than necessary. This raises the question of whether Once Upon a Crime might have benefited from being a short series rather than a single extended movie.

Nevertheless, Once Upon a Crime incorporates enough twists and turns to entertain viewers. Its campy self-awareness and infusion of anime elements set it apart from other live-action adaptations of classic fairy tales. Beyond the fun and absurdity, the film delivers a compelling whodunit that casts Little Red Riding Hood as a detective. It turns even the smallest details of this whimsical adventure into crucial clues, encouraging viewers to stay engaged in this reimagined fairy tale.

Once Upon a Crime successfully reinvigorates the timeless story of Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood by blending humor, campiness, and a murder mystery. With well-executed performances and intricate costume designs, the film captures the essence of these iconic characters while harkening back to the roots of Japanese storytelling. While its runtime may test some viewers’ patience, the film’s ability to maintain intrigue with its unexpected twists and anime-inspired charm makes it a delightful addition to the world of fairy tale adaptations. If Detective Little Red Riding Hood sets out to solve more mysteries, Once Upon a Crime has captured themselves a return viewer.

Once Upon a Crime is available now on Netflix.