"Once Upon a Crime" is a delightful comedy-mystery movie that keeps you entertained from start to finish with its quirky charm. This inventive twist on the classic Cinderella story elevates it from a simple fantasy tale to a captivating murder mystery.

The film's narrative revolves around the familiar Cinderella, a young girl mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. However, in this imaginative rendition, she encounters our protagonist, Little Red Riding Hood, who possesses a unique power of deduction. When Cinderella's carriage accidentally strikes the royal hairdresser, she, along with Red Riding Hood, conceals the body and continues on her way to the ball. At the royal event, where she catches the prince's eye, things take a dramatic turn when the dead body is discovered. This is where Red Riding Hood steps in as the detective to unravel the mystery behind the hairdresser's demise.

What truly sets this movie apart is its ingenious blend of a murder mystery with a beloved fairy tale. Amid the enchanting backdrop of Cinderella's story, we find another iconic fantasy character, Little Red Riding Hood, playing a Sherlock Holmes-like role. The seamless integration of the murder mystery into the well-known fairy tale is a commendable feat. It never detracts from the fantasy elements of Cinderella's world. The intricate plot surrounding the hairdresser's murder and the eventual revelation of the culprit are handled with finesse.

Hashimoto Kanna, portraying Little Red Riding Hood, steals the spotlight with her exceptional acting, while Araki Yuko, as Cinderella, breathes life into her character. Iwata Takanori, in the role of the Prince, delivers an outstanding performance, and Sato Jiro's presence never fails to entertain. I was surprised to see Inukai Atsuhiro as one of the guardsmen and was hoping he had more screentime.

In conclusion, "Once Upon a Crime" masterfully blends humor and mystery within the enchanting realms of fantasy and magic. This film offers a unique cinematic experience, where the age-old fairy tale takes an unexpected and thrilling turn. Whether you're a fan of mysteries or simply love imaginative storytelling, this movie is sure to cast a magical spell on you.