Once Upon a Crime

  • 2023
  • PG
  • 105m
movieMx RATING
6.3/10139
VERDICT
ABOVE AVERAGE
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Performance & Direction: Once Upon a Crime Review

Last updated: January 27, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: January 27, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Once Upon a Crime (2023) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Once Upon a Crime features a noteworthy lineup led by Kanna Hashimoto . Supported by the likes of Yuko Araki and Takanori Iwata , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Once Upon a Crime (2023) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

Result: ABOVE AVERAGE
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Once Upon a Crime stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE.

Story & Plot Summary: Once Upon a Crime

Quick Plot Summary: Once Upon a Crime is a Fantasy, Comedy, Crime film that transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Story Breakdown

The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. While at the royal ball with Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Can she solve the case before midnight strikes? The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.

Ending Explained: Once Upon a Crime

Ending Breakdown: Once Upon a Crime concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to fantasy resolution.

The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Once Upon a Crime reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Once Upon a Crime Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Once Upon a Crime incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a fantasy, comedy, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.

Historical Context

The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.

Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.

Accuracy Assessment: Once Upon a Crime adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.

Who Should Watch Once Upon a Crime?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want solid genre entertainment
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Top Cast: Once Upon a Crime

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Where to Watch Once Upon a Crime Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

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Once Upon a Crime Parents Guide & Age Rating

2023 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Once Upon a Crime age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Once Upon a Crime is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is generally suitable for all ages.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Once Upon a Crime is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.3/10, and global performance metrics, Once Upon a Crime is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2023 cinematic calendar.

ABOVE AVERAGE
Official movieMx status for Once Upon a Crime. Rating: 6.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Once Upon a Crime worth watching?

Once Upon a Crime is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.3/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Once Upon a Crime parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Once Upon a Crime identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Once Upon a Crime?

The total duration of Once Upon a Crime is 105 minutes, which is approximately 1h 45m long.

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🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.3
Once Upon a Crime
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/once-upon-a-crime-1122634" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 6.3</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Once Upon a Crime</div></div></a>

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