3/5 stars The second feature-length spin-off from Fuji TV’s hit series arrives in cinemas enshrouded by tragedy, following the deaths of two of the show’s biggest stars, Yuko Takeuchi and Haruma Miura. Theirs were the latest in a string of celebrity suicides that has rocked the Japanese entertainment industry this year. While their contributions to The Confidence Man JP: Episode of the Princess are small – Takeuchi has barely a minute of screen time – their lively, mischievous performances will only add to the confusion and disbelief over their deaths. The film continues the globe-trotting exploits of con artist Dako (Masami Nagasawa) and her team, as they head first to Singapore, and later to the luxurious island of Langkawi, in their attempt to infiltrate one of the world’s richest families. A series of lighthearted heists and swindles ensues, followed by a lesson in ethics more valuable than any of the gang’s ill-gotten gains. Nagasawa is supported by series regulars Masahiro Higashide, Fumiyo Kohinata and Lisa Oda, as her fellow confidence tricksters, as well as arch-nemesis Yosuke Eguchi, and Miura as Dako’s former flame, Jesse. After the death of Singaporean tycoon Raymond Hu (Kinya Kitaoji), his spoiled children Bridget (Vivian Hsu), Christopher (Yuta Furukawa) and Andrew (Alan Shirahama) are horrified to learn that his 10 trillion yen (US$95 billion) estate will go not to them, but to his secret illegitimate daughter, Michelle. When she fails to appear, all manner of impostors and chancers descend upon the family, desperate to stake their claim. Dako spies an opportunity to take their biggest hoard yet, and recruits street urchin Kokkuri (Nagisa Sekimizu) to pose as Michelle, while she plays mother to the mysterious heiress. Seemingly inspired by the success of Crazy Rich Asians , this sequel to 2019’s The Confidence Man JP portrays Singapore as an Asian playground for the world’s wealthy elite, and much of the film’s runtime is dedicated to transforming Sekimizu, Pygmalion-style, into the princess of the title, while director Ryo Tanaka’s lens salivates over the opulent locations. Fans of HBO’s hit series Succession will enjoy the similarities between the family it portrays and the Hus, as sibling rivalries flare between the three money-hungry socialites. Inevitably, life lessons to support the mantra that “money can’t buy you happiness” are doled out liberally, but the all-star cast infuses the mischief with an undeniably infectious charm. Want more articles like this? Follow SCMP Film on Facebook If you, or someone you know, are having suicidal thoughts, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255.