Customer Reviews

Different For Girls

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

What a brave and unusual romantic comedy. Thank God the BBC is still open-minded enough for such projects, which are not only important, but ultimately wonderfully entertaining.

At the core of the boy-meets-girl, who used to be one of his mates at school, now transsexual, love story is Steven Mackintosh, who portrays Karl-now-Kim with such dignity and style that this film never feels sticky or cumbersome, as one might fear going into it.

Rupert Graves plays the bad-boy "Prentice" with such charm that one thoroughly understands why Kim allows her new-found, quiet life to be turned upside down. He shows Kim that finding the right gender doesn't necessarily make you a whole person...That comes from conviction and caring. It requires passion - something he's full of and is able to rekindle in his old schoolmate. And who knows...maybe she'll get him to change his socks daily!

Thoroughly charming!

I saw this film on television in the UK in early 1999. I was quickly addicted and enjoyed every minute of this rather unconventional comedic romance. The acting is first rate, with a story line guaranteed to grip even the most synical viewer.

The story follows two school boys, best friends who grow up and loose touch with each other. When an accidental meeting between the two of them occurs some years later, that they realise how much things have changed. One of the boys is now a girl ! The events which follow take the viewer for an emotional ride through an intelligent and unpredictable story, which is unlike any film I have ever seen.

I liked this film because of it's plot, acting and motorbikes (yes, I am a motorbike freak).

An excellent export from Britain.

this is actually an interesting, touching and reflective film. Two friends meet up accidently 16 years after their last meeting when both attended an all boys school. Only now one of them is a girl.Slowly even hesitantly the two get reaquainted. Prentice (the gorgeous Rupert Graves!) has aged but has not grown up---he still acts like a teenager. He has no aspirations except it appears to just get by. Kim, previously known as Karl at school, is a quiet determined professional. On the surface there is nothing that would suggests that two would be friends, let alone lovers. But each sees in the other something that is not physical---each has a goodness which transcends physicality. Kim while feminine in her actions, gestures and thoughts she is still very masculine in physique. This is why almost everyone else thinks she is a transvestite. The movie doesn't work on all levels. The conclusion is formula but the characters, Prentice and Kim, are poignant. The theme of being different and the longing to fit in are explored very subtley.Worth seeing. 3.5 stars

Finally, a film with an honest, positive portrayal of transgendered and transsexual people! This movie should help destroy some stereotypes. Too bad it is a small film with limited distribution. Recommend this to everyone...a must see for all members of the human race.

I throughly enjoyed this movie from beginning to end! When I first saw it, I cried because I am a Transsexual (a label given by the Psychiatric profession to people "Born" with this medical condition). I watch this movie at least once a week because I "Totally" relate to what Kim went through during her Transition as well as her life afterward especially in dealing with her family, friends, co-workers, law enforcement, etc. The actor who portrayed Kim did an "AWESOME" performance in his portrayal of a woman -- in her walk, talk, mannerisms, reactions to every situation that she found herself in, and her quiet moments by herself.

The actor who played her friend "Printice" did a wonderful job in portraying her close friend from earlier in life even if he still exhibited immaturity in different situations. His reactions to Kim, what she looked like as a woman, her attitude towards him, his reactions to her, and the situations he found himself in were wonderful because they depicted the reactions that most people would find themselves in if they experienced the same things that Printess did. I HIGHLY recommend this film to everyone!

There is a scarcity of films dealing with transgender issues. Of those that do, most focus on the what the movie suggests is the inevitable tragic aftermath of all concerned. DIFFERENT FOR GIRLS suggests instead a more normal, less tragic plot. When generations of viewers see movies that punish those who cross the gender line, then those movies subtly and insidiously build up a layer of prejudice that counterbalancing movies that allow a new philosophy of films like DFG to act as a breath of fresh air.
This movie has a twin protagonist. The male is Paul Prentice, well played by Rupert Graves, who comes across as a man with problems but also as one who deep down is really a decent sort. Years earlier, while in high school, he befriended Karl, a male friend from some nasty towel-snapping bullies in a scene that may bring to mind similar such scenes that all non-jocks must have endured at one time without a white knight rushing to the rescue. And make no mistake, Prentice is the knight who stands down the bullies, much to the silent gratitude of a young man who has troubles enough with his own issues of latent feminist feelings. Fast forward ten years. Karl is now Kim, a male-to-female transsexual. They meet with the now Kim recognizing Paul, but not the reverse. When Paul finally learns the truth, the movie delves into some serious areas of the heart which dictate who might like whom and why. Despite some initial antagonism on Paul's part, he feels an attraction to Kim. The nature of this attraction might be purely physical. Kim, played in a surprisingly demure fashion by Steven Mackintosh, really seems to be an attractive woman. When both finally strip, the illusion on the audience's part that a male actor is playing a MTF trangender is not shattered. Instead, their union is sweet and unaffecting. They learn to care for each other regardless of the anatomical differences. It is likely that if there is a subtle message to DFG, it is that the magic of attraction between one person and another need not hinge only on the obviously physical, but on the less obvious emotional.

Great movie! I enjoyed this movie very much. The performances were great and the characters were very engaging. This movie will especially hit home if you are transexual or are close to someone who is, as you will really be able to identify with how the characters feel, especially Steven Mackintosh's character. They deal with everything from family reactions/difficulties to discrimation from the police and difficulties on the job. The movie left me with a feeling of hope and optimism for the future of all sexual minorities.

I stumbled onto this movie and was mesmerized not only by the storyline but by the wonderful performances of both Steven Mackintosh and Rupert Graves. I found myself watching this movie over and over. I was especially drawn to the performance by Rupert Graves. You could see and feel what his character was seeing and feeling. I was delighted with this movie and would highly recommend this movie to others.

Love, in Different for Girls, broke all boundaries. It went past the idea of straight or gay and went directly into the idea that two people can fall in love no matter what consequences or hurdles life may have awaiting for them. It went beyond the sexual parameters set forth in most films and instead lied them out on the table for the world to see. The was a very real love story. In fact, I would say it was one of the more true stories that I have seen on the screen for a very long time. You could see the chemistry, you could see the insecurity, you could see the beginnings of a beautiful relationship and it was perfect. You know the unsure feelings that you have when you first begin a relationship, the hesitancy, the butterflies, the stepping stones . well, they were all demonstrated in this film. I cannot speak enough of how real and true this film was. It confirmed my belief that you do not need to have the clichéd, pronounced roles of male and female to have a beautiful love story, all you need are two people and a heart that needs to be found.

The acting was decent. There could have been a bit more passion between the two, but I am not complaining. I completely understood what they wanted, where they wanted to go, and what they needed to do to achieve it. One of the most powerful scenes of this film was when Kim undresses and they make love. For the first time in cinema history, it was love and not sex. They did it to better their relationship, to say to each other that they were comfortable with their decisions. They wanted to say "I love you" in the best way possible. While no words were spoken, you were able to glance into their minds and hearts, and it takes very good acting to allow this to happen. They even demonstrate this even further when Prentice lays for a while after talking about what just happened and he ponders over what to do now he had no job or money and nowhere to live. Together they work on a solution. There is no "me" in this relationship. This is when Prentice decides to finally make his true feelings known in a very bold, yet beautiful fashion. You will have to see the film to experience the true emotion.

Overall, I was very impressed with this film. I loved the boundaries that it broke, again .. the truth that it spoke, and the realistic story that it presented. For those that will look at this review and get quinsy in their stomachs, I ask you think . what is so different between this story and most of the recycled Hollywood garbage that we watch on a weekly basis? My answer is nothing. If I have to watch a man and a woman kiss for twenty minutes on screen, I sure as anything want to see other parts of our culture as well. This was a beautiful film that will be used as a stepping stone for other films of this nature. While I cannot say that it was perfect, it was a start. I cannot wait to see where this film will take us in the future. I suggest this film to anyone that is looking to see a fresh story on a very old tale. Beautiful and amazing!!

Grade: *** out of *****

This is what some would call a "slight" movie. Unlike the more recent "transgender" film "Boys Don't Cry," "Different for Girls" is not meant to be downer. It has its heavier moments, to be sure, but unlike the very American, very somber "Boys," "Girls" is lighter fare, complete with a sly turnabout and a happy enough ending--and veddy British. Like "Boys," however, it is extremely well directed, with top-notch performances by Steven Mackintosh and Rupert Graves. Saskia Reeves is among the several fine performers in supporting roles.

"Different for Girls" might serve as a perfect double bill for a heavier hitting, but similarly themed film, such as the aforementioned "Boys Don't Cry" or "The Crying Game." Run it second if you prefer closing your evening on an up-note.