I fundamentally agree with the other reviewers here (two so far): this is a hilarious and cute movie. Also it would not do anything just for a laugh and there are some more serious moods in the last third. (One of the characters even contemplates suicide.) And the best part is Kobayashi Satomi's flawless imitation of the male gestures, something that has proved to be too hard for lots of fine actresses.
But there is a point where the other reviewers seem to have seen another film: they say that Kazumi was timid, sensitive or insecure at the beginning. On the contrary! In my version she is loud, obnoxious, her behavior almost scandalous. Kazuo even reminds her that "New students are supposed to be shy." But strangely, the transformed Kazuo behaves just like described: feminine, but seems to host another, timid girl's soul, not that of the Kazumi we knew. This is why I would not say that Omi Toshinori's acting is as good as that of the female lead.
During the film I expected the changed children to change their parents, too. (At least the mothers as the fathers are hard-working types, rarely seen at home.) Kazuo's mother who has abandoned herself during the years could have acquired some sophistication while Kazumi's mother could have turned out to be less stiff in the end. (Putting these believable characters to good use.) Well, this never happens and maybe my expectations were too Western. Thinking of it, it is rather rare in Japanese films that somebody of lower rank as a child (employee, private) would change the life of somebody more important (parent, boss or officer).
Another thing that might be a missed opportunity: it is absolutely funny when Kazumi seems to think that Miss Kawahara has just made a Lesbian move on her (1:04), she makes a priceless facial expression. Regretfully this thread is cut short too soon and her concern turns out to be of a pure friendly nature.
But there is a point where the other reviewers seem to have seen another film: they say that Kazumi was timid, sensitive or insecure at the beginning. On the contrary! In my version she is loud, obnoxious, her behavior almost scandalous. Kazuo even reminds her that "New students are supposed to be shy." But strangely, the transformed Kazuo behaves just like described: feminine, but seems to host another, timid girl's soul, not that of the Kazumi we knew. This is why I would not say that Omi Toshinori's acting is as good as that of the female lead.
During the film I expected the changed children to change their parents, too. (At least the mothers as the fathers are hard-working types, rarely seen at home.) Kazuo's mother who has abandoned herself during the years could have acquired some sophistication while Kazumi's mother could have turned out to be less stiff in the end. (Putting these believable characters to good use.) Well, this never happens and maybe my expectations were too Western. Thinking of it, it is rather rare in Japanese films that somebody of lower rank as a child (employee, private) would change the life of somebody more important (parent, boss or officer).
Another thing that might be a missed opportunity: it is absolutely funny when Kazumi seems to think that Miss Kawahara has just made a Lesbian move on her (1:04), she makes a priceless facial expression. Regretfully this thread is cut short too soon and her concern turns out to be of a pure friendly nature.