Rating: 
Summary: Different For ... Just About Everything
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: boy meets girl . . .but with a twist
Review: 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
Rating:
Summary: The Brits do it again.
Review: If your sole point of transsexual movie refrences is "The Crying Game", you *have* to check this movie out.
Far from the contreversy of "The Big Secret", this movie paints a more realistic portrait of the actual, day-to-day life typical of a modern woman, (who happens to be transsexual), trying to make it through the relentless grind of society and relationships.
It is sweet in watching the re-kindled relationship between Kim and Prentice, old school mates, and the mind-wrapping required to adjust to the reality that is. A sample quote from the movie that illustrates this: Prentice: (Slightly stand-offish) "I'm not gay, you know.."
Kim:(with a resigned sigh) "Neither am I" Although it doesnt tap into some of the darker aspects endured by Transpersons, it certainly tells a story not entirely like our own..with a twist.
Rating:
Summary: "Different" Girls Score!
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Different For Girls: But How About Boys?
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: good music, good acting, good story!
Review: it's boy meets girl -- though they already know each other from having gone to school together many years ago... an ALL BOYS school. yes, the girl used to be a boy. This is a British film and it has lots of 1980's Brit-alt-rock - the songs ROCK! ("Ever Fallen In Love" by The Buzzcocks for example) The story is fast-paced and doesn't bore. a bit of drama comes when the two friends are tossed into a paddy wagon by some acerbic cops. one of the themes in this movie is just precious: with a simple kind action you can positively alter someone's psyche forever!
Rating:
Summary: Well balanced
Review: Prentice and Kim the main characters apparently are total opposites; but become stronger as they help one another in many levels to overcome flaws, fears, insecurities etc. There are not many transgender films, and specially one with a happy end which can be credible.
Though Prentice seems rough and unpolished, he remains noble and good hearted since his days in High School, while not protecting Kim as much he learns to accept her and tries to discover the ways he can relate to the "person". The relationship is one of friendship where he has no barriers to express what he thinks and feels, he sees Kim as his buddy and later on as his female buddy-lover, without ever loosing respect. Kim, though remaining fragile, distrustful, distant and insecure, lets herself be beautiful, and most important of all to be loved. The table turns, and prentice is the one who needs the protection/help from Kim. They both step out of their day to day routine, to experiment life without prejudice and to see through their own eyes who they are. And perhaps that is the clue to a healthy relationship, to work as a team. Good acting, good movie, good end.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful movie about sexual roles and confusion
Review: Touching movie about the relationship questions that arise when two old school chums meet after one has changed from Karl to Kim. The movie avoids stereotypes, is cheerful and romantic without ever being conventional. One wonders how much happier everyone would be if it weren't for the popular morality applied by the small minded.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Enjoyable! Funny and Touching!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Different for Girls...Who Used to Be Boys
Review: 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.
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