Different for Girls

Touching and engaging from the start, this film offers a unique take on gender identity and delivers fine performances from all. Rupert Graves (The Madness of King George) plays Paul, a toughened motorcycle messenger who falls for Karl, an old school chum played by Steven Mackintosh (Memphis Belle), who looks a little different than he did as a schoolboy. Fifteen years after graduation, when Paul runs into his classmate, something is very different--Karl is now Kim. As a post-operative transsexual, Kim shares with Paul her unique perspective on the world, and Paul teaches Kim to laugh and kick up her heels. Decidedly off-beat and superbly acted, Different for Girls is recommended. (A. Glover)