Most Japanese movies have a lot in common with anime: They're always over the top and lack the subtlety and realism Western films are well known for. Yet, the actors manage to balance their roles that the don't come off as cheap, annoying or cheesy (e.g. Search for the trailer of "Super Inday and the Golden Bibe", and see if your ears don't bleed from the I'M SO FUCKING GAY narration).
Ironically, I'm not much of chick-flick fan. But when I saw the colorful, quirky intro of Kanna-San, Daiseikou Desu, I got hooked. Based on a manga of the same title, the story revolves around Kanna (Yu Yamada), a "plastic beauty" who had several surgeries done to transform her "ugly self" to a beautiful swan. The movie splits into 2 plots: the first part of the movie deals with Kanna trying to make her prince charming fall in love with her, the latter deals more with trying to keep her successful job in the fashion world. At the heart of all this is a humorously touching story of friendship and self discovery.
Just like most animes, the characters are very likable, whilst the story is ok. Kanna is annoying at first, but she grows on you. Her portrayal makes sense: She was brought up as an "ugly girl", hence she doesn't know how to "act pretty". After her surgery, she observes and imitates naturally pretty girls, resulting in a superficial and naive personality. But while the operations could not remove her insecurities, it also did not change her good heart.
Beautiful contrasts to her are Kabako (Shizuyo Yamasaki) and Reiko Sumidagawa (Aoi Nakabeppu). Kabako, while in the same boat as pre-surgery Kanna in the earlier part of the movie, develops confidence and esteem without operations through the help of her friends. On the other hand, we have Reiko, who is more sophisticated and is 100% naturally beautiful inside and out. This unlikely combination results into much gags and silly adventures as the 3 climb their way up to the fashion industry.
The movie does have pacing and consistency issues. While funny, there are just too many scenes I don't think are necessary. There are excessive effects for a simple movie: There's the "Kanna concentration" view, the 3D animation showing Kanna's past, and the strange monochromatic view. And just like in animes, the characters, particularly Kanna, does a lot of inner monologues rather than just acting out what she feels.
But my biggest problem with the movie is the confusing message towards the end. I'm not sure if it's just a case of bad choice of words in the subtitles, but the movie contradicts the earlier message of self-esteem and a sense of identity. Also, there is a really cheesy scene where Kanna is treated like a hero after a speech that I did not find uplifting. Personally touching for her and her friends, yes, but motivational enough to make people line up and congratulate her, no.
Recommendation
While not perfect and not entirely original, this movie is enjoyable. The first part is solid, and though the movie looses its way towards the end, it maintains its light-hearted humor. If you're having one of those days where you don't feel as pretty as you really are and need some uplifting laughs, go see this movie, preferably with your *snap snap* girl friends.
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