Biri Gyaru (117 min) (2015)
ビリギャル～学年ビリのギャルが1年で偏差値を40上げて慶應大学に現役合格した話 Flying Colors: How a Teen Girl Went from Academic Absurdity to an Elite University in One Amazing Year
Shown in Japanese, with English sub-titles
Cast: Kasumi Arimura, Atsushi Ito, Shuhei Nomura, Morio Agata, Ken Yasuda, Yoh Yoshida, Tetsushi Tanaka
Director: Nobuhiro Doi
Nominated for four Japanese Academy Awards, including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress, Biri Gyaru / Flying Colors is based on the true story of Sayaka, a high school sophomore whose academic level is equivalent to that of a fourth-year elementary student. She doesn't know north from south, or even that the earth is round. Then a meeting with the teacher at a “cram school” leads to her taking on the seemingly impossible goal of gaining entrance to the prestigious Keio University.
Encouraged by the teacher and his unique approach to education, Sayaka begins to concentrate single-mindedly on her studies, which changes not only her, but also the attitudes of the people around her, including her family.
Biri Gyaru is a heart-warming film with a universal theme that will make you laugh and cry. Most of all it will have you cheering for Sayaka, the underdog, as she works to achieve the goal she has set for herself.
Articles and Reviews
“Director Nobuhiro Doi is extremely diligent as he focuses from start to finish on one ultimate goal – the effort of a “dead beat”, bottom “20% student” and “written off” high schooler to achieve the impossible and gain admission to a top private university. Kasumi Arimura is wonderful in her (role), and the change in her personality and character is both gradual and believable. Her interactions with her mother, father, and brother show us that nothing is perfect – and that like life, getting into university is not just a (goal in itself), but can inspire other aspects of your life. Flying Colors is a great film that shows what can be achieved in life, if you truly believe in yourself.” Neo (Hong Kong) http://thehkneo.com/blog/?p=5054
“This movie was unexpectedly great! Inspirational films are always great to watch. Coach Carter, Remember the Titans, Hoosiers, and other movies really make you think about life…The struggle, the goals, the dreams, and everything is what makes us human beings. It’s up to all of us to reach the point where we can feel good enough about ourselves and achieve something greater than anyone else can think of. Flying Colors will definitely be one of my favorite Japanese movies.” Taizen Movies Reviews https://vitataizen.wordpress.com/2015/12/25/taizen-movie-review-flying-colors-%E3%83%93%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AE%E3%83%A3%E3%83%AB/
