"In spite of its individual pleasures, the film has very little in its head." - Ed Gonzalez

Both "Kamikaze Girls" and "Memories of Matsuko" required and deserved two viewings. (Previously in Tier 2).

As usual with Nakashima, the art direction and cinematography is incredible.

Top badass moment? Easy this time. Momoko riding to her friend Ichigo’s aid in the ‘big scene’ near the giant Buddha. Sticking up for your mates is badass, even if they’re doing something a wee bit stupid. 1 cat and 0 decapitations. There’s a cute kitten with a speaking part, although I’m inclined to think it just blundered onto the set by accident. Still, it totally stole the scene for me.

A lonely teenager in rural Japan who is heavily into the Rococo style (ie wearing 18th century Lolita dresses and bonnets) forges an unlikely friendship with a crass biker chick in this bizarre, girly comedy. Lots of wacky interludes, constant fourth-wall breaking and goofy cameos highlight this tale of loyalty that has a surprisingly kick-ass finale. Plus the lovely Kyoko Fukada in frilly babydoll outfits the whole time.

enjoyable "Nana"-ish comedy, and kyoko's cuteness got me captivated from start to finish!

This is about 70% embroidery so I probably shouldn't like it, and if it was made in the west I no doubt wouldn't. But this is a quirky, crazy comedy film about an odd couple friendship. And needlework. But that's fine.

A great story of the friendship of two different girls. We need more strong girl protagonists like this duo.

Momoko is an extremely girly-girl (kawaii as they say in Japanese), Rococo-obsessed, emotionally closed high school student. Against her wishes, she ends up befriending Ichiko, a biker chick... and also discovering her talents. The movie seems obviously designed for young girls, but the bold, flashy style and some genuinely touching scenes make it worthwhile. I also like the soundtrack, a mix of Momoko's Strauss themes and catchy pop tunes.

Overral good story, although somewhat lackluster with bits of comedy thrown throughout. Worth a rental.

Not a movie for everyone, and I could see how some people would not be a fan, but it spoke to me like no movie has for quite some time. From the directorial choices and art direction, the acting, to the post-modernist storytelling, an amazing achievement.

I saw it in Japanese without subtitles, and I thought it was a cute movie, though the dialogue was a bit hard to follow.