Handsome Suits, except that it is centred on men, might be Japan’s answer to Korea’s successful 200 Pounds Beauty, which dealt with women’s vanity. The movie plays on the observation that the possession of good looks open doors and helps one get a leg up in life – while it is satirical about this sad reality of life, in its simplicity it comes across as a well-told story with plenty of pathos. And as it chews on the old adage to be true to oneself, it also presents itself as a constant reminder not to judge a book by its cover.

Takuro Ohki (Muga Tsukaji) might be the ugliest chef around thanks in no little part to his porky frame, but within lies a sensitive man who runs the Ma’s Taste at Ma’s Price diner. Essentially a good person, he has no luck in love because of his lack of presentable looks, and, in his mind, romance always seems far off. Tsukaji brings some likeability to this character, though I will leave it up to the ladies to say whether they would date a guy with such looks and a propensity to stick his finger up his nostril (and he’s a chef!).

The “handsome suit” referred to by the film’s title is a set of clothes that looks like something to fit on a cross between the Michelin Man and the Stay-puff Marshmallow Man. However, once Takuro puts it on, it vacuums itself in and instantaneously transforms him – he becomes as sexy as can be, with women literally swooning at his feet. As Annin Hikariyama (Shosuke Tanihara), he becomes the hottest sensation in the fashion circuit and, faster than you can say ‘Hello, handsome’, the coolest model in the business.

It is easy to identify with Takuro’s double life as both ugly chef and handsome model on the brink of signing a multi-million dollar deal. However, his troubles are not over. His ex-waitress, Hiroko Hoshino (Keiko Kitagawa), who had previously spurned his advances, rejects him as Annin as well, much to his bemusement, and in spite of all the female adulation, he finds he has a growing affection for fellow looks-challenged Motoe (Miyuki Oshima). After the initial novelty, the suit, far from bringing all the answers to his problems, in fact brings even more headaches, sometimes with hilarious results, especially when he has to deal with its vulnerability to hot water.

Opportunities for special effects are tackled simply and to the point. What elevates this movie is its genuine comedy without trying to insult an audience’s intelligence, particularly early on, when Takuro has to become accustomed to his newly established identity but lapses constantly into his old self.

The film is a constant and not-too-subtle reminder of the need to appreciate the little but important things you do and the little joys you can find along the way in life – these are what help keep your spirits up. I particularly enjoyed an extended scene in which Motoe plays a game with Takuro during their walk home and which serves as a powerful reminder to “stop and smell the roses”. Handsome Suits is well worth seeing, especially if you don’t leave the theatre until after the end credits have rolled! Stefan S