Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival 2008

Certainly one of the best mainstream comedies of the year from anywhere, Like a Virgin isn't just another "confused teen finds self" type of coming-of-age film, it's also a violent portrait of a decaying family, and even a somewhat affecting sports film.

Ryu Deok-Hwan plays Oh Dong-Gu, a Madonna-obsessed, chubby high-schooler working low-paying part-time jobs in order to save up the five million won he needs for his sex change operation. However, he has other things to worry about, such as his mother, who ran away from home years ago and now lives a satisfying life peddling products at a theme park; his unpredictably violent father, whose lost boxing career has made him angry at the world and himself; his detached younger brother, who is becoming more and more like his father everyday; his crush on his Japanese teacher; and his general unpopularity at school due to his appearance.

One day, Dong-Gu learns from his best friend that he can win a large sum of money if he wins at an Ssireum tournament - a form of traditional Korean wrestling not unlike Sumo. Supported by his lazy, detached coach, Dong-Gu makes friends with his teammates after showing off his impeccable dancing skills, but he still has to win over the ambitious team captain, Joon Woo, and prove himself in competition.

- Kevin Ma (edited)

Sponsored by The Onion and Time Warner Cable