One day, all the students at a middle school show up with bleached blonde hair. Claiming this action is a protest against the school's (and the education system's) totalitarian policies—including strict hair regulations—the students continue their struggle despite the persuasion of the principal and their homeroom teacher, Ichikawa. Like many movements, this goes well until a few students start to drop out. Blonde is the latest comedy by Sakashita Yuichiro, known for works such as The Rakugo Movie (2012) and Kanagawa University of Fine Arts, Office of Film Research (2014). Through the antics of middle schoolers and their equally immature teacher Ichikawa, the film satirizes the standardization and conservatism of Japanese society. At the same time, Sakashita's signature lightheartedness and daily wit remain as intact as ever. (Molly KIM)