`DIFFERENT FOR GIRLS' DEFINITELY DIFFERENT.

Byline: Matt Wolf Associated Press 

The first time you see Rupert Graves in ``Different for Girls,'' he's being thrown from a motorcycle. But that's nothing compared to a plot that is likely to throw - and enthrall - moviegoers during this film about transsexuality.

Though obvious comparisons will be made to ``The Crying Game,'' English filmmaker Richard Spence's film is its own, singular creation. While the earlier movie saved its gender-related revelation for late in the film, ``Different for Girls'' is more, shall we say, upfront.

The discovery in Tony Marchant's screenplay has less to do with the fact that Graves' best mate in school is, 16 years later, a career girl in her first year as a postoperative transsexual.

The film's true intrigue lies in the unfolding relationship between the two in a combative and aggressive London that just may have a heart.

Anglophiles, certainly, will be dismayed at the film's depiction of their beloved capital, in which the press and the police come off no better than loutish couriers and rude office receptionists. (Marchant is currently raising British eyebrows with his unfettered portrait of London in a new BBC series, ``Holding On.'')

But beneath the anger that courses through the streets is the suggestion of another, quieter humanity: a city of scared and cautious people trying to reach out, who form a bond when least expected that surprises even themselves.

Kim Foyle (Steven Mackintosh), the she-that-used-to-be-he, isn't overly delighted when she re-encounters old friend Paul Prentice (Graves) in a collision between Kim's taxi and courier Paul's motorbike.

A haunting precredit sequence shows the two as adolescents, with Paul very much his chum's protector. Many years later, Kim has had to make a difficult adjustment and wants to put the past to one side - which would be no problem, if Paul weren't so insistent.

At first, punker Paul is intrigued simply to hear Kim's story, since he is romantically occupied with his dispatch operator, Angela (Nisha K. Nayar). And besides, how could he fall for Kim? Paul's straight.

So, Kim replies, is she. But that doesn't mean he can't come to her flat for dinner. And it is during that evening, in an extraordinary scene in which Kim details the changes to her body, that Paul shocks himself by getting aroused.

The core of the film lies in the shifting rapport between Paul and Kim, one clearly too bright for his job and the seedy life it has bought him; the other tentatively embracing her new body and keen to avoid conflict at all costs.

Both actors bring empathy to richly written roles that require real trust and teamwork beyond their individual demands. Graves continues what amounts to a career renaissance with his winning portrait of a man on the margins who nonetheless won't drop out of life. In far and away his strongest performance to date, Mackintosh (``Twelfth Night'') brings dignity and a poignant hesitancy to Kim: It's a true performance, not an impersonation.

In a sense, it's as if Kim's boss Pamela (a feisty Miriam Margolyes) embodies the spirit of the film, refusing to fire Kim even when Paul's actions land her head on the block. Against the odds, Pamela is tough on the outside, compassionate where and when it counts. So, too, is the movie.

THE FACTS

The film: ``Different for Girls'' (R; for some moments of nudity, one of which no doubt kept the prosthetics department busy).

The stars: Rupert Graves, Steven Mackintosh, Miriam Margolyes, Nisha K. Nayar and Lia Williams.

Behind the scenes: Written by Tony Marchant. Directed by Richard Spence. Released by First Look Pictures.

Running time: One hour, 41 minutes.

Playing: Beverly Center Cineplex, Beverly Hills; Cineplex Odeon Broadway Cinemas, Santa Monica; State Theatre, Pasadena.

Our rating: Three Stars.