Western Eyes' approach evokes the upbeat and trendy style of music videos and high fashion media, both of which espouse the importance of physical appearance. Split-second images flash by in rapid succession, interspersed with quieter interview segments, contemplative moments, and footage from old films illustrating earlier perceptions of beauty. Supporting the visual movement is a music score that ranges from exotic to "cool" to ethereal. The dialogue is often contrapuntal, with lines fading in and out on top of one another as individuals express conflicting feelings and opinions.

      Given the subject and its presentation, Western Eyes will appeal to many young women who identify with the pressure of conforming to a certain look, not only facially but in all physical traits. The perpetuation of fashion stereotypes, extending progressively into younger age groups (as demonstrated by the Spice Girls' popularity with pre-teens) makes this film appropriate for teens, both female and male, as a look at one of the most prevalent and internalized debates that adolescent women face.

Recommended.