That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

Year: 1996

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Hiroshi Sugawara

Comedy

Comedy about a group of chemistry students who organize a cheating scam during their final exams. Amuro Namie, the top pop music sensation, plays one of the students.

That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? (1996) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? (1996) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a bustling university where the scent of chemicals mixes with the nervous energy of final exams, a tight‑knit group of chemistry students finds themselves caught between the pressure to succeed and the lure of a quick, unconventional shortcut. The campus hums with lectures, late‑night study sessions, and the occasional burst of laughter that hints at an undercurrent of mischief, setting the stage for a comedy that thrives on the absurdities of academic life.

At the heart of the story is Kenji Kimura, a diligent senior determined to graduate and join the prestigious lab of a respected professor. He shares the spotlight with Yumi Morishita, a famous pop‑music sensation who has swapped the stage for a lab coat, bringing her own brand of charisma to the student lounge. Alongside them are the faculty members who oversee the exams—figures of authority whose expectations add both tension and opportunity to the students’ plans. The chemistry between these characters, ranging from earnest ambition to playful rebellion, fuels much of the film’s charm.

When the pressure of the upcoming finals reaches a fever pitch, the group conspires to devise a clever cheating scheme that promises to turn the tables on the rigid exam routine. Their undertaking blends inventive science‑class tricks with slapstick moments, all while navigating the delicate balance between friendship, rivalry, and the ever‑looming question of what it truly means to earn a grade. The result is a light‑hearted, fast‑paced tale that captures the spirit of youthful ingenuity and the comedic chaos that follows when a classroom becomes a playground for daring improvisation.

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 at 16:39

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about cunning underdogs like in That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

Clever heroes use their wits to pull off an elaborate scheme against a corrupt institution.If you enjoyed the clever rebellion in That’s Cunning!, you'll love these movies where witty characters orchestrate elaborate schemes. This thread gathers similar comedies and dramas about underdogs outsmarting the system, featuring fast-paced plots, lighthearted tension, and satisfying victories against the odds.

cleverdefianttensetriumphantenergeticunderdogschemingsatisfying

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a clear pattern: an injustice sparks a plan, a team assembles, obstacles are creatively overcome, and the climax is the execution of the scheme. Character journeys are about collective intelligence and solidarity, leading to a cathartic exposure of corruption or a victory for the little guy.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on intellectual rebellion. They balance the tension of a high-stakes plan with the fun of seeing cleverness prevail, creating a specific, uplifting experience where brains beat brawn.

Campus comedies with high-stakes fun like That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

Energetic stories set in schools where the stakes feel high but the tone remains playful.Looking for more movies like That’s Cunning!? This thread features similar lighthearted comedies set in schools and universities. Discover films where students navigate academic pressure with defiant energy, featuring young romance, underdog victories, and a playful take on institutional rebellion.

academicyouthfulrebelliousenergetichopefulanxiouslightheartedcampy

Narrative Summary

The narrative is driven by a specific academic challenge that unites a group of students. The conflict often pits youthful ingenuity against rigid authority, weaving together subplots of friendship and young love. The journey is as much about the bonds formed under pressure as it is about overcoming the central obstacle.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific setting and mood: the microcosm of a school or university, where high-stakes personal goals are pursued with a sense of fun and rebellion. The combination of academic anxiety and lighthearted execution creates a distinct, relatable, and energizing viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

Don't stop at just watching — explore That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? Summary

Read a complete plot summary of That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? Summary

That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? Timeline

Track the full timeline of That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

More About That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

Similar Movies to That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen?

Discover movies like That’s Cunning! Shijo Saidai no Sakusen? that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.