Iguana no musume (1996)

Based on a Japanese legend, this is the story of Rika Aoshima and her mother, who believes herself to be an iguana reborn in human form and perceives Rika to be an iguana too. Therefore, as 'The Daughter of Iguana', while still a child Rika is rejected and hated by her mother. As she grows up into a beautiful young girl Rika's confidence and self-esteem are terribly affected by this rejection. But slowly, helped by her younger sister Mami and her high-school friend Nobuko, Rika finds ways of discovering the love and happiness that was denied to her as a child.