Is Birthday Wishes Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Birthday Wishes is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 123 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Birthday Wishes Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2016, Birthday Wishes enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Although her mother died when she was ten, Noriko still receives yearly birthday cards from her. Under the direction of Yasuhiro Yoshida, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Ai Hashimoto, Aoi Miyazaki, Yusuke Santamaria. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Birthday Wishes offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, though the pacing during its 123-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Birthday Wishes is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 7.3/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Birthday Wishes
- Ai Hashimoto – Noriko
- Aoi Miyazaki – Yoshie
- Yusuke Santamaria – Soichiro
- Kenta Suga – Masao
- Aoi Nakamura – Jun Tateishi
Top Highlights
Ai HashimotoNoriko
Aoi MiyazakiYoshie
Yusuke SantamariaSoichiro
Kenta SugaMasao
Aoi NakamuraJun Tateishi
Momone ShinokawaNoriko 9-12 Years-old
Shosuke TaniharaShosuke Tanihara
Yoriko DoguchiMitsuyo
Tae KimuraSaori Ishii
Chise NiitsuNoriko 4 Years-old
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.3/10, and global collection metrics, Birthday Wishes stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2016 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birthday Wishes movie hit or flop?
Birthday Wishes is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.3/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Birthday Wishes worth watching?
Yes, Birthday Wishes is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
What genre is Birthday Wishes?
Birthday Wishes is a Drama movie that Although her mother died when she was ten, Noriko still receives yearly birthday cards from her. Her life gets complicated as she grows older but she ...
