Is Deborah, the Rival Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Deborah, the Rival is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Deborah, the Rival Review
Last updated: January 11, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1997, Deborah, the Rival enters the Comedy genre with a narrative focused on A college girl, Asayo, falls for the star of her school’s football team, Igarashi. Under the direction of Masako Matsuura, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Hinano Yoshikawa. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Deborah, the Rival offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Deborah, the Rival resonates with current cultural themes in the Comedy space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, Deborah, the Rival is available in theaters worldwide. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Deborah, the Rival centers on a unique premise within the Comedy landscape. A college girl, Asayo, falls for the star of her school’s football team, Igarashi. Her main rival in winning him is Deborah, a flamboyant drag-performing football player (okama) who shares her dorm. Despite their rivalry, Asayo and Deborah become friends, and he helps her pursue Igarashi. Complications arise when Asayo realizes Deborah secretly loves Igarashi. His feelings are eventually revealed, but Igarashi does not reciprocate. In the end, Asayo, Igarashi, and Deborah navigate romance, rivalry, and dorm life together, with friendships and loyalties intact. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1997 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Deborah, the Rival has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Deborah, the Rival sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Deborah, the Rival (1997): with an audience rating of 0/10, the reception has been negative. It is a recommended for fans of Comedy, Romance cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Deborah, the Rival has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Comedy, Romance), viewers should expect romantic content.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Deborah, the Rival stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deborah, the Rival movie hit or flop?
Deborah, the Rival is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Deborah, the Rival worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Deborah, the Rival may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Deborah, the Rival online?
Deborah, the Rival may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is Deborah, the Rival movie hit or flop?
Deborah, the Rival is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Deborah, the Rival worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Deborah, the Rival may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Deborah, the Rival online?
Deborah, the Rival may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
What is the story of Deborah, the Rival?
Deborah, the Rival is a Comedy, Romance movie that follows: A college girl, Asayo, falls for the star of her school’s football team, Igarashi. Her main rival in winning him is Deborah, a flamboyant drag-performing football player (okama) who shares her dorm. D...
Is Deborah, the Rival family friendly?
Yes, Deborah, the Rival is generally suitable for family viewing as it is a Comedy, Romance movie.
What language is Deborah, the Rival available in?
Deborah, the Rival is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A college girl, Asayo, falls for the star of her school’s football team, Igarashi. Her main rival in winning him is Deborah, a flamboyant drag-performing football player (okama) who shares her dorm. Despite their rivalry, Asayo and Deborah become friends, and he helps her pursue Igarashi. Complications arise when Asayo realizes Deborah secretly loves Igarashi. His feelings are eventually revealed, but Igarashi does not reciprocate. In the end, Asayo, Igarashi, and Deborah navigate romance, rivalry, and dorm life together, with friendships and loyalties intact.
Critic Reviews
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