Is Returning the Favor Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Returning the Favor is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Returning the Favor Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 2006, Returning the Favor enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Kitahara Kazunori was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in the fall of his second year in high school, and thereafter spent a year and 10 months battling the disease. Under the direction of Ken Yoshida, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Kazunari Ninomiya, Shinobu Otake, Chizuru Ikewaki. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Returning the Favor offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Returning the Favor 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 7.1/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Returning the Favor
- Kazunari Ninomiya – Kazunori Kitahara
- Shinobu Otake – Mikiko Kitahara
- Chizuru Ikewaki – Mio Sasaki
- Ryo Katsuji – Takumi Makiuchi
- Masanobu Katsumura – Hiroaki Sakaki
Top Highlights
Kazunari NinomiyaKazunori Kitahara
Shinobu OtakeMikiko Kitahara
Chizuru IkewakiMio Sasaki
Ryo KatsujiTakumi Makiuchi
Masanobu KatsumuraHiroaki Sakaki
Takehiro MurataIchiro Kitahara
Shigemitsu OgiTakatoshi Agawa
Issey TakahashiMasaichi Kitahara
Kei TaniPrincipal Tanokura
Shunsuke Daitoh
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.1/10, and global collection metrics, Returning the Favor stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Returning the Favor movie hit or flop?
Returning the Favor is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.1/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama movies.
Is Returning the Favor worth watching?
Yes, Returning the Favor is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama cinema.
What genre is Returning the Favor?
Returning the Favor is a Drama movie that Kitahara Kazunori was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma in the fall of his second year in high school, and thereafter spent a year and 10 months battling...
