Is Returning the Favor Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2006)

📖 The Core Premise

Returning the Favor returns to the screen in 2006, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "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. Although he studied hard for the university examinations and was successfully admitted to his first choice, [the prestigious] Tokyo University, he only managed to visit it for a day before passing away. After that, last January [i.e. 2005], Kazunori's mother compiled the thoughts he had left behind and published it as a book, and it was adapted into this drama. Even as Kazunori had to fight his serious illness, he received support from his friends, school teachers and family members, and had warm relations with many people. This drama illustrates the 1 year and 10 months young Kazunori persevered together with the people around him."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In Returning the Favor, Kazunari Ninomiya delivers a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the film. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Returning the Favor worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Returning the Favor is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 95 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.