Returning the Favor (2006)
Original title: 少しは、恩返しができたかな
Returning the Favor is a 2006 Japanese-language drama movie directed by Ken Yoshida, with a running time of 1h 35m. It stars Kazunari Ninomiya, Shinobu Otake and Chizuru Ikewaki.
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.
Quick answers
What is Returning the Favor about?
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.
When was Returning the Favor released?
Returning the Favor was released on 22 March 2006.
How long is Returning the Favor?
Returning the Favor runs 1h 35m.
Who made Returning the Favor?
Returning the Favor was directed by Ken Yoshida.
Cast
- Kazunari Ninomiya as Kazunori Kitahara
- Shinobu Otake as Mikiko Kitahara
- Chizuru Ikewaki as Mio Sasaki
- Ryo Katsuji as Takumi Makiuchi
- Masanobu Katsumura as Hiroaki Sakaki
- Takehiro Murata as Ichiro Kitahara
- Shigemitsu Ogi as Takatoshi Agawa
- Issey Takahashi as Masaichi Kitahara
- Kei Tani as Principal Tanokura
- Shunsuke Daitoh
- Yōsuke Asari