Returning the Favor
Returning the Favor
| 22 March 2006 (USA)
Returning the Favor Trailers

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.

Reviews
Borserie it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.
Helllins It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.
Kodie Bird True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.
Celia A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.