Dear Friends (2007)
A Japanese drama about a self-absorbed young woman whose world is upended by illness and the transformative power of an unlikely friendship.
Dear Friends - Movie Information
- Original Title: Dear Friends ディア フレンズ
- Release Year: 2007
- Directed by: Kazuyuki Morosawa
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 55m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 3, 2007 (Japan)
- Alternative Titles: Dear Friends (JP)
- Production Companies: Toei Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Dear Friends - Plot
Rina is the it girl. She is thin, has long hair, is flaunting and dresses attractively. Every man wants to be with her and every woman wants to be like her. She also happens to be self-absorbed, mean and nasty.
Dear Friends - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this moving Japanese drama:
Are friends necessary?
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Dear Friends - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kazuyuki Morosawa
Main Cast
- Keiko Kitagawa
- Yuika Motokariya
- Masaya Kikawada
- Airi Toriyama
- Mao Sasaki
- Hatsune Matsushima
- Ren Osugi
- Yoshiko Miyazaki
Writers
- Uiko Miura
- Kazuyuki Morosawa
Producers
- Hikaru Kawase
- Atsushi Ikuta
- Hiroki Seki
Dear Friends - FAQs
What is Dear Friends about?
Dear Friends follows Rina, a beautiful and popular but deeply self-centered young woman who is suddenly struck by a serious illness. Hospitalized and stripped of her social status, she forms an unexpected bond with a kind-hearted girl named Maki, forcing her to reassess her values, relationships, and what it truly means to care for another person.
How does Rina change throughout Dear Friends?
Rina begins the film as a cold, manipulative "it girl" who treats others as accessories. Her illness strips away her social armor, and her friendship with the warm, selfless Maki gradually dismantles her cruelty. By the film's end, she undergoes a genuine emotional transformation, learning empathy and the value of authentic human connection.
Who plays the lead role in Dear Friends?
Keiko Kitagawa plays Rina, the film's central character. Yuika Motokariya co-stars as Maki, the kind-hearted girl who befriends Rina during her hospitalization. The supporting cast includes Masaya Kikawada, Airi Toriyama, Mao Sasaki, Hatsune Matsushima, Ren Osugi, and Yoshiko Miyazaki.
Does Dear Friends deal with cancer or terminal illness?
Yes, illness and hospitalization are central to the story. Rina is diagnosed with a serious condition that forces her into a hospital setting, where the narrative's emotional core unfolds. The film uses her medical crisis as a catalyst for personal growth, exploring themes of vulnerability, mortality, and the healing power of genuine friendship.
Who directed Dear Friends?
Dear Friends was directed by Kazuyuki Morosawa, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Uiko Miura. The film was produced by Toei Company and released in Japan on February 3, 2007.
What genre is Dear Friends?
Dear Friends is a Japanese drama film. It blends themes of friendship, illness, and personal redemption into an emotionally driven narrative aimed at audiences who appreciate character-focused, heartfelt storytelling rooted in the tradition of Japanese shōjo-influenced cinema.
How long is Dear Friends?
Dear Friends has a runtime of 115 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes. The film was released in Japan on February 3, 2007, and was produced by Toei Company.
What are similar movies to Dear Friends?
If you enjoyed Dear Friends, you may also appreciate Linda Linda Linda (2005), a Japanese film centered on female friendship and emotional bonds, or The Big Chill (1983), which similarly explores how relationships are tested under pressure. Reprise (2006) and Left Bank (2008) also offer compelling character-driven drama for fans of the genre.
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