Deborah, the Rival

Deborah, the Rival

1997 · 94 min · ★ 9.0 · Comedy, Romance

A college girl, Asayo, falls for the star of her school’s football team, Igarashi. Her main rival in winning him is Deborah, a flamboyant drag-performing football player (okama) who shares her dorm. Despite their rivalry, Asayo and Deborah become friends, and he helps her pursue Igarashi. Complications arise when Asayo realizes Deborah secretly loves Igarashi. His feelings are eventually revealed, but Igarashi does not reciprocate. In the end, Asayo, Igarashi, and Deborah navigate romance, rivalry, and dorm life together, with friendships and loyalties intact.

Directed by Masako Matsuura · Written by Kazuhiko Ban

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Make it a double feature

3h 17m together

Deborah, the Rival

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

A close match in mood and era.

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