The Time You Need a Friend (1985): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1985, The Time You Need a Friend is a notable film directed by John Woo, running about 91 minutes.

What it’s about. John Woo's melodramatic tragicomedy The Time You Need a Friend (1985) stands at the crucial crossroads in the director's career. Woo had been churning out innocuous comedies for more than a few years, and after establishing the "heroic bloodshed" genre, he'd never look back. But this tale of two comedians - estranged former pals who bury the hatchet for one last show together - blends the pathos and male-bonding of Woo's later dramas with the silliness and pratfalls that marked his early works. At their peak, Ku Ren and Shem Bien were an unstoppable screen comedy team, the undisputed stars of the silent era. But a major falling out has kept the duo offstage for decades. Despite the urgings of family and friends, Ku and Shem refuse to reconcile. As both men approach their twilight years, one last chance for a reunion presents itself in the form of a televised charity benefit. Ku Ren and Shem Bien struggle to come to terms with years of bitterness, and bring the house down once again.

Who’s in it. The Time You Need a Friend stars David Tao, Linda Jui-Chi Liu, Hsia Chiang and Meng Yen Liu.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Time You Need a Friend page.