Look Back

Look Back is a debut anime, and yet it already connects with some of the masterpiece of Japanese animation.

A coming of age story, Look Back tells the story of two kids sharing the same dream. Complex feelings such as jealousy, competition, friendship, codependency, social anxiety, ambition, grief and trauma are told in such a delicate and genuine way.

Watching this movie made me feel very nostalgic, thinking about my dream as a kid and how self critical we are towards ourselves. In some moments, it reminded me of Your Name and 5 cm per second by Makoto Shinkai, even if the art style is completely different.

I can't wait for this anime to become widely available, 100% recommended!

Giving this an 8.5/10 rating

Most likely the shortest film this year, but you get so much in the short time, it's just spot on great. Based on the manga of the same name written by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the story is just based around two characters and how their love of art affects them.

This film is just so very watchable, both the leads are relatable and written well as you get pulled in, very quickly. And well acted for such a intense film, thanks to actors Yumi Kawai and Mizuki Yoshida, who had to work, and work good they did. Kiyotaka Oshiyama is writer and director here, and I must say, it's a standout picture, moods are set, days and night are defining moments in time, so much so due to the run time and some very clever design work.

The music and songs work perfectly, it's very light and bittersweet, I have seen this twice and will see it again in cinemas, A master class in story telling.

This is about life, death and life. Fujimoto is a great contemporary writer in the manga scene known for Chainsaw Man - gory and heavily handed on social commentary. This work is truly a gem and also boasts the depth in writing. It's a very simple yet very deep piece that feels very calculated and precise in it's form and message.

A little background might help us understand where this manga came from and what it wants to come across. In 2019, there was an arson attack on the famous Kyoto Animation that killed many many brilliants artists. This left everybody in shock about everything in the community. This manga(2021)/movie(2024) uses this tragic event to ponder about life, work (anime and manga industry) and hardships.

It's not a coincidence that both characters came from the author's name: Fuji(no) and (Kyo)moto. They're both part of Fujimoto's sense of self: the shut-in genius persona and the social energetic persona. Having this two sides working together is what Fujimoto thinks as a point where success comes from. But, when faced with a great real tragedy, the real-life genius side also takes a hit (i guess). So Fujimoto writes away finding a path to go on making art.

What makes this an effective work of art is how anyone can relate to this feeling. A heartfelt breakup, something that you worked so hard and failed, death, etc. There are many thing in life that makes you look back on past events and than you find a way to get back on your feet to live life again!

My heart goes to all the manga/anime industry community that went through this tragedy. And to the victims and victims family members, I will forever treasure the work made in KyoAni. This will not be forgotten.

Why do we create art? When faced on all side with questions or statements like: "Aren't you too old for that?" or "Why can't you find a normal hobby?" or "Don't you want a job that pays more?", it's a question no small amount of artists have asked themselves.

This film is an adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's one-shot manga "Look Back" published in 2021 by Shueisha as part of Jump+. Known for "Chainsaw Man", and lesser so for "Fire Punch", Tatsuki Fujimoto is a wonderful storyteller who always puts his heart into his works, no matter how raw or silly it can come across, and this work is no exception.

Every bit of the animation is emotionally put together, scenes fly from the screen to portray the human emotions on display. It wonderfully captures the spirit of the original manga, while making sure to stand out on it's own creative legs. While Fujimoto wrote the story, it clearly means a lot to the staff working on this as well, and it just goes to show how universal that question of "Why?" is.

The two leads, Fujino and Kyomoto, are wonderful and painful to follow as they find each other and work together. They push each other forward, and in the process walk away forever changed because of each other. Both the original Japanese and English dub are extremely well put together and I don't believe you'll be missing out either way, as both pairs of actresses bring both girls to life wonderfully.

The story is inspirational and tragic. It speaks to the human desire to create, and collaborate. It is about the messy relationship we have to our own creations, as well as each other. That these collaborators, relationships, and fans... are what drive us forward.

Why do we create art? Is it for ourselves? Is it for others? For it's own sake?

I believe it's all of these things.

But we also have to remember to look back at who's following, who's cheering you on, or your own steps in the snow.

And then keep moving forward.

Fujino was the leading manga creator for her school until Kyomoto, the class recluse, entered the scene. From then on, they grew together and pushed each other to improve themselves and achieve their dreams. They were on top of the manga game until Kyomoto decided to branch off and go at it alone. They continued to do what they loved until tragedy struck, forcing Fujino to reevaluate her circumstances.

This is a beautiful anime film about how people can find a friend in the most unlikely of places and how that person can push them to greatness. The story is simple but uses the full range of human emotion. The animation changes as the story progresses, giving the film a unique look. With a runtime of fifty-eight minutes, the story is not rushed. It focuses on the significant parts of Fujino and Kyomoto's story. This is an excellent film for all and should be streamed or watched in theaters as soon as possible.