arbiterbrave

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.