Look Back

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.

'Look Back (2024)' is a mediation on friendship, passion, and art, examining what happens when these elements intersect. It essentially aims to answer the question that plagues all artists: what is art for? Is it driven by ambition? Success? Fame? Is it to tell a deeper truth? To say what can't be said with words? To get what's inside out for all to see? Is it to connect with strangers? To make someone feel less alone? To make someone smile or weep or take a step back and look at their place in the world? Or is it simply to do something you love with someone you love? If so, why do you carry on even when one of those things has gone? The film explores these ideas through the relationship between two girls who grow up together making manga after one of them confesses to being a fan of the other's school newspaper strips. Taking place over a number of years, the picture depicts their evolving relationship with both each other and the art they create, ultimately taking an emotional turn when life inevitably catches up with their ambitions. There's a semi-fantastical element here that could be interpreted one of two ways, and interestingly I prefer the more literal version than the metaphorical one (which I tend to lean towards). Either way there's a lot of thematic resonance to be found here, and it's unsurprising that it's connecting so deeply with so many people.

Clocking in at just under an hour, the piece doesn't waste any time. It sort of feels like a long short film, but it's actually a short long film (it's over the minimum length to be classed as a feature). In some ways, it feels like it could have been expanded by twenty minutes; in other ways, it's exactly as long as it needs to be. It's a focused experience that mimics the insular nature of the central dynamic, as the two leads are the only important people to us just as they seem to be the only important people to each other. The animation sometimes seems slightly rough, in that it isn't consistently refined and some movements don't quite keep things on model, but it also includes several scenes that must have been really tricky to pull off because they include sweeping camera moves and changing perspectives. I can't tell if the animators used 3D models and custom shaders for these scenes or if they, much more painstakingly, animated everything in 2D; either way, if I can't tell, it's equally as impressive. There's a meta element to the movie, too, because it's based on a manga that's about producing a manga (obviously the meta aspects are watered down somewhat by the adaptation process, but the parallels between the film and its subject are still strong nevertheless). This makes each and every frame, as well as the time and effort that's gone into it, all the more relevant, and it's a perfect example of a film's form enhancing its content.

Ultimately, this is a moving and engaging anime that doesn't waste a moment in conveying its story and themes. Its a gentle, bittersweet experience that's both devastating and life-affirming, and it feels as though it grasps at a deeper truth about artists and their work. Its a strong effort.

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.

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.

The Look Back anime movie does an exceptional job of adapting the amazing manga short story into animation, bringing it to life with added layers of depth that only this medium can provide. The film skillfully uses animation, voice acting and music to heighten the emotional impact of the story. The atmosphere created by the soundtrack and the heartfelt performances of the voice actors enriches the narrative, making it even more profound.

A special mention goes to Fujino's voice actor, who was a first-time performer, yet delivered a remarkable performance. It's impressive how well she captured Fujino's energy and emotion, despite being new to the craft. Kyomoto's voice actor also deserves high praise for perfectly portraying a character who is so inexperienced with human interaction and shy. The subtlety and depth in the way these two characters are brought to life is one of the movie's strongest aspects.

At its core, Look Back is a love letter to creators, celebrating the passion, challenges, and personal growth that come with the artistic journey. But the film also balances this theme with a genuine, heartfelt relationship between Fujino and Kyomoto, making their bond feel real and deeply touching. This balance between creativity and emotional connection makes the movie a must-watch for not only fans of the original manga but anyone who appreciates stories about art, friendship, and the human spirit.