Based on the award-winning one-shot manga by Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto, Look Back follows the poignant and emotional journey of two young girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, who are brought together by their shared passion for drawing manga. Despite their differences, their bond over art creates a touching story of friendship, growth, and the challenges of pursuing dreams.
Produced by: Studio Durian
Directed by: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Written by: Tatsuki Fujimoto
Genre: Coming-of-age, Drama
Length: 58 minutes
In the journey of creative pursuit, pain and beauty tend to exist in equal measure. The anime film adaptation for Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Look Back runs slightly below an hour, but explores well-trodden themes of creativity and purpose with a quiet melancholy that will follow you out of the theatre.
Based on the one-shot manga of the same name, Look Back tells the tale of a young manga artist who, driven by rivalry and friendship with a reclusive classmate, strives to improve her craft and finds purpose in creating art. This autobiographical story by the award-winning Chainsaw Man creator is a classic “artist creates art about art” scenario and we ate up every second of it.
Through the lens of main character Ayumu Fujino, voiced by Yuumi Kawai, we dredge through the lows and delight in the highs of creation. The film captures the rabid desperation and inherent isolation that comes from seeking purpose with heart-aching accuracy, brought forth by powerful direction and key animation from Kiyotaka Oshiyama.
Oshiyama had previously lent his hand to other poignant work such as The Boy and the Heron, The Wind Rises, and The First Slam Dunk, as well as the anime adaptation for Tatsuki Fujimoto’s current serialisation, Chainsaw Man. For Look Back, he reportedly drew over half of the key animations himself, a commitment that translates to the film’s distinct and singular sense of style.
Without spoiling anything, Look Back feels like a complete experience from start to finish. Its quiet and contemplative delivery leaves room for the viewers’ thoughts to breathe; each twist and heartbreaking turn punctuated by emotional instrumentation composed by multi-instrumentalist Haruka Nakamura.
The film’s theme song, “Light song” composed by Haruka Nakamura and performed by Urara, is a particular highlight for me, perfectly summing up the film’s persistent theme of lost innocence.
On the note of sound, the casting of Mizuki Yoshida as Kyomoto was especially inspired. Her delivery of Kyomoto’s hesitant and warm-hearted character brought a necessary contrast to Yuumi Kawai’s confident Fujino, making the inevitable conflicts of the film heavier upon landing.
Look Back is a good film, but what makes it a great film is the way its credits pay tribute to its production staff before its cast. It goes to show that a good story, when placed in the hands of people who understand its essence at every stage of the production, will always have the potential to outgrow its confines and take on a life of its own; especially in the hearts of its viewers.
Now, please excuse me. I’m going to go do something creative.
Catch ‘Look Back’ in theatres this September 12th, 2024. Tickets are available online on the TGV Cinemas website.
