Look Back

Fourth-grader Ayumu Fujino regularly draws four-panel manga for her school newspaper and is lauded as having the best artwork in her class. One day, she is asked by her teacher to turn over one of her manga slots in the school newspaper to a truant student named Kyomoto. When Kyomoto's manga pops up alongside Fujino's, it receives high praises for its detailed artwork, making Fujino furiously jealous.

Refusing to be beaten by someone who barely attends school, Fujino devotes herself to learning to create manga. As time goes on though, her goal of outshining Kyomoto seems to only get further and further away, and Fujino, now in sixth grade, eventually gives up and quits making manga.

Graduation day arrives, and Fujino is asked to deliver Kyomoto's graduation certificate to her. Through chance, the two end up coming face to face, and their unexpected meeting will end up having consequences far beyond what either of them could ever predict.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Kyoumoto Main

Yoshida, Mizuki Japanese

Fujino, Ayumu Main

Kawai, Yuumi Japanese

Newscaster Supporting

Man Supporting

Fujino's Sister Supporting

Maki, Kureha Japanese

Teacher Supporting

Editor Supporting

Nagano, Yuuki Producer

Shinozaki, Shinya Producer

Matsumura, Kazuto Producer

Kawaji, Yukino Assistant Producer

Reviews

Nov 18, 2024

MochiWiz

Recommended

"Look Back," a poignant short film based on Tatsuki Fujimoto's story, is a stirring exploration of artistic ambition, friendship, and the ever-present question of why we have the passion to create. Fujimoto, renowned for the visceral energy of Chainsaw Man, shifts gears here to deliver a deeply personal narrative that feels intimate and universal all at once.

The story follows Fujino Ayumu, a young aspiring mangaka whose life revolves around the obsessive pursuit of her craft. Fujino pours her heart into creating manga strips for the school paper, basking in the admiration of her classmates and teachers. Her world, however, is upended when another student, Kyoumoto, ... quietly enters the scene. Kyoumoto, a reclusive genius with a stunning artistic flair, is granted one of Fujino’s coveted manga slots in the paper. The mere existence of Kyoumoto ignites a spark of envy and determination in Fujino, driving her to hone her skills with relentless dedication.

This rivalry transforms into a tender friendship when Fujino, tasked with delivering Kyoumoto's graduation certificate, ventures into Kyoumoto’s world. Their meeting is a turning point, as the two bond over their shared love of storytelling and commit to working together. The film’s portrayal of their collaboration is a joy to behold, with heartfelt montages that celebrate the growth of their artistry and their evolving camaraderie. The animation here is a marvel—not flashy, but meticulously hand-crafted, with an understated beauty that mirrors the simplicity and purity of the characters' journey.

To delve further into the plot would spoil the emotional weight of the story’s latter half, but suffice it to say, life’s inevitable shifts take their toll. Kyoumoto chooses to pursue art college, while Fujino presses forward with her manga series. What follows is a meditation on perseverance, loss, and the enduring power of creation, even in the face of life’s uncertainties.

"Look Back" isn’t just a coming-of-age tale; it’s a reflection on the artistic spirit. Fujimoto dares to ask the open-ended question: why do we create? The film’s answer is as layered as it is profound. Whether it’s for connection, expression, or the simple joy of making something that didn’t exist before, "Look Back" reminds us of the transformative power of art and friendship.

It’s rare to find a film that can elicit shock, wonder, and quiet introspection in equal measure. Look Back is one of those rare gems—a simple yet brilliant ode to the beauty of creation and the bonds we form along the way.

Reviewer’s Rating: 9

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Nov 17, 2024

saintsaya

Mixed Feelings

haven't seen many anime like this, I just had to say that movies like this or animes like Mononoke or Haibane Renmei shouldn’t be rated the same way as other anime. They’re the kind of works that don’t need a lot of plot development, instead, they really shine in the meaning between the lines that the creators leave. The details in each scene and the pacing are different from other stuff, and what matters most is the feeling you get from understanding the message. The creators didn’t just make these for money, they wanted to share something that doesn’t hinge on the series’ continuity. They’re ... more like artists trying to express their feelings so we can all see it the way they do. Very few one-shots make it to cinemas, and even fewer get adapted as well as this one. You can tell a lot of care went into making this film.

Reviewer’s Rating: 7

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Nov 16, 2024

PhadingFuzzy

Not Recommended

Funny

Respectfully, what did I just watch? Random time skip with magical character development, magical time travelling door, and elementary school powerpoint presentation memes? ggwp.

I feel like 95% of the reviews on anime sites are bots. I do not understand.

Is the story unique?
Yes.

Do you think the art style is fitting for the story?
Strange, but maybe.

... Were the characters well-rounded? Did they have flaws and strengths, or were they unusually strong/smart/stupid?
Stupid. Very unusually.

Did the characters react to situations and events in a realistic way?
No.

Do you think others will enjoy/dislike this series, even if you didn't? Why?
Maybe, if you are in elementary school.

Reviewer’s Rating: 1

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'Look Back' Unveils Additional Staff, Trailer

The official website of the Look Back anime movie unveiled additional staff, the theme song, a trailer, and the key visual (pictured) on Wednesday. The movie is sche...read more

Apr 16, 3:31 PM by DatRandomDude | Discuss (25 comments)

'Look Back' Announces Main Cast

The official website of the anime movie adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's Look Back manga announced the main cast on Thursday. The movie is scheduled to open in...read more

Mar 13, 6:55 PM by DatRandomDude | Discuss (6 comments)

	Poll: Look Back Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 ) IzanaSolos - Jun 14	137 replies	by Montagrus »» 9 hours ago
	I didn’t enjoy it as much as everyone else, am I stupid? ( 1 2 ) someguy - Nov 8	61 replies	by fitzthefast »» Nov 14, 7:51 AM
	Look Back and Kyoto Animation incident Bagus_Resol - Nov 11	16 replies	by luffysenchou »» Nov 12, 2:48 PM
	Animation style reminds me of science saru Runasius - Oct 19	7 replies	by hjhjjhmggyg »» Nov 10, 5:48 AM
	Amazing performance of Mizuki Yoshida as Kyoumoto celebes - Nov 8	1 replies	by Fauri »» Nov 9, 6:40 AM