Look Back: Continúa dibujando

Tatsuki Fujimoto's "Look Back" was a fantastic manga which offered a deeply introspective and thought-provoking look into the mind of the artist himself - a self-reflection on his journey to becoming a successful manga artist, from creating short stories as a kid to writing one of Jump's latest big hits. This adaptation introduces us to Fujino and Kyomoto, two talented and passionate girls who expertly represent the internal ideological debate regarding the very essence of creating art and pursuing goals. Simultaneously, the film tells an emotional tale of the bond between these young artists - although going into detail would involve major spoilers, due to the multitude of heart-shattering twists and turns in just 60 short minutes of runtime.

As a story about art and passion, it is only natural that the film's production would mirror these qualities expertly. Kiyotaka Oshiyama is one of the most interesting creatives in Japan's animation industry, and, so far, this is certainly his greatest work. With a relatively small team, he has managed to craft one of the most visually appealing pieces of animation I've ever seen - single-handedly producing, directing, screenwriting, designing, storyboarding and supervising - and animating absurd portions of the film. Breathtaking work, and inkeeping with the message of Fujimoto's brilliant story.

For bonus points: Haruka Nakamura's soundtrack is amazing, especially the main theme "Light song".

Look Back perhaps may not become a mainstream hit, but will certainly be remembered by those who watched it as a heartfelt, emotional, beautifully-crafted film with an incredible attention to detail.

10/10, without a doubt. This is the type of film that changes lives.

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.

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.