Look Back (2024)
Look Back is a heartfelt, beautifully animated film about art and connection, leaving you both heartbroken and deeply inspired.
When I sat down to watch Look Back, I wasn’t quite prepared for the emotional ride ahead. By the end, I felt both hopeful and utterly devastated—one of those rare films that lifts you up and breaks your heart at the same time. It’s a beautifully animated gem that feels like a quiet celebration of artistry and connection. Based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga, the story follows two young manga artists, Fujino and Kyomoto, as their rivalry blossoms into an unforgettable friendship.
The animation in this film is something special. From Fujino’s carefree run in the rain to the delicate montages of her and Kyomoto working side by side, every frame is crafted with such care. The visuals don’t just tell the story—they draw you into it. And the score? It’s so soothing that it feels like a warm hug, balancing the intensity of the narrative’s highs and lows. Haruka Nakamura’s music complements the visuals perfectly, making the emotional beats land even harder.
What really stuck with me was how well the story and structure were put together. The film explores themes like ambition, loss, and the redemptive power of art in a way that feels so personal. Watching Fujino and Kyomoto grow, both together and apart, was deeply moving. Their journey is both inspiring and heartbreaking, reminding me of how passion can bring people together but also pull them apart.
That said, I do wish the film had a little more time to breathe. At just under an hour, it left me wanting more, especially when it came to Kyomoto’s backstory. A few moments felt like they could’ve used more development to fully hit their mark. Even so, the film’s pacing and emotional depth were impressive for such a short runtime.
Smash Hit Score: 8.5/10
Look Back is a powerful, bittersweet experience that left me thinking about it long after the credits rolled. It’s not just a story about creating art—it’s about why we create and how those creations connect us to each other. If you’re a fan of anime, heartfelt stories, or just want something that makes you feel, this one’s worth your time.
