For long time fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto we’re finally get a movie adaptation of his beloved coming-of-age one shot Look Back. A story about friendship and growth that will face the four seasons of life.
SYNOPSIS
It starts with Fujino concentrating hard on creating her manga panels for their school newspaper. Mind you this is an awesome feat for a fourth grader, and she’s been consistently doing it too! Being always praised on how her drawings looks good and her storylines are always funny she has naturally believed that she’s the best. After school she gets asked by her teacher if she could give half of the comic slot to another person who also likes drawing. Being your average fourth grader, Fujino reluctantly agreed to share the spotlight. And once the new edition of the school newspaper came out, her competitive spirit was set on fire. The mysterious shut-in Kyomoto, whom she reluctantly shared her comics spot to, was better than her in drawing! The stark difference in level ignites Fujino to improve her drawing skills and eventually forms a beautiful friendship with Kyomoto.
THE PLOT
The first half was full of sunshine and youthfulness. From Fujino not wanting to loose turned to wanting to improve her craft and finding a true friend, Kyomoto, who also enjoys doing creative projects. Fujino being very comfortable of having Kyomoto by her side doing manga together had to face the reality of Kyomoto wanting to do something else. She wanted to go to an art university because she wants to be a better artist. Their parting was inevitable, but nobody expected it to be permanent. After a few years, Fujino had a call that her beloved friend was lost in a tragic incident.
No one expected this film to even tackle any heavy themes, especially loss, except for those who read the one shot already. To be honest I thought this was a happy, feel good, coming-of-age story. With no clues or foreshadowing of death I think it has truly made the feeling of sudden loss more raw, and the difficulties of moving away from grief more authentic. There was an alternate timeline where these two girls met when they’re both in university instead of when they were younger. A timeline where Kyomoto did not die. It was both beautiful and sad because we know that its not the real “reality”. The movie did a smooth take on the levels of grief despite the process being delicate.
Technicalities
The art was cleverly done. It grows and improves to its final form as the Fujino and Kyomoto grows up. From scenes where some movements are jerky, the background done a bit more “simpler” than what we usually see in anime films or series, to finally being cleaner and more well done. I love how their expressions has a hint of vintage art feel into them and not some just cutesy take on it. Also the consistent hand drawn feel throughout the whole film was really well made.
OVERALL VERDICT
Bright and youthful but still grounded to reality is something that I think this movie and the source material has succeeded in. Did I feel that it ended abruptly? Yes, because I dreamed of these two ladies meeting up again before the film ends or Fujino having a dedication to Kyomoto in her manga. Those were the two fantasies I had, but like in the story sometimes reality hits different. And like Fujino you eventually move on. But in all honesty, I think the film was great. All those feelings, hopes and thoughts in under 60 mins! Very nicely done.
SetsuAni would like to thank Warner Bros. Philippines and Encore Films for the opportunity and invitation to be one of the first to watch Look Back here in the Philippines, on the 27th of August 2024.
Leave a Comment