I don’t know how to introduce a movie like “Look Back.” Recently released on Amazon Prime Video, this Japanese film runs less than a full hour, features only two named characters, and it broke my heart.
Inspired by a one-shot manga published in Shōnen Jump during the summer of 2021, Tatsuki Fujimoto’s story spans multiple years and details the trials and tribulations of the friendship between aspiring artists Fujino and Kyomoto. I won’t say more than that, which leaves me as a reviewer conflicted. I want to say more, but I know if I reveal any more the film loses it’s emotional weight. I went into the movie blind, and I suggest you do the same.
Writer's note: I went into the film so blind, I did not even piece together until the writing of this article that Tatsuki Fujimoto is far more known for another work: “Chainsaw Man.” If you gave me an infinite amount of guesses as to what his more famous published work was, we'd be here all day.
I say that, and yet I haven’t given you reason beyond a general plot synopsis on why you should watch it. Let me remedy that. The film’s animation is beautiful, ranging from a variety of styles to represent the changing art styles of both characters, as well as featuring beautiful landscapes and still moments. The film uses its short run time to great effect; the pacing is fast but not to the point of confusion. Montages and dialogue clearly establish the changing time frame, and I never felt lost in the quick narrative. Despite this pace, big moments have time to breathe. Throughout the film, there were no scenes I felt that went by too fast, nor too slowly. The screenplay and story lend itself well to this condensed runtime. Not a second feels unnecessary, and I feel there’s no additions that would have benefitted the film.
With Japanese animated films, there’s often the discussion between subtitled films or English dubs over the original dialogue. I opted for the English dubbed voices, but with the original subtitles that accompany the Japanese audio. I feel that the English dub had nuances added to the dialogue not in the English scripted subtitles, but if I were to enjoy the film in Japanese as intended (and with a better understanding of the language than I currently have) I would see the depth of language there as well. The vocal performances of Valerie Lohman and Grace Lu as Fujino and Kyomoto respectively fuel the film, delivering both the comedy and tension expertly.
The film was produced by Studio Durian, with the director Kiyotaka Oshiyama serving as screenwriter and character designer as well. Oshiyama has served as an animator on films such as Studio Ghibli’s “The Boy and the Heron,” “Arrietty” and “The Wind Rises” as well as the second entry in the “Neon Genesis Evangelion” reboot series. This is his second directorial feature.
I hesitate to say more about the plot. I feel there’s no way to sell this movie other than doing so, because it truly is so plot-driven beyond what I’ve already said here. Beautiful visuals and great performances only do so much if the film is not well written and heartfelt. All I can do as a reviewer is assure you that the movie is one of the most touching, heartbreaking films I’ve seen in recent memory. In under an hour, the artists deliver a film that is truly moving, and tells a beautiful story about friendship, love and pursuing our passions.
“Look Back” did more in less than an hour than I have seen some films do in twice as much time, and it does so beautifully. While I’m aware I did not go fully in to the film’s intricacies, I feel that would rob you, the audience, of discovering it for yourself. If nothing else, take my word on this: “Look Back” is a movie worth watching.
