Koreeda Hirokazu’s Look Back explores the intricate connection between an artist and their past through the journey of young manga creator Fujino (Nanase Furi/Deguchi Natsuki). The film portrays Fujino’s dedication to her craft as she competes with another artist, Kyomoto (Okada Rokka/Makita Aju), who, despite being a shut-in and not attending classes, produces intricate manga illustrations. As they navigate their artistic rivalry, they discover mutual admiration, ultimately collaborating to capture the attention of a leading shōnen manga magazine.
Koreeda, adapting from Fujimoto Tatsuki’s acclaimed one-shot manga, takes a subtler approach, contrasting the more commercial source material with his characteristically naturalistic style. The film emphasizes the emotional journey of Fujino, who evolves from a competitive artist to a bestselling author, propelled by a gentle piano score by Bandoh Yûta.
The narrative touches on themes of personal growth, mortality, and the passage of time, reminiscent of Miyazaki Hayao’s My Neighbour Totoro. As Fujino faces personal tragedy, she reflects on her friendship with Kyomoto in an imaginative alternate history, reinforcing the idea that while we wish to rewrite the past, it ultimately leads us back to reality. The film poignantly illustrates how loss can serve as both an end and a beginning, inviting viewers to recognize the continuous nature of life beyond grief.
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