Look Back was the penultimate anime on the Saturday of the week-long Scotland Loves Anime. We’ve four anime, including two UK premieres, on the Sunday roster and they’ve Look Back to beat to the crown of best of the fest.
The director of Look Back is Kiyotaka Oshiyama of Devilman: Crybaby (key animation) and Chainsaw Man (devil designer). So don’t expect a wholesome story!
We start with elementary school student Fujino lording up the praise she gets from her classmates for her funny and imaginative 4-panel manga. That queen bee position is challenged by Kyomoto, who won’t go to school but has submitted her 4-panel manga for the school newspaper to run.
These two girls are worlds apart and yet connected through manga.
Look Back is a great anime.
Look Back look and feel
Look Back is a visually striking anime film with a unique art style that merges detailed backgrounds with abstract “manga moments” alongside expressive character animation. The film employs a muted colour palette to highlight the passage of time and convey a melancholic tone. The animation is fluid and expressive, effectively capturing the nuances of the characters’ emotions and interactions.
Look Back‘s overall feel is introspective and isolating despite the bridges built in it. The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing for moments of contemplation and reflection. With its melancholic piano melodies, the soundtrack complements the visuals and enhances the story’s emotional impact. While there are moments of levity and humour, the film’s overall tone is one of wistful remembrance and the bittersweet beauty of fleeting moments.
Characters and plot
Look Back is a moving exploration of art, friendship, and loss centred around two young girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, who connect through their shared passion for creating manga.
The plot follows their evolving relationship, from rivals to collaborators, and their profound impact on each other’s lives. While the narrative takes a tragic turn, it ultimately delivers a powerful message about the enduring legacy of creativity and the importance of cherishing human connection.
The characters in Look Back are remarkably well-developed, particularly Fujino and Kyomoto. Their personalities, insecurities, and artistic journeys are portrayed with nuance and authenticity. Though less prominent, the supporting characters contribute to the story’s emotional depth. The film excels at capturing the subtle nuances of human interaction, showcasing the characters’ growth and the complexities of their relationships.
Overall
Look Back is a masterfully crafted anime that must surely resonate with viewers emotionally. Its poignant story, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals make it a truly unforgettable experience.
🍻 Sponsor: Cheers, Dusk Wave Arts and Barheim, the beer tower defence game, for enabling our Scotland Loves Anime trip.
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