Look Back (2024)
A luminous Japanese animated film about two young manga artists whose rivalry quietly becomes one of the most moving friendships in recent cinema.
Look Back - Movie Information
- Original Title: ルックバック
- Release Year: 2024
- Directed by: Kiyotaka Oshiyama
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 58m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 28, 2024 (Japan - G), October 6, 2024 (United States - NR), October 6, 2024 (Canada), October 25, 2024 (United Kingdom), October 1, 2024 (Germany - 12), September 18, 2024 (France), October 25, 2024 (India - U), October 24, 2024 (Australia - PG), September 26, 2024 (Brazil - 12), September 26, 2024 (Mexico), October 1, 2024 (Spain - 12), September 5, 2024 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: 驀然回首 (TW), LOOK BACK: Continúa Dibujando (MX), 蓦然回首 (CN), LOOK BACK (US), 룩 백 (KR), به گذشته بنگر (IR), ลุค แบ็ค (TH), Rukku Bakku (JP)
- Production Companies: Studio Durian, avex pictures, Shueisha
- Production Countries: Japan
Look Back - Plot
Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share the space with Kyomoto, a truant recluse whose beautiful artwork sparks a competitive fervor in Fujino. What starts as jealousy transforms when Fujino realizes their shared passion for drawing.
Look Back - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the world of Look Back come to life:
Manga drew them together. Life made them best friends.
Where to Watch Look Back
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Look Back - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Main Cast
- Yuumi Kawai
- Mizuki Yoshida
- Yoichiro Saito
- Kota Oka
- Kureha Maki
- Koya Yoshihashi
- Takeshi Miyajima
- Daisuke Takahashi
- Jun Ito
- Kaori Takeuchi
Writers
- Kiyotaka Oshiyama
Producers
- Kazuto Matsumura
- Ryo Oyama
- Shinya Shinozaki
Look Back - FAQs
What is Look Back about?
Look Back follows Fujino, a popular elementary schooler who draws comics for her class newspaper, and Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate with breathtaking artistic talent. What begins as jealousy slowly transforms into a profound friendship rooted in their shared love of manga. It's a deeply moving story about creativity, loss, and the bonds art can forge.
Is Look Back based on a manga?
Yes! Look Back is adapted from a one-shot manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man. Originally published on Jump+ in 2021, the manga became a massive hit almost overnight, praised for its emotional depth and stunning artwork. The film stays remarkably faithful to its source material.
Where can I stream Look Back?
You can stream Look Back on Amazon Prime Video — it's available both with a standard Prime subscription and through Amazon Prime Video with Ads. It's a short watch at just under an hour, making it easy to fit into an evening.
Does Look Back have a sad ending?
Look Back is emotionally intense and deals with grief, loss, and the question of whether art can change the world. Without spoiling too much, the ending is bittersweet — heartbreaking in places, yet ultimately a quiet celebration of creativity and the enduring power of friendship. Bring tissues.
Who are the main voice actors in Look Back?
The film features Yuumi Kawai as the spirited Fujino and Mizuki Yoshida as the introverted Kyomoto. Their performances carry the entire emotional weight of the story, and both deliver remarkably nuanced voice work that makes the friendship feel completely real and deeply affecting.
How long is Look Back?
Look Back runs just 58 minutes — unusually short for a theatrical animated feature. But don't let that fool you. Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama packs an extraordinary emotional journey into that runtime, making it feel both intimate and epic. It's one of the most efficient pieces of storytelling in recent anime cinema.
How was Look Back received by critics?
Look Back earned widespread critical acclaim upon release, praised for its gorgeous hand-drawn animation, emotional honesty, and its sensitive portrayal of artistic ambition and grief. Many critics called it one of the finest anime films in years, drawing comparisons to the best of Studio Ghibli in terms of emotional resonance.
Is Look Back suitable for younger audiences?
Look Back is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States and carries a G rating in Japan. However, the film deals with themes of grief and tragedy that may be intense for very young children. It's best suited for older teens and adults, particularly those who appreciate thoughtful, emotionally layered storytelling.
More About Look Back
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