Look Back (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Look Back, directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama and adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga, is an anime film that leaves an indelible mark. Running just under an hour, this Japanese anime dives deep into the lives of two young, aspiring manga artists—Fujino and Kyomoto—whose contrasting personalities and shared passion for drawing bring them together in a moving, visually compelling journey of creativity, rivalry, and friendship.
As of now, Look Back is showing in select theaters across the U.S., but it’s expected to soon be available for streaming on popular platforms. In this review, we’ll explore its themes, cinematic style, and where to look for it online in the coming months.
Plot and Characters: A Story of Rivalry and Kinship
In Look Back, we meet two middle-school girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, who could not be more different. Fujino, outgoing and ambitious, is a school sensation, regularly publishing her comics in the school paper and thriving on the applause. Kyomoto, on the other hand, is a reclusive, introverted artist who remains absent from school but displays incredible skill in her art.
The film’s story is driven by the initial rivalry between Fujino and Kyomoto. Fujino’s competitive nature is ignited when her teacher asks her to share the spotlight with Kyomoto. At first, Fujino feels jealousy towards Kyomoto’s exceptional art. However, as the two girls eventually meet and form an unlikely bond, they grow closer, each finding in the other a complement to their own artistic aspirations. Through shared moments of quiet, mutual respect, and inspiration, Look Back delves into how competition can evolve into friendship and support, showing how the two girls motivate one another to reach new heights in their art.
Visual Style and Direction
Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama uses a unique, understated animation style that gives Look Back a raw, almost sketch-like quality, matching the film’s themes of artistic struggle. Rather than emphasizing the stylized, high-energy scenes typical of many anime productions, Look Back lets each frame breathe, almost like a piece of classical music. Each scene is imbued with a stillness and realism, allowing viewers to feel the passage of time and the intensity of each character’s emotions.
A particularly moving sequence occurs when Fujino and Kyomoto are seen drawing late into the night, their workspaces lit only by the soft glow of their desk lamps. This attention to detail, combined with Haruka Nakamura’s hauntingly beautiful score, draws the viewer into the painstaking efforts that both girls invest in their art, underlining the film’s exploration of the creative process.
Themes: Art, Life, and the Passage of Time
At its core, Look Back is about the ephemeral nature of life and the quest for meaning through creativity. Oshiyama brings a reflective, almost philosophical approach to the film, using the short 53-minute runtime to present a powerful exploration of how art serves as both a sanctuary and a burden. The film subtly weaves in themes of mortality and the urgency of existence, reminding audiences of the fragility of life and the transient nature of creative achievement.
The characters’ journey reaches a poignant climax when a real-life tragic event, loosely inspired by the Kyoto Animation arson incident, shifts the narrative tone, underscoring the risks that come with dedicating one’s life to art. This sequence is handled with a sensitivity that amplifies the film’s existential message: while life’s achievements may be fleeting, the friendships and shared passions we experience are what ultimately give life its meaning.
Predictions on Where to Stream Look Back
Currently, Look Back is available in theaters, but it is expected to be released on various streaming platforms soon. Given the film’s affiliation with GKIDS, which often collaborates with streaming giants like Netflix and HBO Max, Look Back might become available on one or both of these platforms in the near future. Anime fans can also keep an eye on JustWatch for updates regarding its online availability, as well as on the official GKIDS website for announcements.
In the U.S., popular rental and purchase platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu may also host Look Back as an on-demand option following its theatrical run.
To stay updated on where to stream Look Back, check JustWatch regularly, as it provides real-time updates on streaming availability across platforms.
Conclusion
Look Back is a moving portrayal of creativity, rivalry, and friendship that captures the bittersweet experience of dedicating oneself to art. Kiyotaka Oshiyama’s direction, paired with Tatsuki Fujimoto’s storytelling, crafts a film that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever pursued a creative passion. The story of Fujino and Kyomoto reminds us that while life may be transient, the relationships and artistic pursuits we cherish can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
If you’re a fan of meaningful, beautifully animated films that delve into the lives of artists, make sure to watch Look Back when it becomes available online. Visit JustWatch to find streaming options in your region, or stay updated through GKIDS’s website for more release information.
