Look Back

Look Back (2024) is a Japanese animated short film directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama and produced by Studio Durian. It is based on the critically acclaimed one-shot manga of the same name by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man. The 62-minute film follows the deeply emotional and quietly devastating story of two girls—Fujino and Kyomoto—who bond over a shared love for drawing manga. Fujino, once the most praised artist in her school, feels threatened and inspired by the sudden emergence of Kyomoto, a reclusive prodigy. What begins as artistic rivalry soon evolves into genuine friendship, as they collaborate and pursue the dream of becoming professional manga artists. However, Look Back takes a dramatic turn as the narrative explores isolation, grief, artistic passion, and the lingering trauma of violence. Without spoiling key events, the story's emotional gut-punch hinges on real-world parallels and the fragile beauty of youth cut short. The film, like the manga, is subdued in tone, using minimalist yet expressive animation, subtle sound design, and pacing that favors emotional weight over plot density. Released in Japanese theaters on June 28, 2024, Look Back was praised for its fidelity to the original manga and its poignant cinematic execution. Though not a wide theatrical release internationally, it drew strong attention from anime fans, critics, and film festivals. The film grossed ¥180 million (approx. $1.2 million USD) in its opening week in Japan—a solid showing for a limited-run short film. Critics praised the film as a triumph of emotional storytelling. It currently holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (from a limited number of reviews) and received standing ovations at select international festival screenings. Many noted its ability to convey grief, creative purpose, and the impermanence of life in under 70 minutes—a rare feat. Reviewers called it "a quiet masterpiece" and "one of the best anime films of the decade, regardless of runtime." While Look Back was not eligible for major Western awards in 2024 due to its limited release window, it won Best Short Film at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and received critical honors in Japan for both direction and adaptation. It’s expected to feature heavily in upcoming end-of-year critics’ lists. The legacy of Look Back is already forming—it is being recognized as one of the most faithful and emotionally raw manga-to-anime adaptations in recent history. Its quiet power, thematic depth, and intimate storytelling solidify it as a must-watch for fans of serious, character-driven animation.