Look Back is a Japanese anime short that’s directed arguably by One Piece one shot artist Tatsuki Fujimoto, who is mostly recognized for the popular manga series Chainsaw Man and Fire Punch. The short for which the following synopsis has been written was also released on July 19, 2021, and it marries the girl which is also a one-shot manga drawn by Fujimoto which was published by Shueisha. The story sets on the basis of friendship, love, remorse, and improving oneself in the context of two childhood friends who are strong admirers of drawing.
The plot revolves around two girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, who are classmates at a primary school. Fujino is a popular girl with an inclination and passion for sketching if. The fellow students in the school newspaper compliment her and amply encourage her during class sessions. Fearing further controversy, the school paper also publishes her articles, contributing to her already elevated self image.
Chances began changing when Kyomoto, a timid and socially inept adolescent, drew a stunning piece that was far better than what Fujino did. Kyomoto’s Romanesque sketches drew her jealousy, and as a result, Fujino’s faith was shaken. But still, the curiosity inside of her compels her to reach out to Kyomoto and go to her house, in hopes of meeting the amazing artistic. But Kyomoto was more shy than she imagined, and she only left her room when she needed something because of her anxiety.
To Fukuzawa’s delight, the two girls quickly develop a strong friendship built on shared interests and love in art. While Fujino finds it easy to let loose and draw without the restraints of her headspace, Kyomoto gives her a strong reason to settle down and start perfecting her technique. As they grow older, however, their paths start to part, as Fujino goes on to become a manga artist, and Kyomoto heads to art school.
However, after a horrible event, Fujino is left shocked and heartbroken: The school which Kyomoto attended was broken into and attacked. Only able to imagine the scene, the news left Fujino blank, too pained and regretful, wondering if spending more time together with Kyomoto could have helped. And then the story takes an interesting turn, detailing what could be depicted as brutal turbulence in a young girl’s mind, that is: what if she was able to save Kyomoto instead? This segment in particular gives us an idea of what is perceived as one of the major flaws in every individual, or rather one of their greatest fears, which is to question one’s own self-worth.
In the end, See You Tomorrow encapsulates the themes of loss, remembrance, and the inherent power of friendship. If those left behind by the past troubled him, along with dreams long gone and words truly unfit for employment, then Fujino, if anything, stood as hope for him born through perseverance: despite being a dark reality, it offered love that couldn’t wither away.
Cast & Crew:
Since Look Back is an animated film, the voice acting and the creative team is important in providing the characters’ and their story with life.
Director & Writer: Tatsuki Fujimoto – He is known for his effective storytelling and is also the one in charge of handling Look Back, the anime adaption of his own manga. Usual motifs of loss, friendship and deep philosophical undertones are themes that are sure to be evident in the film as well.
Studio: Madhouse – The studio has also worked on One Punch Man and Death Note and their animation work was incredibly well done. The mi chigan adaption Look Back is well upgraded with some animation aspects and features that will enhance Fujimotos manga.
The emotion and aesthetic ar have been paired together really well in this movie. From an active classroom in Fujino’s memories to a somber art studio in Kayomoto’s thoughts, the animation beautifully portrays mundanity. The narrative is also use the subduing colors and simple sound effects to focus on the sadness and agonizing feelings that the story intends to bring forth.
Themes and Symbolism:
As for Look Back, one of its core themes is how art works as both a fort for oneself and a passage to others. Fujino derives postive reinforcement from people with regards to her art, while Kyomoto is self-driven and his art is passion based. Their partnership fosters their improvement in multiple areas, and also in terms of emotions.
The unfortunate classroom shooting is unsettling and goes a long way in showing the unpredictable nature of life. It is likely that the Fujimoto’s stylistic choice to use this plot point, characteristically based on historical events, to embellish the story makes it rather graphic. It goes without saying that this gives viewers a sense of how precarious life is and the irrational burdens of guilt that survivors remarkably bear. The metaphor of post trauma Kyomoto showing hostility during a cinematic scene where Fujino quotes ” Time to go back” -to “save” Kyomoto places humanity back to its dilemma of attempting to rewrite tragedies of the past even when its futile.
Fujino’s and Kyomoto’s lives differ and resemble at the same time, and this brings and accentuates another broad theme which is the idea of duality. Despite these two different ways, both girls has to share memories of Kyomoto’s struggles with social anxiety and depression and isolation from anything/envy for anything to do meaning.
Part II: Critical Reception:
Look Back projection critics were all in appreciate mood; on the days of it’s release and later. The appraisal comes as a result of great emotional arc of the anime, stunning visuals and an IDEAL plot which the IMDB fans strongly rated (8.6-9.0 on the desired adaption score). Followers of Tatsuki Fujimoto previously said he does not talk – he rather is human with all the right emotions as he keeps silence.
It was said that by the critics, Look Back is an emotional experience on loss and the way to heal. In the film, many people were able to relate to the feeling of being powerless to prevent a tragedy, as well as to the feeling of their gut being wrenched by unhappy memories of a departed loved one. Some, however, remarked that the use of the violent attack in the movie was placed arbitrarily and seemed out of place with the emotions of the story. Others believed that it served as one of the strategies in the narrative to illustrate the larger ideas of blind violence and the ideas of inevitability and regret.
Conclusion:
Look Back has nailed the themes of friendship, ambition, and the heavier topic of grief. The character Tatsuki Fujimoto shows true skill in writing and draws out the viewer’s emotions and emotions of the character that causes them to think about themselves in relation to any person and life’s vulnerable side. Once again the aura and the spirit of animation stands strong for the film’s possibility of articulation of deep and complex feelings that are made possible with resolved thoughts even during gentle moments.
Look Back has more than enough emotion intertwined with its animation, art style , and compelling themes, its more than fitting to say that it is a modern day anime classic, that hits home for anyone that has ever dealt with loss, nostalgia, or the feeling of time moving forward and never coming back.
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