Review: “Look Back” is short but powerful

By Charlie Cruz     1/14/25 10:31pm

Rating: ★★★★★

“Look Back” is one of the best films of 2024. Inspired by the tragic 2019 Kyoto Animation arson attack, Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of “Chainsaw Man,” crafts a deeply moving tribute that transforms real-life sorrow into a story of resilience and connection. 

The arson attack, which claimed 36 lives and left many injured, devastated the animation and creative industries in Japan. Fujimoto's film draws from the weight of this tragedy, honoring the memory of those lost while reflecting on the fragility of life and the enduring power of art. With heartfelt storytelling and masterful direction, “Look Back” captivates audiences and leaves an indelible mark as a poignant meditation on grief, growth, and creativity.

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The story follows Fujino, a naturally gifted but overly confident manga artist, and her unexpected bond with Kyomoto, a reclusive and socially anxious classmate who turns out to be a master of detailed, scenic illustration. What starts as rivalry evolves into a profound friendship as the two collaborate on manga and push each other to grow as both artists and individuals. 

But when Kyomoto’s pursuit of art tragically ends in an attack inspired by the Kyoto Animation incident, Fujino is left grappling with guilt, grief and the meaning of their shared creative journey. The film delicately intertwines this narrative with themes of resilience, delivering a story that is as tender as it is heartbreaking.

There’s a sequence that captures the essence of this film: a moment in “Look Back” where Fujino walks through the rain. I wish I could fully describe the beauty of this scene — it is a symphony of animation, sound, and emotion. At first, her steps are cautious, hesitant, but soon they grow bigger and bolder until she’s skipping and kicking up water with unrestrained joy. It’s a wordless moment, yet it screams with emotion. 

In that simple scene, we feel everything Fujino is experiencing — relief, hope, and the surge of life that comes from a rekindled sense of purpose. It’s one of the year's most evocative sequences, perfectly capturing “Look Back”'s brilliance.

Fujimoto’s direction shines in depicting the unglamorous reality of creative work. Long hours hunched over desks, frustration and fleeting moments of joy are depicted with stunning authenticity. Yet, the film’s visuals elevate this monotony into something poetic, using the changing seasons, soft light and meticulous details to show how art reflects life itself. The looming tragedy inspired by the Kyoto Animation attack imbues every creative struggle and success with a sense of fragility. The characters rarely voice their deepest feelings, but the animation conveys everything through beautifully crafted imagery — making every frame resonate with emotion.

At its core, “Look Back” is a celebration of art’s enduring impact. It reminds us that creativity is not just about self-expression — it’s about connection, leaving pieces of ourselves in the lives of others. 

Fujino’s journey is a poignant reminder that even in the face of loss, the act of creating has the power to heal, inspire, and transform. Her bond with Kyomoto transcends the boundaries of time and tragedy, illustrating how art can immortalize relationships and preserve the memories of those we’ve lost. The resonance of the Kyoto Animation tragedy makes this all the more poignant, as the film becomes a meditation on how art and memory can transcend even the most devastating events.

“Look Back” is not just a film — it’s an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a masterful meditation on grief, resilience, and the invisible threads that connect us. 

By transforming the heartbreak of the Kyoto Animation tragedy into a story of hope and connection, Fujimoto has created a timeless work that stands as both a tribute to real-world tragedy and a universal story of growth, friendship, and the redemptive power of art. This is cinema at its most heartfelt and profoundly human. It is one of the best films of 2024, and you owe it to yourself to experience its beauty and grace.

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