5 Reasons to Watch Tatsuki Fujimoto's Look Back - And a Bonus!

Tatsuki Fujimoto, the brilliant and slightly eccentric creator of Chainsaw Man and Fire Punch, has once again surprised fans with the emotional adaptation of his one-shot Look Back to the big screen.

Although short, the film carries rare emotional depth, blending themes of art, loneliness, and friendship. If you haven’t seen this work yet, here are five reasons to give Look Back a chance.

Before we continue with the article, here’s a synopsis for those who aren’t familiar with the film:

Look Back follows the story of two young artists, Fujino and Kyomoto (Fujimoto?), who have entirely different skills and personalities but share a love for art.

Fujino is a confident girl who quickly gains recognition for her talents, while Kyomoto is more introverted but equally talented. Through their interactions and personal challenges, the film explores how art impacts their lives, while touching on deep themes like friendship, loneliness, insecurity, and loss. Look Back is a touching and delicate story about how art can bring people together and change lives, even in the face of adversity.

1. Brilliant Direction and Visuals

The adaptation of Look Back does its best to bring all the beauty of Fujimoto's original art to the screen with impressive visual care. Of course, it’s impossible to perfectly translate Fujimoto’s artwork to the big screen, but this adaptation comes remarkably close to perfection in this regard.

The animation does justice to the mangaka's unique style. Moreover, the use of creative angles and impactful cuts enhances the narrative’s power. In terms of art direction, this film only deserves praise.

2. A Reflection on Art and Creation

The central theme of Look Back is art and the impact it can have on people's lives. In the film, we follow Fujino and Kyomoto, two young artists with different talents, and see how art shapes their lives and friendships. The story explores creative pressure, the fear of failure, and the constant act of comparison, starting from the protagonists' childhood.

A point less discussed about this film is the feeling many artists have, that their worth is tied to the acceptance of their work. For those who are artists or deal with the creative process, the film touches on deep questions about the act of creation, the value of art, and the influence it has on human relationships. Even for non-artists, themes of insecurity and uncertainty connect much of the audience to the characters.

This dilemma is especially visible in Fujino, who initially feels superior in her talent but is soon confronted by Kyomoto’s technical level, awakening a feeling of inadequacy. The art lines capture this insecurity in a tangible way, showing how the creative process can be both a blessing and a curse. The feeling that “what we do is never good enough” is something many artists (and even non-artists) will relate to. For anyone who has dealt with creative block or the sensation that their worth is tied to the quality of their work, Look Back hits the mark. Even for non-artists, the film's themes of insecurity and uncertainty are universal, connecting viewers with the characters.

3. Emotionally Powerful

In just 62 minutes, Look Back can deeply touch the audience’s heart. The film is packed with emotions, ranging from loneliness and insecurity to the joy of connection and friendship, as previously mentioned. It conveys feelings in a raw and honest way, especially when dealing with loss and regret.

Have you ever felt like you could have done more for someone? Or worse, that you shouldn't have done something? Many viewers leave with a sense that the film stays with them long after the credits roll. Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster that may even bring a few tears.

4. Deeply Human Characters

Despite its short runtime, Fujimoto (and the team behind the adaptation) manage to create characters that are complex and full of depth. Fujino and Kyomoto are protagonists who are extremely human, with real desires, fears, and imperfections, especially their friendship, which develops organically.

Fujino, the confident artist who achieves early success, and Kyomoto, introverted and isolated, form a dynamic that resonates with anyone who has experienced a friendship of mutual growth. Their evolving relationship is one of the film's highlights.

5. A Simple Yet Impactful Story

At first glance, Look Back might seem like a simple story about two young artists. However, as the plot unfolds, the emotional impact and depth of the film become evident. The movie is a testament to the idea that stories don’t need to be complex, long, or big productions to be powerful.

In a straightforward and concise narrative, Look Back conveys profound lessons about friendship, tragedy, and overcoming, demonstrating that sometimes less is more. It’s perfect if you’re short on time.

Bonus: It’s by Fujimoto

And of course, we couldn’t exclude the most important reason: the original manga was written by Tatsuki Fujimoto. If that alone doesn’t convince you of the quality of the work, then no other argument will!

Joking aside, the film still has the oddness and surrealism that Fujimoto is known for, but this time it’s much more grounded. Fuji-sensei uses Kyomoto, the introverted protagonist, as a vehicle for the out-of-the-ordinary interactions, due to her social difficulties.

So rest assured, while it may not be Chainsaw Man, it still has the special touch of one of our favorite mangakas!

Look Back is a cinematic adaptation that encapsulates what makes Tatsuki Fujimoto such a special creator. With stunning visual direction, an emotionally rich plot, and deeply human and captivating characters, this film is a must-watch for both Fujimoto fans and anyone who appreciates profound and reflective stories.

If you haven’t watched it yet, Look Back promises to be a film that will stay with you for a long time. And if you’ve already seen it, let us know your thoughts! What are the film’s weak points? We’d love to hear your opinion!