Look Back

Fujino is the class favorite thanks to her funny comics in the school newspaper, but her comfortable place shifts when a teacher asks her to share the comic page with Kyomoto, a quiet truant whose delicate, striking illustrations turn heads. What begins as admiration for Kyomoto's talent quickly hardens into jealousy, and the two girls start measuring their worth against each other's art. The film follows the small, everyday moments that heighten that rivalry and the softer interactions that follow, showing how their shared love of drawing changes what success and friendship mean to them. It keeps the focus intimate and careful, quietly.

Released in 2024, Look Back was created by Kiyotaka Oshiyama with collaboration from manga author Tatsuki Fujimoto. The voice cast includes Yuumi Kawai, Mizuki Yoshida and others, and the production favors intimate, character-driven animation with select festival screenings and subtlety.

Look Back saw a limited theatrical run in 2024, and no widely reported worldwide gross is available; its reach was shaped more by critical attention and fan discussion than by box office numbers. Its long-term audience grew via online discussion.

Fujimoto's association brought attention from manga readers, and the film sparked online conversations about artistic rivalry, school life, and creative loss. Several scenes and images circulated widely among fans, fueling discussion. It prompted essays about the ethics of artistic influence and inspired fan artwork and commentary across social platforms, widely.

Critics and viewers gave Look Back generally strong ratings, reflected in an 8.064/10 average from 455 votes. Reviews highlighted its intimate study of jealousy, mentorship, and the risks of creative ambition, noting the emotional tone and detailed artwork. Many commented on its restrained pacing and truthful performances, and on the film's subtle symbolism.