‘Look Back’ Review: Kore-eda’s Manga Adaptation Finds Emotional Resonance Beyond Its Early Sentimentality

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s live-action adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s manga “Look Back” navigates a predominantly child-centric world where adults are nearly invisible, creating an initial barrier of excessive sweetness for some viewers.

Based on the same source material that was animated in 2024, the film follows fourth-grader Fujino, portrayed by Furi Nanase, who dominates her school through her popular manga creations. Her status is threatened when Kyomoto, played by Rokka Okada, a reclusive classmate, begins producing impressively advanced comics, prompting Fujino to neglect her relationships in favor of reclaiming her position at the top.

By elementary school graduation, Fujino is tasked with delivering Kyomoto’s diploma. After leaving one of her own strips under the other girl’s door, she is met by Kyomoto, who recognizes Fujino as a “sensei” or master. This encounter sparks an inseparable creative partnership: Fujino handles storytelling and figure drawing, while Kyomoto creates the backgrounds.

As teenagers, the duo gains recognition from a Shueisha editor, played by Masaki Suda, leading to rapid professional success. However, tensions rise when high school ends; while the editor offers them a serialized series, Kyomoto expresses a desire to attend art school. Fujino, portrayed as a prima donna by Natsuki Deguchi, views this as betrayal and resolves to pursue fame independently.

The film’s sound design highlights the contrast between traditional graphite on paper and digital tools, complemented by Yuta Bandoh’s score. Kore-eda emphasizes seasonal transitions, shifting from bright summers to snowy winters, though the director opts for a generally pale, diffused light palette that eventually contrasts with the vibrant manga animation inserts used in the film’s conclusion.