How to Watch Look Back (2024) Anime Movie – Full Streaming Guide

Look Back (Japanese: ルックバック, Hepburn: Rukku Bakku) is a powerful 2021 one-shot manga by acclaimed artist and writer Tatsuki Fujimoto, best known for his work on Chainsaw Man. This coming-of-age, drama-filled story captures the bittersweet journey of two young artists whose shared passion for manga becomes a catalyst for personal growth, rivalry, and, ultimately, tragedy. In 2024, Look Back was adapted into an animated film, directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama and produced by Studio Durian, bringing Fujimoto's heartfelt narrative to life on the big screen.

Plot Summary

At the heart of Look Back is the story of Ayumu Fujino, a young, ambitious artist who finds herself striving to improve after meeting Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate with extraordinary artistic talent. Fujino, once praised for her art in her school’s newspaper, feels overshadowed when Kyomoto’s illustrations begin to surpass her own. Fueled by jealousy and admiration, Fujino devotes herself to honing her craft, but her obsession alienates her from friends and family.

As they grow older, Fujino reconnects with Kyomoto, realizing that her rival had always admired her work. The two become fast friends, working together to create manga that receives critical acclaim. However, their artistic paths soon diverge, with Fujino continuing in the world of serialized manga while Kyomoto opts to pursue formal art education.

The turning point comes when Kyomoto becomes a victim in a tragic mass murder at her art school. Overcome with grief and guilt, Fujino questions her life's choices, believing that her influence led Kyomoto down a dangerous path. In a surreal twist, Fujino imagines herself traveling back in time, trying to change Kyomoto’s fate and save her. The ending leaves readers with a moving meditation on the value of friendship, creativity, and the struggle to find meaning in the face of loss.

Characters

• Ayumu Fujino – The protagonist, a talented but insecure young artist who is driven by a mix of rivalry and friendship with Kyomoto. Her dedication to art becomes both her greatest strength and her deepest burden.
• Kyomoto – A reclusive artist with a natural gift for drawing, who admires Fujino from afar. Her bond with Fujino leads to a brief, bright collaboration before tragedy strikes.

Manga Success and Impact

Upon its release on July 19, 2021, on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ platform, Look Back was an immediate success, reaching over 4 million reads within two days. Its relatable themes of rivalry, the pursuit of perfection, and coping with loss resonated deeply with readers, while its realistic yet surreal art style drew widespread acclaim. The manga topped several end-of-year lists, including Kono Manga ga Sugoi! and was even nominated for the prestigious Manga Taishō Award in 2022. The manga has been published internationally by Viz Media, introducing a global audience to Fujimoto’s uniquely emotional storytelling.

Anime Adaptation

In February 2024, Look Back was adapted into an anime film by Studio Durian. The film, directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, stayed true to the source material’s emotional depth, while expanding on the visual storytelling that Fujimoto fans had come to love. With a score composed by Haruka Nakamura, the anime beautifully captured the melancholic and reflective mood of the manga. The theme song, "Light Song" by Urara, added another layer of poignancy to the film.

Premiering in Japanese theaters on June 28, 2024, the film quickly garnered critical acclaim, grossing over $6 million in its first few weeks. It also made a notable international debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, solidifying its place as one of the standout anime films of the year.

Themes and Legacy

At its core, Look Back is about the complexities of creative expression and the relationships forged through art. It explores how individuals measure their worth against others, the loneliness that often accompanies the pursuit of perfection, and the unpredictable nature of life and death. Fujimoto’s ability to weave real-life tragedy into a narrative about art and human connection gives Look Back a lasting impact, making it more than just a manga or anime—it is a reflection on the fragility of life and the enduring power of creation.

The story’s sensitive handling of grief and trauma also resonated with audiences, particularly in Japan, where the memory of the Kyoto Animation arson attack still lingers. While Look Back initially faced controversy over a scene resembling the incident, the scene was altered after its release to address concerns about mental health representation.

Look Back stands out as a masterwork of storytelling, blending deeply personal themes with broader questions about life, art, and legacy. Tatsuki Fujimoto's talent for emotional complexity shines through in both the manga and its anime adaptation. As Fujino and Kyomoto’s journey continues to touch hearts worldwide, Look Back proves that great art transcends the boundaries of medium and genre, offering a timeless reflection on the human experience.

How can I watch Look Back (2024)?
You can stream Look Back on various platforms such as GKIDS in North America, with its premiere in theaters on October 4, 2024. Availability on other streaming platforms will vary by region.

Is Look Back available on Netflix?
As of now, Look Back is not available on Netflix. However, check local streaming services like GKIDS or Crunchyroll for updates on where it will be available.

What is Look Back about?
Look Back follows the story of two young manga artists, Fujino and Kyomoto, as they grow through rivalry and friendship, exploring their passion for art, life challenges, and deep emotional connections.

Is Look Back based on a manga?
Yes, Look Back is a one-shot manga written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto, originally published in 2021 on Shonen Jump+.

Who are the main characters in Look Back?
The story centers around Ayumu Fujino, a talented manga artist, and Kyomoto, her reclusive classmate, who both find meaning and purpose in creating manga together.

Who directed the Look Back anime film?
The anime film adaptation of Look Back is directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, known for his unique storytelling and visual direction.

What is the runtime of Look Back (2024)?
The Look Back anime film has a runtime of 58 minutes.

What genre is Look Back?
Look Back falls under the genres of coming-of-age, drama, and horror thriller, combining emotional depth with artistic exploration.

Is Look Back suitable for all audiences?
Look Back deals with mature themes, including loss, creativity, and emotional struggles, making it more suitable for older teens and adult viewers.

Did Look Back win any awards?
While the anime film's release is recent, the manga has received widespread acclaim and multiple accolades, including being nominated for the 2023 Eisner Award.

Is there an English version of Look Back?
Yes, an English-subtitled version of Look Back is available, and GKIDS has licensed the film for release in North America.

Where can I find the Look Back manga?
You can read the Look Back manga online via platforms like Viz Media and Manga Plus. A physical edition is also available for purchase.