For many animation fans, Tatsuki Fujimoto has truly reached iconic status!
The Power of Tatsuki Fujimoto:
With series like Chainsaw Man, the author is really capturing a new level of talent and his one-shot story, Look Back, which came out in 2022, has brought about the perfect adaptation and really highlights what a genius this artist really is!
The anime adaptation, created by Studio Durian, gave everyone a way to see Fujimoto's awesome skills in animation! It became such a success it got rave reviews and really made a strong, lasting impact. Fans, like Hideo Kojima, were in love with it! "Look Back" made such a splash that it was announced it was getting a movie and would show up on screens everywhere. What could be more captivating! The director behind "Look Back,", Kiyotaka Oshiyama, took this unique project and made it a fantastic 60-minute film! Even though this one-shot is considered to be so great.
From Chainsaw Man to Look Back:
If you were interested in the origins of how this great collaboration began. The director had some exciting moments while bringing this Fujimoto story to life.
When Oshiyama was working on Chainsaw Man, it was actually his first introduction into Fujimoto's work. It was back in 2022 and he was working remotely. His job at MAPPA as a character designer.
Then he came across "Look Back". What happened was the story moved him to the point he knew it would have to be a great Film!
Bringing the Details To Life
Oshiyama wasn't only going to bring the visual elements of Fujimoto's artwork! The real key to the success of "Look Back" was that Oshiyama decided he had to ask this artist about his special processes!
He wanted to incorporate all those details from the story! There is so much effort to it, but then there is the artist behind the art. What could give the most powerful inspiration is just asking the author about the techniques they use, to make sure the final piece is something special! There is also a dedication from these creators that means getting down to the most subtle of elements.
- Oshiyama even wanted to know what Fujimoto's preferred "chair" was when working on these drawings.
- The special equipment was all part of what makes it unique.
- And there is a lot that goes into the process. To make the most stunning manga!
The art style of "Look Back" had a beautiful touch that gave audiences an appreciation of what it was like to go through the process.
- "Look Back", was so beautifully animated
- To get an incredible movie, the crew knew they had to go the extra mile!
- Oshiyama even incorporated some small elements that he picked up on during those sessions.
- Even when Fujimoto mentioned that he had no "ticks" or habits! What was interesting, that Oshiyama saw that Fujimoto, would do some small self-care as part of his drawing sessions. It involved giving his "eyebrows" a gentle massage.
- What was cool was Oshiyama incorporated all the most interesting aspects.
The Length of the Movie, "Look Back:"
When it came time to start working on "Look Back," there wasn't an intent to change the source material, however!
- What really got them working on a full-length movie. There were certain aspects that required more time to create!
- The end result was that it needed more time.
- The amazing Studio Durian and Oshiyama, felt that adding things was super essential to make sure the overall art would truly shine!
- That brought "Look Back", to 60 minutes!, making a perfect length for those wanting to get their fill of this one-shot!
- While audiences might think that 60 minutes is pretty fast! For "Look Back" this is exactly how long the series is in Japan and something they found appealing!
Casting Look Back The Film
When "Look Back" had to come to life with the voices! It had a perfect match for audiences and these voice actors brought so much of the story together. What made it more special, was the diversity of talent and how they cast!
- The talent brought to "Look Back" came from voice acting, television, and live-action!
- It was amazing to find that the talent had to feel genuine and organic for these characters.
- When Oshiyama chose the talented actors Yuuma Kawai and Mizuki Yoshida as Fujino and Kyomoto, those were choices that just made perfect sense.
It is not a surprise that fans would be excited to see what amazing work was being done! With incredible, unique style. The production was on point, it just went to show that there were so many amazing stories just waiting to be brought to life and make an impact on the world of animation!
For those who may have never had the chance to watch this series make sure you catch it! A masterpiece from beginning to end, the story of Look Back gives you the best of what this incredible, award-winning creator had to offer, giving fans around the world a masterpiece to experience and cherish forever.
