Movies News Talk
Look Back, a short story by Tatsuki Fujimoto of Chainsaw Man renown, had an emotional film adaptation as well as the original manga. Two heroes, Fujino and Kyomoto, have a friendship and manga alliance that is followed in the narrative; but, as they enter their adult years, their relationship suffers a tragic loss from which neither can totally recover.
Among Tatsuki Fujimoto's most grounded stories is Look Back. The story veers dramatically with Kyomoto's death following a touching portrayal of Fujino and Kyomoto's friendship. Fujino is left in a terrible state of depression and suffering as result.
The Last Notes of Look Back
Overwhelmed by loss, Fujino pauses her manga and visits Kyomoto's house after learning of her death. She discovers the comic strip she drew on a whim there that launched their friendship. She ruins it in a flash of wrath and self-blame. One panel, though, slides beneath Kyomoto's room door. Amazingly, this one panel goes back in time to the moment Kyomoto met Fujino, persuading Kyomoto not to go meet her.
Investigating the Parallel Timeline
Kyomoto still attends art school and becomes the target of a crazed man in this changed chronology. Luckily, Fujino, who lives nearby, steps in with karate expertise to save Kyomoto. Though apparently resolved to go back to manga, Fujino promises to pay Kyomoto assistant salary once she graduates. Returning home, Kyomoto creates a comic strip depicting Fujino saving her. Remarkably, this comic strip shows up in the original chronology where Fujino is still mourning Kyomoto.
The effects of grief and memory
Confused, Fujino bolts into Kyomoto's room only to discover it empty. A view of the window attests to the fact that the chronology whereby Fujino saved Kyomoto was only a fantasy escape from her loss. Along with several copies of her Shark Kick manga and the robe Fujino autographed, the comic of Fujino saving Kyomoto reminds her of the critical part their friendship performed in her artistic development. She understands Kyomoto would not want her to sink into hopelessness.
There is heartbreaking realism in Fujino's grief. Her dream of a world in which she might save Kyomoto emphasizes the terrible reality of her death. But the narrative ends in an emotionally cathartic note emphasizing the need of conquering tragedy and forward motion. The great direction of Kiyotaka Oshiyama captures the core of Fujino's trip, so improving the emotional impact of the movie.
Look Back is a moving and potent account of the great influence friendship has. The movie deftly captures the mixed nature of loss as well as the human spirit's fortitude against difficulty. Fujino's path reminds us that, even in the worst of times, remembering the love we had with those we have lost and finding strength will enable us to negotiate loss and forward with our life.