Look Back, 2026.
Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda.
Starring Natsuki Deguchi, Aju Makita, Fuuri Nanase, Rokka Okada, Masaki Suda, Kankuro Kudo, Kayo Noro, Ryo Ikeda, Miyu Sasaki, and Maho Yamada.
SYNOPSIS:
Two manga artists meet and develop a bond over making manga.
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot web manga Look Back was something of a phenomenon on publication in 2021, spawning a highly successful anime adaptation in 2024. Some fans may have groaned in displeasure hearing there would be a live-action adaptation in 2026 but their ears may have piqued when hearing it is from acclaimed Palmes d’or winning director Hirokazu Koreeda (Shoplifters, Monster).
The film chronicles the friendship of Fujino, a popular student, and Kyomoto, a far more reclusive and socially anxious classmate and their shared bond of manga drawing and storytelling. The main point of difference between the two takes on the source material is the length; while the anime film is just under an hour, this live-action version is over 90 minutes, allowing Koreeda to explore more of the story, adding new intricacies and subtleties. The visual language is also unique, paying homage to the manga and anime while being a breathtaking visual work in its own right that chronicles the changing season, and beauty of nature. Senzo Ueno’s cinematography is subtle but potent.
Look Back is a loving tribute to the power of storytelling and the arts, conveyed in the manga/anime and captured here. The film will likely resonate with young creatives, especially those who have formed friendships through the arts. It showcases the impact art has on the community and its power to bring out sides of us we didn’t know existed. Rather than feeling like a carbon copy of the anime, the additions feel earned, plenty of breathing room as we watch the creatives of work, whether that is basking in the glory of nature or hard at work at desks; it never feels boring. As with the manga, there is a twist that works well whether familiar with the story or new to it.
Natsuki Deguchi and Aju Makita are a delightful central pairing and the shift in ages feels eerie, the younger versions of the characters also compelling. So much rides on the pair and their friendship and its ups and downs feels wholly organic. With both films dealing with childhood and the relationships of youngsters, this feels oddly in conversation with Monster, coming at it from a lighter perspective but also a natural progression, expanding on themes explored in that film.
Look Back is another winning film from Hirokazu Koreeda, maybe lighter than some of his other work, but it still has all his trademarks and packs an emotional punch in a few places. It is carried by the wonderful central performances with some gorgeous visuals and ethereal score from Yuta Bandoh it builds on the anime film and is a worthwhile second adaptation of the manga. Those unfamiliar with the story will still find plenty to enjoy in a film that feels like a companion piece to the anime, building on it rather than taking away from it, and justifies existing in its own right, often excelling.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Chris Connor
Originally published October 18, 2026. Updated October 19, 2026.
