In a mere 58 minutes Look Back captures the soul and reasons behind artists. The love and care put into this film is insurmountable. The culmination of Tatsuki Fujimotos heartfelt manga Kiyotaka Oshiyamas amazing direction Haruka Nakamuras moving soundtrack and the work of everyone from Studio DURIAN produced a touching film about being an artist friendship and reflecting on the lives we lived and shared without regret. Not a single shot edit or line goes to waste from its opening until the credits go by and the screen fades to black. Every moment contributes to the development of its two protagonists Fujino and Kyomoto as individuals friends and artists. Through three key viewstheir view of each other their selfperception and their view of their own artwe explore their frustrations insecurities strengths ambitions and passions. One of the most easily relatable aspects presented in Look Back is the universal experience of someone else being better or more talented which affects notions of our identity. At some point someone is reeling in waves of laughter scoring higher grades or shooting threepointers more consistently. Each of us reacts to these situations in a matter of ways. It can instill dread with the realization that we werent as good as we thought create walls to bolster our egos fuel a determination to improve so we arent left behind or perhaps itll be a part of a series of events thatll lead us to give up. In the case of artists shown through Fujino and Kyomoto insecurities and admiration of the others skills and ambitions drive them to become better artists. There is a push and pull that ropes them deeper into their art. Their view of themselves is influenced by their view of the other and vice versa. From drawing 4koma for their school paper to creating oneshots to be featured in volumes of Shnen Jump they constantly inspire growth in one another. And yet this passion and dedication are also put into question. With the fragility and shortness of life why put so many hours days and years into art? Is what youre doing even worth anything? When the whole process can be so mundane inconvenient or even miserable why go through it? Isnt it absurd to stake your life for something with zero guarantees and in the end may lead to nothing? Why do you draw? Art isnt glamorous and sometimes torturestwhen living itself is filled with mistakes and miseryLook Back doesnt pretend its anything else. As we ponder the role art plays in our lives Fujimoto and Oshiyama respond in silence but share gleeful smiles leaps into a sunsetdawned ocean the joy of sharing and an undivided sense of accomplishmentmoments brought to fruition by drawing. Art is a means of communication in which we share ideas and express ourselves. The ability to affect someone as small as putting a grin on their face or as influential as changing their perspective on life can be the most fulfilling sensation. After all the sleepless nights sweat and tears behind something you make there could be someone else appreciative of what youve done and maybe that someone else is you. Look Back is a love letter to artists and making art. The manga was released the day after the 2nd anniversary of the Kyoto Animation arson attack and pays tribute to the people whove dedicated their lives to art. Even though their lives were cut short their ideas emotions and efforts live on through their work to affect those who come by it. And as the credits roll on Look Back the first to be shown arent voice actors or higherlevel production staff but the animators who made this movie a reality. For me Look Back is not unlike Hideaki Annos Neon Genesis Evangelion which addresses our sense of purpose and how we find meaning in life. While Anno dealt with the larger scheme of how we live in general Fujimoto instead hones in on these topics from the perspective and circumstances of a mangaka. Out of all the movies and shows Ive seen that have discussed the artists struggle Look Back captures the essence of the emotions and internal struggles the most accurately in regard to my experiences thus far.