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The creator of Chainsaw Man and Fire Punch, Tatsuki Fujimoto, also achieved great success with Look Back, a highly emotive one-shot manga that struck a deep chord with readers all across the world. The story received a lot of praise for its exploration of friendship, tragedy, and artistic growth. However, what really makes Look Back unique is not just the touching story but also the unorthodox strategy Fujimoto relied on for the anime adaptation.
Look Back | Credit: Studio Durian During production, Fujimoto granted director Kiyotaka Oshiyama a great deal of creative freedom. One of the greatest anime films ever made, this unconventional decision enabled the adaptation to include a unique perspective without sacrificing the integrity of the original manga. The industry norm, where creators often exercise strict control on adaptations, differs greatly from this cooperative approach.
Tatsuki Fujimoto and Kiyotaka Oshiyama’s collaborative vision
Fujino and Kyomoto from Look Back | Credit: Studio DurianWhen Studio Durian and Kiyotaka Oshiyama were tasked with adapting Look Back, Tatsuki Fujimoto’s approach to their collaboration was a game-changer. In an interview with Anime Corner, Oshiyama revealed that Fujimoto entrusted the studio with significant creative freedom, offering minimal interference while remaining supportive throughout the production. In his own words,
When we decided that we’re gonna have this opportunity to animate this story, I had some original ideas that I wanted to incorporate into it. So, I asked Fujimoto-sensei’s opinion and if he was okay with it. And actually, Fujimoto-sensei was really great. He was like, ‘Well, Director, if you think it’s gonna work, then go for it.’ He was very supportive.
This level of trust is uncommon in the anime industry, where creators often prefer to retain significant oversight to ensure their vision remains intact. Fujimoto, however, embraced the director’s creative instincts, encouraging the studio to explore interpretations and even original ideas for the adaptation.
The character designs of Look Back‘s protagonists, Fujino and Kyomoto, were one of the main topics of discussion during the creation process. Although the designs mostly conformed to Tatsuki Fujimoto‘s original concept, several small changes were made to improve animation, such as the heights of the characters. Oshiyama claimed that Fujimoto was extremely kind and accommodating, comprehending the realities of creating intricate scenes.
Why Look Back is a must-watch film
Hayao Miyazaki‘s works, which often have their roots in environmentalism, pacifism, and humanism, are praised for their universal themes and visual storytelling. Similar to this, Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Look Back explores deep emotional depths, addressing issues such as artistic rivalry, loss, and the transient nature of interpersonal relationships.
A still from Look Back | Credit: Studio DurianWith Spirited Away, Hayao Miyazaki remains the only anime filmmaker to receive an Academy Award in 2003. Due to the widespread acclaim of Miyazaki’s work, anime filmmakers now face a nearly impossible standard. While Look Back may not have been created with commercial awards in mind, its critical acclaim and emotional resonance make it a serious contender in the evolving landscape of anime cinema.
Even for those who have read the manga, the anime adaptation of Look Back offers a fresh perspective. Oshiyama’s direction added further depth to Fujimoto’s story, using innovative animation techniques to amplify its emotional weight. This approach ensures that Look Back is not just a retelling but a reimagining that deepens the audience’s connection to its themes and characters.
Look Back is currently available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Bengali (BD) · 
English (US) ·