In the realm of animation, few films manage to capture the essence of their source material while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. One such film is “Look Back,” which was prominently featured at the 11th New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival. This article delves into the creative process behind the film, the innovative techniques employed, and the overall impact it has had on the animation community.

Introduction

The 11th New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival, held from November 1 to 5, 2024, showcased a variety of animated works, including the acclaimed film “Look Back”. This film, directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, has garnered significant attention for its stunning animation and respect for the original manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The festival featured a special talk session titled “Making of: Look Back” where Oshiyama discussed the creative process behind the film. The excitement surrounding this event highlights the growing appreciation for animation that stays true to its source material while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling.

About Look Back

“Look Back” tells the story of a fourth-grade student, Fujino, who publishes a four-panel comic in her school newspaper. The film has achieved remarkable success, surpassing 2 billion yen in box office revenue and receiving positive reactions from audiences worldwide. It has been screened at various international film festivals, including Annecy and Los Angeles, and has been released in over 5,000 theaters in China.

Animation Techniques and Challenges

• Oshiyama’s approach to adapting Fujimoto’s dense and detailed artwork into animation.
• The importance of maintaining the original manga’s essence while exploring new visual expressions.
• Challenges faced during the animation process, including character design and scene composition.

During the talk, Oshiyama emphasized the need to respect the original artwork’s intricate details, such as the density of lines and the emotional expressions of characters. He shared insights into the character design process, explaining how the team worked to unify the visual style while allowing for creative freedom in animation.

Sound and Performance

One of the standout features of “Look Back” is its naturalistic voice acting. Oshiyama revealed that the casting process focused on finding actors who could deliver authentic performances, leading to the decision to cast live-action actors instead of traditional voice actors. This choice contributed to the film’s overall cohesion and emotional depth.

Visual Aesthetics

The film’s visual style is heavily influenced by Oshiyama’s love for impressionist art. He aimed to create a painterly quality in the backgrounds, moving away from watercolor aesthetics to a more vibrant and textured approach. The use of reflections and light in the animation was a deliberate choice to enhance the storytelling and create a more immersive experience for viewers.

Conclusion

“Look Back” is not just an adaptation; it is a celebration of the original manga’s spirit, brought to life through innovative animation techniques and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. The film’s success at the New Chitose Airport International Animation Festival is a testament to the power of animation as a medium for artistic expression. For those interested in exploring this remarkable film, it is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.