Koreeda's Manga Adaptation 'Look Back' Delivers an Emotional Tale of Young Artists

The Japanese director's live-action take on Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga premiered in competition at Venice, featuring two child actors in standout roles. The story centers on a schoolgirl whose comic-drawing talent is challenged after she discovers a rival's work, leading to a poignant exploration of friendship and artistic passion. Koreeda described the filmmaking process as deeply moving, saying he was tearful throughout production.

This production serves as Koreeda's 18th feature and his second release in 2026, arriving after the sci-fi drama 'Sheep in the Box', which drew a chilly response from Cannes critics. Filming spanned a full year in the Tohoku region, allowing the changing seasons to enhance a pastoral, Studio Ghibli-like visual tone. The narrative tracks the protagonists over 13 years, with child newcomers Furi Nanase and Rokka Okada playing the younger versions before Natsuki Deguchi and Aju Makita assume the adult roles.

Koreeda discovered the original manga during an unplanned stop at a bookstore near Shinagawa Station upon returning from Kyoto. He also recounted a notable Venice memory involving an unexpected meeting with director Takeshi Kitano.