New stills from the rotoscope animation featured in the live-action film Look Back, based on Tatsuki Fujimoto‘s original manga, have been released. The rotoscope animation was directed by Haruko Kuno and produced by Shin-Ei Animation.
Director Hirokazu Kore-eda explained the idea behind the animation in a conversation with Fujimoto included in the film’s theater pamphlet.
New Images:
He said that when Fujino returns to her desk and picks up a pen, memories of the two girls’ dreams of creating an anime together come back. Kyomoto’s drawings then begin to move, creating a new future for the two of them.
Kore-eda explained that he wanted to show this as a positive moment, with sounds coming from the drawings, movements beginning, and the two characters coming to life inside the artwork.
Fujimoto praised Kuno’s animation, saying that he was deeply moved when he first saw it and that he believes viewers will also be moved to tears. He described the visuals as powerful enough to convey everything even without knowing the full story.
Fujimoto also revealed that Kuno had a major influence on him. He said he was deeply impressed by Kuno’s graduation project, Airy Me, which inspired him to start drawing manga himself.
Main Visuals:
Currently in theaters, the live-action Look Back is Fujimoto‘s first live-action film. It is based on his 2021 one-shot manga published on Shonen Jump+ and follows two girls who share a passion for drawing manga, as well as their friendship, growth, and loss.
GKIDS confirmed that the live-action adaptation will be released in theaters across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The company plans to share more details about the release later this year.
Look Back won hearts with its touching story that explores themes of friendship, perseverance and art. The work follows the lives of two young artistic talents, Ayumu Fujino and Kyomoto, as they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship, artistic career and personal challenges.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Popular, outgoing Fujino is celebrated by her classmates for her funny comics in the class newspaper. One day, her teacher asks her to share the space with Kyomoto, a truant recluse whose beautiful artwork sparks a competitive fervor in Fujino. What starts as jealousy transforms when Fujino realizes their shared passion for drawing.
Based on the acclaimed manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of “Chainsaw Man”, Look Back captures the highs and lows of pursuing artistic excellence and the special bonds formed through creative collaboration. The heart-wrenching story is the stunning feature-length directorial debut from Kiyotaka Oshiyama that will leave you in tears and inspire you to chase your own artistic dreams.
Source: Comic Natalie
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