By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.75 cats
Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
Starring: Furi Nanase | Maho Yamada | Miyu Sasaki | Rokko Okada | Ryô Ikeda
Original language title: Rukku bakku
Year: 2026
Running time: 100
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt39094466/
Val says: “Beautiful and devastating; this one’s sure to be a favorite. It’s a more sincere turn from Kore-eda, and rightly so considering his source material. I loved it’s soaring score, touching relationship between the two main characters, and how it poignantly embraces finding your true purpose through friendship and art. I especially loved how we see time pass, it’s a film that spans years rather than decades but we still feel the impact of the characters’ journey alongside the gorgeous changing of the seasons in their home village. The change of the seasons are reflected just as beautifully within and without the two friends, especially Fujino (Furi Nanase). 4.5 cats”
Michael says: “Moving, optimistic portrait of a young Irish man turning after 18 after living his childhood in foster care after being separated from his younger brother and his social worker. Danny falls into a bit of trouble after hardships from his youth, and Hirokazu Koreeda’s latest film is a beautiful tale of two middle-school girls whose still it creating manga comics is lauded by all. Fujino basks in the praise of her friends and teachers, but is impressed when Kyomoto, a recluse who doesn’t attend school, starts submitting work to the class newsletter with some beautiful work of her own. Fujino’s competitiveness emerges. When graduation from middle school arrives, Fujino’s teacher asks her to deliver Kyomoto’s diploma to her home. Reluctantly the girl complies, and when the meet, she finds herself the object of the recluse’s adoration. The two develop a strong bond, begin collaborating on their manga over the coming years, and Fujino gradually starts to bring Kyomoto out of her shell, as their work is eventually published and gain greater acclaim.
“Based on a popular manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, and adapted by Koreeda and Ryoko Taguchi, LOOK BACK takes a gentle and artistic look at the friendship of these two very different girls who share a passion for drawing. As the years go by their bond continues to grow, until a difference in future aspirations forces them apart and circumstance change thing irrevocably. The blending of this loving friendship and the focus on the creation of art are so gently and lovingly rendered in this film. The score by Yûta Bandoh really enhances the story, and cinematography by Senzo Ueno is breathtaking. Once again, Koreeda demonstrates his skill at storytelling using visuals and cinematic magic. 5 cats
“Screened at TIFF Lightbox, Wednesday 9/16”