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What's After the Movie?
Animated drama

Look Back (2024): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Look Back (2024) movie poster

Look Back is a 2024 animated drama directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, starring Mizuki Yoshida as Kyomoto and Yumi Kawai. It is based on Look Back by Tatsuki Fujimoto and Amanda Haley. It runs 58 minutes and earned $6 million worldwide. It earned 1 award nomination, including Best Animated Feature — Independent at the Annie Awards 2025. Critics gave it 90 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$6M
award nomination
1
Echo Score
87
Metascore
90
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Look Back (2024) movie poster
Released
Runtime
58 min
Genres
Animation , Drama
Original language
Japanese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Look Back About?

The premise of Look Back without spoilers, adapted from Look Back by Tatsuki Fujimoto and Amanda Haley. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A popular artist known for her humorous comics finds herself challenged when her teacher assigns her to work with Kyomoto, a gifted but reserved classmate. Initially rivals, they develop a deeper connection as they explore the unifying power of their shared artistic passion.

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Cast & crew

Look Back Cast & Characters

Mizuki Yoshida leads the cast as Kyomoto, with Yumi Kawai as Fujino. Directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama.

From the director

More from Kiyotaka Oshiyama

One more film directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama: Shishigari.

Full filmography
Ratings

Look Back Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Look Back 90 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in art & craft (95) and weakest in rewatch factor (75).

87 /100

Look Back Echo Score Breakdown

Look Back impresses with its striking visual presentation and concentrated emotional narrative. It delivers concise yet impactful storytelling that resonates well beyond its brief runtime. Critics highlighted the beauty of its animation and the film’s purposeful brevity, while some viewers noted a desire for greater depth in its character arcs. The balance of visual artistry and poignant moments yields a memorable experience. Overall, Look Back leaves a strong enduring impression despite its short duration.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 95

    In terms of Art & Craft, Look Back excels in its visual design and animation precision. The film’s deliberate framing and varied color palettes convey mood with understated elegance. Reviewers praised its unique backgrounds and clean editing that emphasize emotional beats. The direction maintains a focused rhythm that complements the artwork. Overall, the animation’s quality establishes a consistent and polished aesthetic.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to Character & Emotion, Look Back offers compelling portrayals that evoke genuine empathy. Performances convey the nuanced bond between the leads, underscored by expressive facial animation. Some viewers felt the brevity limited deeper exploration of motivations, but the core relationship maintains strong chemistry. Overall, the film delivers emotionally resonant character dynamics despite its condensed format.

  • Story & Flow 80

    In terms of Story & Flow, Look Back presents a tightly contained narrative that balances brevity with emotional impact. Its pacing is measured yet urgent, leading to a punchy finale that resonates beyond its runtime. While the concise structure enhances its focused themes, some viewers noted a desire for expanded subplots. Overall, the storyline remains coherent and engaging within its brief scope.

  • Sensory Experience 92

    In terms of Sensory Experience, Look Back delivers a cohesive audiovisual presentation that heightens its emotional narrative. The minimalist sound design and Haruka Nakamura’s score blend seamlessly with the visuals, reinforcing tonal shifts. Reviewers commended the dark, understated aesthetic and crisp audio mixing that underpin key scenes. Overall, the film’s sensory elements coalesce into a resonant and immersive atmosphere.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    In terms of Rewatch Factor, Look Back offers a memorable impact that lingers after viewing but may challenge repeated viewings. Its concise format and intense emotional beats leave a strong initial impression, though some viewers noted limited replay value due to its brevity. Nevertheless, the film’s heartfelt moments and thematic depth encourage reflection. Overall, its rewatch appeal is moderate yet meaningful.

Plot

Look Back Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Look Back from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Ayumu Fujino, portrayed by Yumi Kawai, is a spirited elementary school student who possesses a natural talent for drawing manga. She spends her days publishing yonkoma (four-panel comics) in her school’s newspaper, where she deeply enjoys the praise and admiration she receives from both her classmates and her teachers. However, her confidence is shaken when her teacher requests that she share one of her comic strips with Kyomoto, played by Mizuki Yoshida. Kyomoto is a shut-in struggling with severe social anxiety who harbors a secret longing to draw manga herself.

Full summary

The whole story of Look Back, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Look Back Box Office

Look Back grossed $6 million worldwide. $2 million came from the US and Canada and $4 million (67%) from the rest of the world.

2024 box office

Worldwide gross

$6M

US & Canada
$2M
International
$4M
US & Canada 33% Rest of the world 67%
Awards

Look Back Awards & Nominations

Look Back earned 1 award nomination, including Best Animated Feature — Independent at the Annie Awards 2025.

1 nomination1 ceremony

Videos

Look Back Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

Official Trailer [Subtitled]
  • Trailer Official Trailer 2 [Subtitled]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Look Back?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the main protagonist of the film?

Details

Look Back Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “Rukku Bakku” and “룩 백”.

Also known as
  • Rukku Bakku
  • 룩 백
  • LOOK BACK: Continúa Dibujando
  • به گذشته بنگر
  • ลุค แบ็ค
  • 蓦然回首
  • 驀然回首
  • Look Back -驀然回首-
  • 룩백
  • Look Back: Liệu Ta Có Dám Nhìn Lại?
  • ลุคแบ็ค
  • Оглянись, უკან გაიხედე
+6 more
  • להסתכל לאחור
  • نظرة إلى الوراء
  • लुक बैक
  • Осврни се
  • Огледай се
  • Озирнись

Seen Look Back?

FAQ

Look Back FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of Look Back, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Look Back?

Look Back runs 58 minutes.

When was Look Back released?

Look Back was released on October 4, 2024.

Who directed Look Back?

Look Back was directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama.

More films by Kiyotaka Oshiyama

Who is in the cast of Look Back?

Look Back stars Mizuki Yoshida as Kyomoto and Yumi Kawai as Fujino.

How much did Look Back make at the box office?

Look Back grossed $6 million worldwide ($2 million domestic, $4 million international).

How is Look Back rated?

Look Back has 90 on Metacritic.

Is Look Back based on a book?

Yes. Look Back is adapted from Look Back by Tatsuki Fujimoto and Amanda Haley.

Was Look Back nominated for any awards?

Look Back received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

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