Look Back
The fragility of the youth and childhood dreams, all clashing with harsh reality.
Look Back is a reflection of how one grows to explore real life and its unfortunate circumstances beyond the protective bubble one creates as a child. Fujino, at the beginning, displays common naivety and pride found in any coddled talented child. However, it all breaks readily when faced with a sudden and formidable competitor, Kyomoto.
Although soon, this rivalry turns into a beautiful friendship. The story from there exhibited nothing but the colorfulness and vibrancy of childhood, its whimsical dreams, the urge to aim for the stars, the “nothing is impossible as long as you dream” mindset, late nights spent together, and endless talks about the future. But these are all fleeting moments that inevitably come to an end. It is at this juncture we were introduced to the disparity of childhood and adolescence.
Kyomoto no longer shared the same dreams or aspirations Fujino held. Which frustrated Fujino who could not seem to let go of the comradeship they shared that once was her anchor that pushed her to move forward and was the reason to spark her passion in drawing again. Ultimately when tragedy struck, it was both sorrowful yet oddly heartwarming to witness Fujino channel her grief into a whimsical magical tale of saving Kyomoto. I believe at the end it was a way of retaining back the feelings of comfort her (now) bittersweet moments with Fujino brought her–through a tale where she can finally let go of her guilt and play the hero that saved the day.
Besides the artistic commentary and the criticism of how art as a passion is a double edged sword, art is what has always saved Fujino and what became her sanctuary. Look Back highlights how art speaks in ways that transcends physical limits–As it connected her in ways words cannot convey with the awkward Kyomoto who’s only way of communication was also art, rather than words. An unspoken language that brought their worlds together crafting this bewitching tale of friendship, grief, and the struggles of growing up.