Look Back Anime film: Streaming Premiere date, Voice cast, plot, Trailer, & Everything we know 

Prime Video has secured exclusive streaming rights for the highly anticipated animated film Look Back, based on the acclaimed one-shot manga by best-selling author Tatsuki Fujimoto, known for hits like Chainsaw Man. 

Directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, this film captures the poignant journey of a young manga artist, Ayumu Fujino, who seeks to refine her craft amid rivalry and friendship with a reclusive classmate.

Recently, Prime Video announced that Look Back will be available for streaming in November. This announcement has fans eagerly awaiting the chance to experience this beautifully animated tale from the comfort of their homes.

In this article, we will dive into everything we know about Look Back, including its enchanting plot, talented voice cast, and intriguing behind-the-scenes details. You won’t want to miss the exclusive insights and updates we’ll provide as new information unfolds, so stay tuned for all the exciting developments surrounding this must-watch film!

Release date & Where to Watch

Look Back will be available to Prime Video members in over 240 countries and regions starting Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. 

The film initially premiered in Japanese theaters on June 28, 2024, under the distribution of Avex Pictures. It was showcased at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France from June 9 to 15, 2024, as part of the "Annecy Presents" category, which highlights a diverse array of international animated films.

In the US, the Japan Society featured the film on July 14, 2024, during the "Japan Cuts: Festival of New Japanese Cinema" event in New York, presenting it in Japanese with English subtitles. Additionally, GKIDS licensed the film in North America, where it premiered in theaters on October 4, 2024.

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Plot

Look Back, adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga published in Jump+ in 2021, tells the poignant story of two young girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, whose lives are intertwined by their passion for manga and a tragic event that disrupts their bond.

As the narrative unfolds, it explores their shared love for the medium and the shocking incident that alters their relationship. 

The film has received critical acclaim, achieving remarkable success during its theatrical run. It topped the box office for two consecutive weeks and grossed over two billion yen, despite being released in around 120 theaters across the country.

Voice Cast

• Yuumi Kawai (Extremely Inappropriate) as Fujino 
• Mizuki Yoshida (The Lump in My Heart, Songs of Kamui) as Kyomoto

Official Trailer

Behind the Scenes

Look Back is a highly anticipated anime film directed, written, and character-designed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, known for his work on major projects like Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance and The Wind Rises. This marks the first anime film to have a theatrical release in Japan and be streamed exclusively worldwide on Prime Video since Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.

Produced by Studio Durian, which Oshiyama founded, the film showcases a new key visual featuring Kyomoto admiring Fujino’s manuscript. James Farrell, Head of International Originals at Amazon MGM Studios, expressed excitement about streaming Look Back, highlighting the collaboration with Japan’s animation industry to bring top-quality content to global audiences.

Oshiyama noted that, despite its short runtime of 58 minutes, the film has garnered significant attention, allowing viewers to appreciate its nuances through repeated viewings. Tatsuki Fujimoto, the author of the original manga, praised Oshiyama's direction and the film's musical score by Haruka Nakamura, emphasizing the quality of the adaptation. He encouraged viewers to watch the film on the largest screen possible to experience its beauty fully.