Look Back - Review (London Film Festival 2026)

Thank You for Getting Me Out of My Room.

Seen at the BFI London Film Festival 2026

Review written by Jack Aling

Look Back is directed and written by Hirokazu Kore-eda.

Starring Natsuki Deguchi, Aju Makita, Fuuri Nanase & Rokka Okada.

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.

The scratching of pencils and scraping of pens soundtrack this wonderful story of connection through creativity.

Hirokazu Kore-eda's adaptation of the beloved anime, where artistic obsession turns into boundless collaboration, is beautifully shot with gorgeous artwork and landscapes as we journey through the years, season by season. The deep snows of winter, brown leaves of autumn and lush greens of spring and summer create an immersive backdrop as Fujino and Kyomoto grow together in the pursuit of excellence.

Our verdict: 4 out of 5 stars.

Read more of Jack's reviews at: letterboxd.com/TheJackAling