Look Back, the anime movie, made its U.S. box office debut over the weekend. It was shown in 535 theaters across America and managed to bring in an estimated $688,253. Despite coming in 12th place, behind various other films like Joker: Folie à Deux and The Wild Robot, it’s important to note that Look Back is only having a limited theatrical release. This means it’s not as widely available as some of the other films it competed against. Additionally, Look Back doesn’t have the same level of publicity as some of the bigger blockbusters.
GKIDS is the distributor behind Look Back’s theatrical run. They previously held early screenings in Los Angeles and New York before officially releasing the movie in theaters on October 6th. The film was directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, known for his work on Flip Flappers, who was also responsible for the script, character designs, and production through Studio Durian.
Look Back originally premiered in Japan during the summer, where it received positive reception. In its first three days, it earned $1.40 million, and by August, it had accumulated around $12 million in its home country. The movie is based on a one-shot manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, which is available in English through Viz Media and MANGA Plus.
The plot of Look Back revolves around Fujino, a popular and outgoing student known for her humorous comics. When she is asked to share space with Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate with exceptional artistic talent, a competitive dynamic emerges that eventually turns into a bond over their shared love for drawing. The movie explores themes of pursuing artistic excellence and the unique connections formed through creative collaboration.
In conclusion, while Look Back may not have topped the box office charts in its U.S. opening weekend, its limited release and heartfelt story have garnered attention from audiences. The movie’s emotional depth and themes of artistic passion are resonating with viewers, showcasing the power of storytelling in the world of anime and manga.
