Japanese director Kore-eda’s manga film charms critics in Venice
'Look Back' by the arthouse director, whose past work includes 2018 award-winner 'Shoplifters', tells the story of two school friends who dream of becoming manga artists.
Hirokazu Kore-eda, a celebrated Japanese filmmaker, is set to capitalize on the worldwide boom in manga's popularity with his latest adaptation, the manga film "Look Back." The tender coming-of-age tale, which follows two school friends dreaming of becoming manga artists, is based on a popular story by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The director stumbled upon the manga during the Covid-19 pandemic and found it to be a catalyst for his creative growth.
Critics have showered "Look Back" with praise, calling it a "moving tribute to friendship" and praising its rich and dazzling textures inspired by manga and anime. The film magazine Variety also commended the movie, stating it's a "moving tribute to friendship." However, not everyone was convinced, with Screen magazine describing it as "overly sentimental."
Among the 21 productions competing for the Golden Lion prize for best film at the Venice Film Festival, "Look Back" is Kore-eda's best chance at success. Known for portraying the struggles of ordinary people, often inspired by real events, the 64-year-old filmmaker is a favorite on the European festival circuit. He recently presented "Sheep in the Box" at the Cannes Film Festival, though he left empty-handed. Kore-eda is currently preparing three more movies in his head.
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