LOOK BACK-Japanese Anime Drama Worth a Look/Dir Oshiyama

I was taken aback by the simplistic animation that belies a quiet beauty and a homily on friendship, artistic integrity and society that is deeply moving. Kyomoto Oshiyama's feature debut features two adolescent girls Fujino and Kyomoto who are both avid cartoonists. Fujino is popular at school, with well rounded interests and an avid illustrator/comic strip creator who is celebrated by her classmates. Kyomoto is the same age as Fujino and shares the same passion for creating comic strips and the pages and their strips are included their school's papers. Sadly, Kyomoto suffers from agoraphobia and is home schooled. Fujino is enlisted by a school official to bring Kyomoto's 6th grade diploma to her at home. Begrudgingly Fujino walks to deliver the other girl her diploma. The basic character illustrations are enhanced by the lush background artwork that imbue a sombre sense of isolation. The scenery becomes a main character as it serves to illustrate the four seasons in their majestic beauty and provides an ambiance of both solitude and jubilation. Fujino enters Kyomoto's home and leaves the diploma and a quickly drawn strip that slides under Kyomoto's bedroom door. As Fujino is leaving Kyomoto runs to catch up with her. Despite her nervousness, she tells Kyomoto how much she admires her work. A symbiotic friendship ensues between the two girls and each draws the other more out into the world. They collaborate on their crafts and create a prolific body of work that gets purchased and published. Their flourishing friendship is joyful and rewarding to behold. After high school graduation, Fujino decides to pursue a professional career. Kyomoto decides to further her art education. Instead of encouragement from Fujino, she receives a hurtful barrage of warnings that Kyomoto will be unable to manage without Fujino by her side. But, it is precisely what Kyomoto wants to accomplish: less dependence upon her friend and improve her scenic illustrations. LOOK BACK is told in flashback by Fujino after tragedy strikes as she tries to recreate a harsh world into a serene haven. Neither living in isolation or outside in a senselessly violent world without foibles. But the best in life comes from finding fellowship and passions. Take a good look at this disarming anime film on Prime Video dubbed in English. LOOK BACK  resonates with surprisingly strong emotions and illustrious artistry.