'Look Back' novel author, Hirokazu Kore-eda helms live-action adaptation debuting in October

A pen line of loss and growth, blooming beyond the master’s viewfinder

A living legend in Japan’s film industry, 'Hirokazu Kore-eda' takes the reins of the live-action adaptation of 'Look Back', a global phenomenon. On July 7, MegaBox officially announced that the film—capturing the fierce creative drive of two girls and a cool, quiet sense of loss—will land in domestic theaters in October. More than a screen version of a comic original, the moment hints at the arrival of yet another masterpiece that cuts through the sensibilities of the era.

'Tatsuki Fujimoto'’s namesake short story serves as the source material for 'Look Back'. It follows the chronicle of friendship and growth between two girls whose desk-bound world was all there was—woven together at the tip of a pen. The animated version, which hit Japanese screens in 2024, surpassed global box-office earnings of 20.4 billion yen (20.4 billion won) and triggered a wave of explosive reaction. In Korea, it also left a lingering impression with 300,000 viewers.

For this live-action project, 'Hirokazu Kore-eda' leads the work not only as director, but also steering the screenplay and editing to weave the original’s heavy lingering aftertaste onto the screen. The starring lineup at the core of the story is equally strong. For the role of 'Fujino', a girl who sets out boldly toward the world with a four-panel comic, rising star 'Natsuki Deguchi' has been cast. 'Kyomoto', an introverted loner who burrows into drawing alone within an isolated world, will be played by 'Aju Makita', and attention is focused on the acting chemistry the two performers will forge.

Director 'Hirokazu Kore-eda', who said he decided to make it into a film after encountering the original by chance and becoming captivated by its intense appeal, discussed it with domestic reporters. In a recent interview, he said, "Personally, it’s a work I cherish very much, and I hold deep respect for the worldview the original possesses." He also heightened expectations to the maximum for the new perspective he will bring—breathing life beyond the text into the screen.