Look Back Animator Explains the Movie’s Unique Animation Style

Look Back Animator Explains the Movie's Unique Animation Style

As a long-time anime fan with a deep appreciation for unique animation styles and heartfelt stories, I’m thrilled to hear about Studio Durian’s innovative approach to animating “Look Back.” Inoue’s explanation of their unconventional technique where the key animator’s rough drawings are directly reflected on screen as animation is truly intriguing. It’s not every day that we get to witness a new style that manages to retain a hand-drawn feel while still maintaining fluidity and clarity.


The animated film “Look Back” from Studio Durian has been a hit in Japan since its release. Though an official Western adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s anime isn’t confirmed yet, fans are eagerly seeking information about this heart-wrenching story. In a recent interview, one animator at Studio Durian talked about the distinctive animation technique used to bring Fujino and Kyomoto to life for the first time. When “Look Back” eventually arrives in North America, it’s expected to make a big splash among Western anime enthusiasts.

Toshiyuki Inoue, an animator from Studio Durian, spoke with Comic Natalie about the distinctive animation style in their latest production, “Look Back.” According to Inoue, “During key animation, only essential movement points are illustrated. Animation artists then fill in the blanks, smoothing out the rough lines drawn by the key animator. Usually, these rough lines aren’t shown on screen. However, for ‘Look Back,’ the unrefined lines from the key animator were kept and directly sent to the finishing touches for coloring. The key animation is displayed on the screen as it is, maintaining a hand-drawn appearance and contributing to the overall unique impression of the work.”

Look Back Animator Explains the Movie's Unique Animation Style

Look Back’s Success

The new animation style used in “Look Back” by Studio Durian has proven successful, as evidenced by its earnings of over $6 million USD at the Japanese box office. If given a chance to screen in North America, these revenues are likely to increase further.

If you’ve missed out on reading “Look Back” by Tatsuki Fujimoto yet, you’re in luck! The manga can be accessed in print and digital versions, courtesy of Viz Media. According to the publisher, this heartwarming story follows the contrasting lives of self-assured Fujino and reclusive Kyomoto. Bonded by their shared love for creating manga, these two small-town girls embark on a journey of growth and progression that is uniquely crafted by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the brilliant mind behind “Chainsaw Man.”

Via Comic Natalie

Read More

2024-07-17 21:09