Japan: Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda has spoken about the emotional experience of making his latest film, Look Back. The director said working on the coming-of-age story was deeply moving and that the film affected him throughout the production.
Koreeda is widely known for making films that focus on family, childhood, relationships and the quiet emotions of everyday life. His new film continues that approach, telling a touching story about growing up, friendship and the importance of creating art.
Look Back follows young characters as they discover their love for drawing and storytelling. As they grow older, their friendship and shared passion for art become an important part of their lives. The film explores both the happiness and difficulties that can come with growing up and following a creative dream.
Koreeda said the story was particularly emotional for him. He described the experience of making the film as one that “broke my heart the whole time,” showing how strongly he connected with the characters and their journey.
The performances by the young actors have also received attention. Their natural performances help make the story feel personal and believable, allowing audiences to connect with the characters and their emotions.
Koreeda has built an international reputation through films such as Shoplifters, which also focused on family relationships and people living on the margins of society. His films are often praised for their gentle storytelling and their ability to find emotion in ordinary moments.
The director’s previous project, Sheep in the Box, explored themes of grief and artificial intelligence. The film received mixed reactions at the Cannes Film Festival. In comparison, Look Back has been seen as a project that is closer to Koreeda’s familiar style of human-centered storytelling.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it received strong praise from audiences and critics. Its emotional story and sensitive treatment of childhood and creativity helped it stand out at the festival.
Look Back represents Koreeda’s 18th feature film and adds another emotional story to his long filmmaking career. While the film deals with difficult experiences, it also focuses on friendship, creativity and the connections people form during important stages of their lives.
For Koreeda, the film appears to have been more than just another project. His comments show how deeply he connected with its themes and characters during the filmmaking process.
With its simple but emotional story, Look Back is expected to appeal to audiences who enjoy thoughtful films about relationships, growing up and the human experience. The film also demonstrates why Koreeda continues to be recognised for his compassionate and deeply personal approach to cinema.