Rising Stars Furi Nanase and Rokka Okada Discuss Their Journey in Koreeda's 'Look Back'
In the cinematic realm, two emerging talents, Furi Nanase and Rokka Okada, recently captivated audiences with their performances in Hirokazu Koreeda's critically acclaimed drama, 'Look Back.' The young actresses, both aged 11 at the commencement of filming, embarked on a collaborative journey that saw them forge an unexpected bond, transcending their initial disparate experiences in the industry. Their camaraderie, which blossomed on set, became a cornerstone of their shared experience, reflecting the film's tender portrayal of evolving relationships and artistic aspirations.
Okada, a seasoned child actor in Japan, brought a wealth of experience to the project, having graced screens since infancy. Her poised demeanor and ability to master challenging dialects, such as that of Japan's remote Akita prefecture, impressed Koreeda. In contrast, Nanase, a complete novice discovered for her innate charisma and confidence, entered the cinematic world for the first time. Despite their differing levels of prior experience, Nanase's initial apprehension quickly transformed into admiration for Okada's intriguing personality, fostering a friendship that deepened as they celebrated their 12th birthdays together on set.
Their inseparable bond was evident at the Venice premiere of 'Look Back,' where their coordinated retro attire and playful red-carpet antics earned them recognition on fashion lists. In their inaugural international interview, Okada expressed profound gratitude for Nanase's presence, acknowledging that her support transformed a potentially daunting experience into an enjoyable one. Koreeda, renowned for his exceptional ability to elicit naturalistic performances from child actors, guided them through the process, often sharing the essence of each scene and inviting their creative input, fostering a comfortable and collaborative environment.
Prior to production, Koreeda advised the young actresses to avoid reading the original manga or watching the anime adaptation of 'Look Back.' Instead, he encouraged them to view his previous works, 'Shoplifters' and 'Monster,' to grasp the film's thematic depth. 'Look Back' itself is a poignant coming-of-age narrative, chronicling the artistic rivalry and eventual profound friendship between Fujino (Nanase), a budding cartoonist, and Kyomoto (Okada), a reclusive, sophisticated artist. Their journey, spanning 13 years, explores their artistic partnership, professional breakthroughs, and an eventual poignant divergence in paths. Filmed in Japan's Tohoku region, the movie beautifully captures the innocence of childhood against the backdrop of changing seasons, reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's evocative aesthetic.
The film's exploration of artistic development extended to the actresses' preparation, involving intensive drawing lessons for both, with Nanase specializing in character design and Okada in backgrounds. Okada lauded Koreeda's exceptional guidance, particularly his advice to focus on the sound of their pens during drawing scenes, likening it to music, which proved remarkably helpful. The narrative ultimately underscores the evolution of artists, a sentiment that Nanase and Okada resonate with, intending to carry this spirit into their future endeavors. Nanase draws inspiration from her character Fujino's determination to become a manga artist, while Okada, influenced by Kyomoto's introspective nature, aims for deeper self-reflection to elevate her acting.
