When fireworks are lit up in the summer night sky, a group of teenagers earnestly debate: 'Are fireworks round or flat from the side?' This seemingly silly question becomes a gateway to a world of imagination and memories both sweet and painful. In Fireworks, Should We See Them from the Side or the Bottom?, we journey with Norimichi and Nazuna on a night that changes their lives forever.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story takes place in a small seaside town on the last day of summer before school starts. Norimichi, a shy boy who secretly likes Nazuna, a beautiful classmate with family issues, is forced by her mother to transfer schools and marry a man of her mother's choosing. She challenges Norimichi and his best friend Yusuke to a swimming race, with the winner getting a date with her on fireworks night. Norimichi wins but hesitates, allowing Yusuke to take the date instead. However, Nazuna decides to run away from home and invites Norimichi to join her. The two flee to various places in town, their relationship evolving from friends to lovers, but the real world awaits them ahead.
Performance and Characters
Although it's an anime, the voice acting is excellent. Suzu Hirose voices Nazuna with charm, both sweet and tinged with pain, while Masaki Suda impressively conveys Norimichi's hesitation and courage. Supporting characters like Yusuke (voiced by Mamoru Miyano) have interesting dimensions; despite being set as a rival, he shows empathy for the protagonist. The character design by Charcoal Studio is clean and effectively conveys emotions, especially Nazuna's changing expressions that hint at her inner confusion.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Nobuyuki Takeuchi, who previously worked with Shaft (e.g., Monogatari series), employs a symbolic storytelling style. The visuals are beautiful, especially the fireworks scenes using vibrant color techniques, contrasting with the faded scenes of the real world. The soundtrack by Satoru Kosaki (from popular anime) features a lovely main theme that matches the atmosphere. Although the theme song by DAOKO is memorable, sometimes the music overwhelms the dialogue.
Editorial Analysis
Fireworks, Should We See Them from the Side or the Bottom? centers on the concept of 'seeing things from different perspectives,' reflected in the opening question. Fireworks can be round or flat depending on the viewpoint, just like love and life. The film prompts us to ask, 'If we had chosen another path, would life be different?' But ultimately, it tells us that 'perhaps the most beautiful memories are those that never come true.' The story's strength lies in seamlessly blending the world of imagination with reality. However, the somewhat jumpy narrative may confuse some viewers, and certain character issues are left unresolved.
Verdict
For fans of romantic drama anime with deep concepts like 'Your Name.' or 'The Garden of Words,' this film will likely appeal. But if you expect a logical plot and clear ending, you may be disappointed. However, the visuals and music make it worth watching.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Beautiful visuals, especially the fireworks scenes
- +Beautiful, captivating soundtrack
- +Interesting concept of different perspectives
👎 Cons
- −Story jumps around, may be confusing
- −Some characters lack clear roles
- −Ending may disappoint if expecting a happy resolution
Top Cast
FAQ
The film premiered in Japan on August 18, 2017, and was released in Thailand the same year.
It's a 90-minute anime film, with no sequel or series.
No spoilers, but the ending is open to interpretation and relates to the 'what if' concept.
