Fireworks

Fireworks, known in Japan as Uchiage Hanabi, Shita kara Miru ka? Yoko kara Miru ka?, is a 2017 animated romance and supernatural film masterfully produced by the renowned studio Shaft. The narrative is set against the nostalgic backdrop of the small, picturesque seaside town of Moshimo, focusing intensely on the complex feelings between two middle school students, Norimichi Shimada and Nazuna Oikawa. The central conflict arises when Nazuna, facing the upheaval of her mother’s imminent remarriage and a forced relocation, attempts to escape her circumstances. The story hinges on the day of the town's annual fireworks festival, a pivotal moment where Nazuna discovers a mysterious, glowing glass orb. This supernatural artifact possesses the extraordinary ability to manipulate the flow of time and reality. Norimichi utilizes this powerful, time-reversing marble repeatedly, driven by his profound desire to alter events and secure a timeline where he can remain alongside Nazuna, navigating the uncertainties of their young love and the rivalry posed by his classmate, Yusuke, who also harbors feelings for her. The film is a sophisticated exploration of adolescent longing, the inevitable frustrations associated with growing up, and the philosophical weight of consequential choices. Through a series of intricate temporal loops and alternate realities, the production showcases Shaft's signature visual artistry, characterized by dynamic framing, surreal visual motifs, and highly stylized imagery, complementing the emotional depth of this unique blend of lighthearted romance and science fiction. This fluid narrative captures the ephemeral beauty of summer and the elusive nature of fate, making it a distinctive entry in modern anime cinema.

Fireworks is an ambitious cinematic endeavor that attempts to fuse the delicate themes of youthful romance with high-concept supernatural mechanics. From a technical standpoint, the film exhibits Shaft's recognizable, often surreal visual language. The animation quality is generally high, particularly in the fluid character movements and the striking depiction of the fireworks themselves, utilizing vibrant palettes and stylized compositions. However, the production’s primary challenge lies in its narrative coherence and pacing. While the core premise—exploring "what if" scenarios via time manipulation—is compelling, the rapid succession of time loops occasionally leads to narrative dissonance, making character motivations feel underdeveloped or inconsistent, particularly concerning the supporting cast like Yusuke. The voice acting, featuring talents like Suzu Hirose and Masaki Suda, is commendable, bringing palpable emotional vulnerability to Nazuna and Norimichi, even when the script demands impulsive actions. The thematic depth explores fate versus free will, and the pain of unavoidable change, yet these complex ideas are sometimes overshadowed by an overly sentimental approach. Ultimately, Fireworks stands as a visually stunning piece that excels in aesthetic execution but struggles to maintain the stringent narrative integrity required by its complex temporal structure, resulting in a viewing experience that is aesthetically rewarding but narratively uneven.