‘Fireworks’: A Gorgeous Time Bending Tale But Not Enough Magic

I’m a fan of many genres of film: animated movies, coming of age films, films centering on young protagonists, films set in summer–I could go on and on. I put this particular film on my “To-See” list because it checked off the boxes on several of those categories and more. Plus, I’m always, always down to watch anime. With a premise adapted from a live-action television film and boasting fantastic animation, Fireworks looked to be promising. While it is many things bright and beautiful, it misses the mark. “Just this day, I wanted to be with you”  

The film centers on a group of young friends, but mainly best friends Norimichi and Yusuke. Both boys are interested in their beautiful yet ever elusive female classmate, Nazuna Oikawa; yet only one is asked to take her to the see fireworks that evening. Unbeknownst to them, this will be her last day in town. Nazuna is moving, and won’t return after summer break. The sci-fi twist of the story comes in the form of a magic orb that can stop time, giving you another chance to make something right. To create a world where you can exist, while keeping away the people and circumstances that you have no control over as a young adult, is riveting. The more and more the orb is used, however, the farther and farther the two get from what’s real and what is meaningful. The film carries on in this way, yet just doesn’t gel together in the right ways that would keep you invested as you watch.

This is a tale that tackles missed opportuni…