Bubble (2022) Movie Review

 

Bubble (Original title: Baburu) | 2022 | 1h 40m
Genre: Anime/Fantasy Epic/Sci-fi Epic/Animation/Drama/Adventure/Action/Romance | Country: Japan
Director: Tetsurô Araki | Writers: Gen Urobuchi, Renji Ooki, Naoko Satou
Cast: Jun Shison, Riria, Mamoru Miyano
IMDB: 6.4
My Rate: 7/10

Hibiki and Uta's meeting brings a new phase to the mysterious bubble phenomenon that previously exploded in Tokyo, causing its isolation and leading to a group of children living illegally and competing for survival.

Warning:

Contains scenes of violence, strong language, and suggestive content.

 

Synopsis:

Tokyo is attacked by mysterious bubbles, causing isolation due to widespread flooding and the city being enveloped in bubbles. This renders Tokyo a deserted city. However, some children illegally choose to remain in Tokyo and engage in parkour competitions where the winner receives food supplies for survival.

Hibiki is a member of the Blue Blazes and a skilled parkour athlete. He not only navigates buildings but also uses the bubbles as footholds, a skill his teammates lack. However, his relationships with the other members are strained because his sensitivity to sound causes him to be solitary.

One day, Hibiki hears a familiar song from Tokyo Tower and rushes there. However, he can only reach a certain point and cannot reach the summit.

Hibiki attempts to reach a higher point but fails, falling into the water and losing consciousness from the impact.  Suddenly, a bubble transforms into a girl who rescues him.

Hibiki names her Uta, and she becomes a member of the Blue Blazes.  Uta's origins remain unknown. She tries to hide her identity and avoid contact with Hibiki because physical contact will transform her back into a bubble.

Everything goes well until a massive wave from Tokyo Tower is detected, similar to the initial catastrophe. Everyone tries to escape.  Aware of Uta's absence, Hibiki attempts to save her.

Will Hibiki succeed in saving Uta?

 

Review:

Bubble is an animated film with excellent, clean visuals. The color composition makes the film look beautiful and dynamic. The animation's movement is fluid and natural. The music enhances the film's beauty.

This film has significant potential for further optimization. The story is presented systematically and is easy to understand. However, its weakness lies in the foundation of the story, such as the characters' and the plot's background.

For example, the origin of the bubbles attacking Tokyo and why Tokyo was targeted instead of other cities remain unclear until the end.  The origins of other characters and how Hibiki joined the Blue Blazes instead of another team are also unclear.  His team doesn't seem to particularly like his solitary nature.

Also, while using The Little Mermaid as inspiration and incorporating its narrative isn't inherently a problem, the story lacks emotional depth. This might be due to the weak foundation of the story itself.

The conflicts presented are quite interesting. The resolution is also well-executed. The voice actors effectively convey the emotions and feelings of each character through their dialogue.

Overall, viewers will be visually and aurally pleased by the harmonious visuals and music. Although many aspects of the story could be improved, it remains enjoyable.

 

Memorable Scene:

Hibiki almost suffocates after getting trapped in a red bubble. Uta tries to save Hibiki even though she knows her own life will be in danger. This scene shows Uta's internal conflict between choosing to save someone she cares for and sacrificing herself.

 
Memorable Dialogue:

"Because I met you, I became me."

 

Ending:

Happy Ending

 
Recommendation:

Worth to Watch

 

(Aluna)