Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?

Love and freedom are at stake in an unusual animation, in which schoolgirl Nazuna (voiced by Suzu Hirose) and her besotted companion Norimichi (Masaki Suda) bend time to spend one perfect day together. The classmates' motives are easy to understand, evoking memories of teenage infatuation that will be familiar to everyone, while the film's unrelenting whimsy evokes a dreamy quality that is immediately attractive. In no rush to reach a conclusion, we are along for the ride in a colourful fantasy that becomes rather sweet in spite of the odd diversion. As surreal as events often become, the slapstick humour that pops up along the way keeps things grounded and makes the time fly by (although there's always a moment to stop for a musical number). While those unfamiliar with Japanese animated film conventions may be a little bit puzzled, this is a good-natured jaunt that doesn't outstay its welcome.