Genre - Romance, Slice of Life.
Year - 2021
Director - Kyohei Ishiguro
Scriptwriter- Kyohei Ishiguro
I chose to watch this movie because of its title - Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pops. Bubbles and soda gave summer vibes and the first thing I noticed as the movie began was the bright and vibrant colors. The haiku beautifully illustrates the development of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in our minds and how they translate into words. So yes, the movie is about expression, communication, and much more.
Cherry is a boy who is insecure about his voice and wears headphones to avoid conversing with people, while Smile is a bubbly girl who hides her buck teeth behind a mask. Despite their barriers, both of them find unique means to communicate to the world - Cherry by posting haikus online and Smile by live-streaming. In this sense, the movie explores the impact of social media on teenagers. It undoubtedly served as a platform for them to showcase their talents and put themselves out in the world. For introverts like Cherry, it helped them share their thoughts from the comfort of their physical space. Yet, the negative influence of social media on one's personal image should never be overlooked.
One of my favorite moments in the movie is when a group of people, including our protagonists, take it upon themselves to find a lost record so that an old man can remember the voice of his late wife who was a singer. It is quite touching to see them joining hands and working together to make him happy. Throughout the movie, the emotions of the characters resonate with our hearts. We feel Cherry's hesitation to speak, the old man's longing and desire to remember, and Smile's sincerity in correcting her mistake.
The role of appreciation and acceptance in the bettering of people can never be overstated. Smile's compliments on Cherry's voice increase his confidence. Cherry's beautiful haikus encourages Smile to accept the uniqueness of her appearance. The support and companionship between them gradually blossom into a love that is cute to behold.
"Yamazakura
I like the leaves that you've hidden"
This is one of the many wonderful haikus shared in the movie. The very essence of the story is condensed in this expression. To understand it, you must watch the movie. So, what are you waiting for?
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