Pháo Hoa Nên Ngắm Từ Dưới Hay Bên Cạnh? Fireworks, Should We See It From The Side Or The Bottom? (2017)

Despite its polarizing reception, 'Fireworks, Should We See It From The Side Or The Bottom?' by Akiyuki Shinbo and Nobuyuki Takeuchi stands as a testament to visual ambition in Japanese animation. The film plunges viewers into an emotional labyrinth of adolescence through compelling cinematic techniques, notably the distinctive Shaft studio aesthetic, which delivers surreal and symbolic frames. Its blend of reality and illusion via time-travel isn't merely a plot device but a profound metaphor for the regrets and unfulfilled desires of first love, echoing Shunji Iwai's original vision.

Voice performances from Suzu Hirose (Nazuna) and Masaki Suda (Norimichi) eloquently convey the confusion, longing, and fragility of youth. While the pacing has been criticized as disjointed at times, these very ambiguous moments contribute to its emotional depth, inviting audiences to ponder the essence of pursuing "what if" scenarios. Though it didn't achieve the runaway success of "Your Name.", this work carves out its unique niche within the fantasy romance anime genre, offering a poetic gaze into the complexities of memory and choice.