Name: Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop
Genre: Animation, Romance, Drama
Released: 2021-07-22T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Somegoro Ichikawa, Hana Sugisaki, Megumi Han, Natsuki Hanae, Yuuichirou Umehara

The final shot of Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop—Cherry and Smile sharing a kiss as Fujiyama’s long-lost record plays—is a moment of pure, unadulterated anime romanticism. But to get there, director Kyohei Ishiguro takes us on a winding, often uneven journey through rural Japan, where two socially awkward souls find each other amidst the chaos of a shopping mall.

The film follows Cherry (Somegoro Ichikawa), a haiku-writing introvert, and Smile (Hana Sugisaki), an online influencer hiding her braces behind a mask. Their meet-cute is as messy as it is charming: a phone swap during a delinquent chase sets off their digital courtship before spilling into real life. Ishiguro’s direction excels in these early moments, blending frenetic energy with quiet intimacy. The mall setting becomes a character itself—neon-lit and bustling, a perfect backdrop for two outsiders navigating the world.

The animation, while not groundbreaking, serves the story well. The film’s visual limitations are often offset by creative framing and expressive character designs. Smile’s mask, for instance, becomes a poignant symbol of her insecurities, while Cherry’s haikus—visualized as floating text—add poetic flair to his internal struggles. The use of color is particularly noteworthy; the vibrant hues of the mall contrast sharply with the muted tones of Cherry’s home life, emphasizing his emotional isolation.

The film’s exploration of communication and connection is its strongest suit. Cherry’s haikus serve as a bridge between his inner world and the outside realm, a theme that resonates deeply in an era of digital communication. Smile’s mask, both literal and metaphorical, represents the facades we all don to hide our vulnerabilities. These themes are handled with sensitivity, making the film relatable to anyone who has ever struggled to express themselves.

However, where the film stumbles is in its pacing and structural choices. The subplot involving Fujiyama (Megumi Han) and his lost record feels tacked on at times, slowing down the momentum of Cherry and Smile’s burgeoning romance. While it adds emotional depth—especially in its exploration of loss and memory—the execution is uneven. The record hunt, though heartfelt, sometimes overshadows the central love story, making the narrative feel disjointed.

The performances are a mixed bag. Ichikawa and Sugisaki both bring authenticity to their roles, capturing the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence. Ichikawa’s delivery of Cherry’s haikus is particularly striking, imbuing each one with a sense of longing and tenderness. Sugisaki, meanwhile, conveys Smile’s bubbly exterior and underlying insecurities with equal measures of charm and pathos.

However, some supporting characters, like Beaver (Natsuki Hanae) and Toughboy (Yuuichirou Umehara), veer into caricature. Their antics, while intended to add levity, often feel disruptive to the film’s emotional core. Megumi Nakajima as Julie and Sumire Morohoshi as Marie fare better, providing moments of genuine warmth and comic relief without derailing the narrative.

The film’s originality lies in its blend of slice-of-life realism with anime whimsy. The haiku motif is a clever narrative device, allowing Cherry to express himself in ways he can’t verbally. Yet, the film occasionally struggles to balance its tonal shifts—moving from heartfelt to slapstick without seamless transitions. This tonal inconsistency is particularly evident in the summer festival sequence, where the chaotic energy of the event clashes with the film’s more introspective moments.

In terms of genre fit, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop straddles the line between romance and drama, with a dash of comedy. It’s a formula that works, albeit unevenly. The romantic elements are well-executed, with Cherry and Smile’s chemistry palpable from their first digital interaction. The dramatic beats, however, are sometimes overshadowed by the film’s more whimsical moments.

The film’s target audience is likely older teens and young adults, who will appreciate its exploration of communication and connection in the digital age. However, its appeal extends beyond that demographic. Anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to express themselves will find something to relate to in Cherry and Smile’s journey.

In the end, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is a film that lingers in the heart more than the mind. Its flaws are apparent—uneven pacing, tonal shifts, and caricatured supporting characters—but its strengths are undeniable.