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 opening scene of Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is a whirlwind: a chaotic chase through a mall, phones swapped mid-panic, and two strangers connected by digital serendipity. This is the spark that ignites director Kyohei Ishiguro’s animated romance, a film that unfolds like a summer breeze—light, warm, and fleeting.

The heart of the story lies in its two leads: Cherry (Somegoro Ichikawa), a shy boy who expresses himself through haiku, and Smile (Hana Sugisaki), an online influencer hiding her braces behind a mask. Their dynamic is charmingly uneven, with Cherry’s quiet introspection clashing beautifully with Smile’s bubbly insecurity. The film’s strength lies in its ability to capture the awkward, tender moments of young love—like Cherry’s halting attempts to recite poetry or Smile’s nervous giggles when her mask slips.

Visually, Ishiguro’s direction is a mixed bag. The animation is vibrant, with lush colors and playful details that bring the rural Japanese mall setting to life. Scenes like the summer festival burst with energy, fireworks lighting up the sky as Cherry finally finds his voice. Yet, some compositions feel stiff, particularly in crowded shots where characters blur into the background. The sound design, though, is a standout—Kensuke Ushio’s score swells and recedes like the ebb of emotion between Cherry and Smile, with tracks like “I Like You” perfectly capturing the film’s bittersweet tone.

Where the film stumbles is in its pacing. The plot meanders at times, especially during the search for Fujiyama’s lost record, which feels more like a contrived obstacle than an organic part of the story. Smile’s sudden decision to reassemble the shattered record also stretches credibility, though it does serve as a touching moment of redemption.

The performances are largely solid, with Ichikawa and Sugisaki bringing depth to their roles despite the limitations of animation. Natsuki Hanae and Megumi Han add texture as supporting characters, particularly in scenes where they rally around Cherry and Smile’s budding romance. The film’s emotional core, though, rests on Yuuichirou Umehara’s portrayal of Toughboy—a friend who offers grounding wisdom—but even he feels underutilized at times.

Ultimately, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is a sweet, if slight, romantic drama. It doesn’t break new ground in animation or storytelling, but it delivers on heart and relatability.