Cast
View AllIchikawa Somegorō VIII
as Cherry (voice)
Hana Sugisaki
as Smile (voice)
Megumi Han
as Beaver (voice)
Natsuki Hanae
as Japan (voice)
Yuuichirou Umehara
as Toughboy (voice)
Megumi Nakajima
as Julie (voice)
Sumire Morohoshi
as Marie (voice)
Shizuka Itoh
as Nami (voice)
Minori Suzuki
as Akiko (voice)
Hiroshi Kamiya
as Koichi (voice)
Maaya Sakamoto
as Maria (voice)
Yasuaki Takumi
as Kanta (voice)
Nanako Mori
as Sae (voice)
Aya Hisakawa
as Tanaka (voice)
Manami Numakura
as Miyuki (voice)
Crew
Director
- Kyohei Ishiguro
Producer
- Shuzo Kasahara
- Motoki Mukaichi
- Yoshimoto Ishikawa
- Satoshi Fukao
- Jun Koishikawa
- Hiroyuki Birukawa
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Kyohei Ishiguro brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2021, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1198 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike A Walk in the Clouds, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Tootsie and That Thing You Do! explore similar territory, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 22, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 28m
Where to Watch

