Cast
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Suzu Hirose
as Nazuna Oikawa (voice)
Masaki Suda
as Norimichi Shimada (voice)
Mamoru Miyano
as Yūsuke Azumi (voice)
Shintaro Asanuma
as Jun'ichi (voice)
Toshiyuki Toyonaga
as Kazuhiro (voice)
Yuki Kaji
as Minoru (voice)
Shin-ichiro Miki
as Nazuna's Mother's Fiancé (voice)
Kana Hanazawa
as Teacher Miura (voice)
Takahiro Sakurai
as Teacher Mitsuishi (voice)
Michiko Neya
as Norimichi's Mother (voice)
Nobuo Tobita
as Norimichi's Father (voice)
Mitsuru Miyamoto
as Yūsuke's Father (voice)
Fumihiko Tachiki
as Pyrotechnician (voice)
Takako Matsu
as Nazuna's Mother (voice)
Jun Inoue
as Announcer (voice)
Crew
Director
- Nobuyuki Takeuchi
Producer
- Junnosuke Ito
- Akiko Yodo
- Genki Kawamura
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Fireworks 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 Nobuyuki Takeuchi 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 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Fireworks took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 213 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Fireworks shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike At My Mother's Age, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Fireworks subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Twinkle Nora Rock Me! and Step Back, Doors Closing explore similar territory, Fireworks stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: August 18, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Revenue: $26,617,621
