Bubble Movie Review: A Visually Stunning but Flawed Sci-Fi Romance

Read our review of Bubble, a visually captivating sci-fi romance set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. Discover the breathtaking visuals and thrilling action sequences, but also the flaws in character development and storyline. Find out if this unique post-apocalyptic adventure is worth watching.

Bubble Movie Review: A Visually Stunning but Flawed Sci-Fi Romance

Bubble is a visually captivating film set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, where mysterious bubbles have submerged the city and created gravity-defying vortexes. The once bustling metropolis is now inhabited by groups of adventurous youths who use parkour to navigate their way through the abandoned streets. However, amidst this chaotic backdrop, a romance unfolds between the stoic parkour expert, Hibiki, and a mysterious girl named Uta. While Bubble offers breathtaking visuals and thrilling action sequences, it falls short in delivering compelling character relationships and a coherent storyline.

Lack of Depth in Character Development

The central characters of Bubble, Hibiki and Uta, lack the depth needed to fully engage the audience. Uta, although intriguing as a “mermaid” inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, fails to establish a strong presence beyond her sense of wonder and parkour skills. Hibiki, on the other hand, fares slightly better with his portrayal of auditory processing disorder, which adds a layer of complexity to his character. However, the film fails to fully explore the potential of their conditions in shaping their relationships and personal growth.

Underdeveloped Supporting Cast

The supporting cast in Bubble suffers from underdevelopment, possibly due to time constraints. Kai, the leader of Hibiki’s parkour team, harbors unexplained jealousy towards Hibiki, which lacks proper explanation or development. Similarly, the roles of Shin and Makoto, the adults overseeing the group of wayward youths, remain ambiguous, leaving their motivations and relationships with the youngsters to the audience’s imagination.

Visually Striking Action Sequences

Bubble excels in its stunning visuals and action sequences. Director Tetsuro Araki, known for his work on Attack on Titan, brings his expertise to create thrilling parkour scenes that make use of a smooth 3D camera. The first-person perspective shots allow viewers to experience the exhilaration of leaping from skyscrapers and defying gravity alongside the characters. These visually striking moments are the film’s highlight and showcase its potential as an action-packed adventure.

Struggling with Story and Conflict

Bubble struggles to establish a compelling conflict throughout its runtime. The film jumps between exploring its sci-fi concepts, parkour sequences, and Uta’s connection to the sea. As a result, it fails to build sufficient tension or provide a satisfying resolution. While the final act attempts to tie the narrative together by explaining the origins of the catastrophe and its connection to The Little Mermaid, it feels rushed and comes too late to salvage the overall storytelling.

Conclusion: A Visually Captivating but Flawed Adventure

Bubble offers a visually stunning cinematic experience with its captivating action sequences and breathtaking visuals. However, its weak character development and lack of a compelling conflict prevent it from reaching its full potential as a sci-fi romance. While the film’s staff pedigree may have led to high expectations, Bubble falls short in delivering a truly memorable and emotionally engaging narrative. Nonetheless, fans of visually captivating films and thrilling parkour sequences may still find enjoyment in this unique post-apocalyptic adventure.