Bubble: The Little Mermaid fairy tale in a post-apocalyptic setting
Bubble is a Japanese animated movie produced by the Wit Studio and directed by Tetsurō Araki, known for creating successful anime series such as Death Note and Attack on Titan. The film, available on Netflix since April 28, 2022, is loosely inspired by the famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid, transporting it into a dystopian future where Tokyo has been invaded by a rain of bubbles that have altered gravity and water.
Bubble’s Plot
The story of Bubble follows the adventures of Hibiki, a boy living in post-apocalyptic Tokyo, where survivors compete in parkour races among the city’s ruins. One day, Hibiki falls into the water and is saved by a mysterious girl, whom he calls Uta, who seems to have a connection to the bubbles that caused the disaster. The two discover they share a sound that only they can hear, which may be the key to unraveling the mystery of the bubbles and freeing Tokyo from its captivity.
Features of Bubble
Bubble is a film that blends elements of science fiction, action, adventure, and romance, creating a captivating and immersive atmosphere. The film stands out for its quality animation, which spectacularly renders the parkour scenes and the post-apocalyptic settings, rich in details and contrasts between light and shadow.
The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, effectively accompanies the characters’ emotions and the narrative phases, alternating between rock, electronic, and orchestral tracks.
The Little Mermaid?
The movie is also an original reinterpretation of The Little Mermaid fairy tale, flipping some key elements, such as the role of the female protagonist, who in this case is a mermaid living in the water rather than on land, and the ending, which is not the typical fairy tale ending.
The Meaning of Bubble
Bubble is a film that, besides entertaining the viewer with its action scenes and fast-paced rhythm, also offers a reflection on the relationship between humans and nature, and the consequences of the choices made for the planet’s future. The film shows how post-apocalyptic Tokyo is the result of a failed scientific experiment that unleashed an uncontrollable chain reaction. The bubbles, symbolizing the fragility and beauty of life, have become a threat to humanity, which finds itself isolated and devoid of resources. The film suggests that the only hope for humankind is to restore balance with nature and to listen to its message, manifested through the sound that only Hibiki and Uta can perceive.
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Why you should watch Bubble
Bubble is a film that deserves to be seen for its ability to combine spectacle and reflection, offering the viewer a high-level visual and auditory experience. The film is also a tribute to Japanese culture, expressed through references to modern and traditional Tokyo, and its history intertwined with that of the characters.
Bubble is ultimately a frame about love, friendship, courage, and hope, inviting viewers to believe in their dreams, even when they seem impossible. Like many Japanese animated movies, Bubble carries a veiled message of suffering that the environment and characters carry throughout the film: that sense of inner emptiness that is part of each of us.