There are many of the traditional signs of a dystopian genre in Bubble anime, a new anime film on Netflix. The film is set in a version of Tokyo that has been nearly completely abandoned, with rusting cars, collapsing buildings, and vegetation taking its place among the urban sprawl. The city does, however, have a certain energy, which was crucial to director Tetsuro Araki.
Tokyo has been shown and reinvented numerous times in popular culture, most frequently in post-apocalyptic scenarios, just like Jujutsu Kaisen’s upcoming arc. According to Araki, Bubble anime’s popularity aided in the creation of his distinct vision. The city is partially underwater in the film, and there are also regions where gravity has been warped, which is made for parkour sequences to look more exciting.
“Because we’re showcasing Tokyo in a different way, it was easy to create this striking backdrop,” Araki explains. “It’s now a sunken city.” It’s just a horrific departure from the Tokyo we’re used to.”
When Did the Bubble Anime Release?
On April 28, 2022, Netflix premiered the film. On February 10, 2022, lucky attendees at the Berlin International Film Festival were treated to early screenings. After its original Netflix release, it will be distributed theatrically in Japan in May.
What’s the Bubble Anime About?
The Sci-fi genre of the anime world is also taking a stand, with anime like Dr. Stone and Steins;Gate. The Bubble anime’s unusual premise also sets that tone. It isn’t your normal end-of-the-world scenario. In Bubble, the world is invaded by… bubbles, rather than a planet tormented by conflict or natural disasters.
Five years before the start of the movie, mysterious bubbles began to rain down all over the world, finally swallowing the whole city of Tokyo in one huge bubble. From there, Tokyo became mostly deserted, while the rest of the country went on as usual. The only people who live there are street youths who live alone and compete in a team-based form of parkour in which the victors receive supplies such as gasoline and ramen.
Hibiki is a newcomer to the scene who is noted for his daring style of play. Even a gifted player like him can go too far, which is exactly what occurs. Thankfully for him, a strange girl named Uta saves him from plunging into the gravity-defying water by using her special abilities. They have no idea that their accidental meeting will reveal details about the event and themselves, and may even change the world.
Who Are the Main Cast of the Bubble Anime?
The anime film follows Hibiki and Uta, two star-crossed lovers, as they try to understand one other, as well as the secret of the ‘Bubble-fall’ event that flooded Tokyo.
Both experienced and newbie voice actors make up the team of Bubble anime. Hibiki, a parkour ace with a wild streak, is played by Jun Shison. Shison’s live-action roles include Senpai to Kanojo, The Prince of Tennis stage musical, and the Super Sentai series. Uta, a girl with unusual abilities, is played by Riria. Mamoru Miyano, who portrayed Shin, also voiced in Death Note and Steins;Gate.
Yuki Kaji, who dubbed Kai, was seen in Attack on Titan and Seven Deadly Sins, and Shin-ichiro Miki, who voiced Kant Mad Lobster, also voiced in Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, are among the more experienced voice actors.
In addition, Alice Hirose plays Makoto, a scientist who analyses the fallen bubbles, as well as Sayaka Senbongi, Tasuku Hatanaka, and Marina Inoue as Usagi, Denki Ninja, and Undertaker respectively.
Who Are Involved in the Production Team of Bubble Anime?
Wit Studio’s latest original animation is available on Netflix, released in December 2021. Netflix, Production I.G, and BONES formed a commercial partnership in 2018 that led to this collaboration.
The Bubble anime is a gem worked on by a formidable group of well-known artists. Wit Studio, the production house that created the first three seasons of Attack on Titan, is producing it. Tetsur Araki, who directed Attack on Titan Seasons 1-3 and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, is well-known.
Gen Urobuchi is the co-creator of the anime, he also created the critically acclaimed anime series Puella Magi Madoka Magica, for which he received the Tokyo Anime Award for Best Scriptwriter, as well as Psycho-Pass and Fate/Zero.
Hiroyuki Sawano composed the anime’s music. Sawano, who is most renowned for his contributions to anime series, television dramas, and films, brings a wealth of experience to the table. His work on episodes like Attack on Titan, The Seven Deadly Sins, and Kill la Kill will be familiar to listeners.
Is the Anime Worth Watching?
The bubble anime has some of the strongest action scenes this year, animated or not. It completely defines the dystopian anime genre by building on its inspiration and telling a compelling and moving story.
Without a question, the film’s aesthetics are its greatest asset. Studio Wit has spent the last ten years establishing itself amongst the most amazing anime studios in the world. Bubble is Wit’s first completely original project since Hal in 2013, and it demonstrates just how far the group has progressed with its incredible action sequences, especially the Parkour-based special effects are the focal point of the film.
Araki and his colleagues create dynamic camera motions that swirl and hop around with the characters, flawlessly blending 2D and 3D animation in scenes that feel like a progression of Attack on Titan‘s 3D Maneuver sequences. Hibiki’s debut appearance, in which he skillfully navigates floating debris, bubbles, and aggressive competition, is an awe-inspiring moment that could only be achieved through animation.
With the exciting blend of classical and rock music supplied by Hiroyuki Sawano, the plot adds to the larger-than-life action. Many times the camera frequently focuses on the characters’ faces, emphasizing their features and transforming them into figurines on a beautiful manga cover.
So, it’s worth watching!
Trailer!
In December 2021, Netflix released a teaser for the film. The teaser accompanied the anime’s official trailer in late March after a few months. Riria’s “Jaa ne, Mata ne” (“See You, Catch You Later”) and musician Eve’s “Bubble ft. Uta” are featured in the trailer.