Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop Review: Connecting through haiku and music
Nobody reads them anyway. If one could relate to this with their own works, you were probably not alone, and anime film Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (Cider no You ni Kotoba ga Wakiagaru, 2021) was quite into exploring this aspect of human interaction. While reviews in general were positive, there was also the contention that similar to its premise, the production timed for the anniversary of producer flying DOG (of Date A Live, Fam the Silver Wing, Macross, Restaurant to Another World, and Samurai Champloo fame) might be something lacking in the overall presentation of its bright story. Did the movie pop or was it a flop? Warning: spoilers ahead!
Establishing connections: How technology did not make it any easier to enhance relations?
Cherry was a teenage boy who worked in an adult daycare service in the local Oda Nouvelle Mall, introduced to be taking care of the senior citizen Fujiyama, who was always seen to be carrying an empty cover of a vinyl record. While working on his shift, he bumped into the popular Curio streamer Smile, who despite her name usually hid her smile in public with a mask because she was ashamed of her buck teeth. After clearing up a misunderstanding caused by a swapping of phones, they were eventually drawn closer together by the same person who Cherry took care of. Interested in the mystery behind Fujiyama’s record, their search led them to discover not only the record’s history, but also the beauty of human connections, amplified by the power of haiku on the part of Cherry, and the might of music on the part of Smile. Concealing the fact that he was moving soon enough, Cherry thought it would be best to leave without saying goodbye. Smile, however, came up with a plan to at least give a fitting farewell for him. In the end, they managed to express their feelings for each other.
Smile harbored her insecurities and put up a strong facade through her popular channel, but by opening herself up to the public, she might have faced struggles sooner or later when her audience becomes more diverse. At the moment, it appeared she was enjoying positive fame, with many of her followers being fine with whatever she did, including the search for Fujiyama’s vinyl record. However, the reality of social media may not be as rosy. Her mask, while a symbol of protection from illness for some and even a fashion statement for others, was for her a representation of her hidden troubles. On the other side of the spectrum, the quiet Cherry always wore headphones to filter most of the noise around him, while trying hard to make a mark online even though he only had four (4) followers. A far cry from the thousands Smile had. In a way, this added to his feelings of inferiority and littleness, for while he produced quality content, the audience just was not there to appreciate. One may want to think that the immersion of humanity in the digital age should have made it easier to connect with others. Instead, it was probably the other way around. People were likely to be less vocal on their beliefs and less willing to try initiating meaningful relationships online because of the potential to be called out, threatened, or cancelled. It might even be compared to walking on water or treading through a web of sensitive lasers. Keeping your thoughts to yourself in hopes of avoiding to offend would be seen as sound advice than speaking your heart out. Then one would wonder why the populace had become timid, developing an aversion to any real interaction. Perhaps it was indeed an apt title, as words may indeed bubble up, in form of haiku or otherwise, when bottled up for so long.
Love transcendent: Fujiyama and the nostalgia of Yamazakura
Initially seen as an eccentric old man who had a bad hearing and an annoying scream, Fujiyama may well be seen as the real hero of the film. His keen eyes not only brought the two protagonists closer, his poetry sense also bursted forth when needed. Meanwhile, the enigma behind his vinyl record called Yamazakura (lit. cherry blossom mountain) might merit another film altogether, as the plot progression felt rushed in its revelation and elaboration of Fujiyama’s past. This was in exchange for the long, and perhaps dragging, introduction phase that may leave one thinking what was already happening in at least the first third of the movie. It turned out the artist of the record was his departed wife, who died during childbirth. Nostalgic to hear her voice once more, he looked forward to the day that he would find at least one more copy of the record to play. Apparently, his wife was a one hit wonder who became the pride of their town due to her newfound fame. Considering Japan was among the first to shift to compact disc (CD) technology during the 1980s, Yamazakura was probably one of the last vinyl records to be produced in the country, and that may have compounded the sinking feeling of days gone past. The music itself was also reminiscent of 1980s pop, which may be observed to be making a comeback recently. Note of Plastic Love (1984), one of Mariya Takeuchi’s worst performing singles then, but had met incredible global success three decades later. There would be more examples if one would only try looking further.
Despite Smile’s ignorance as she tried to fix a wavy vinyl record, Fujiyama was implied to have a golden heart by not ostracizing the teenage girl. Which would probably have been a rare sight nowadays. Breaking your wife’s last record? Some may have suffered worse for doing something less detrimental. It was a blessed turn of events that the very daycare service had the record intact as a makeshift clock. It was revealed that the mall was the former site of the record company which released Yamazakura. Predictable it may be for some, but one could only imagine the emotional weight of what may be regarded as Fujiyama’s treasure. While Cherry and Smile was a portrayal of new and young love, Fujiyama was the representation of love eternal. It posed a significant question: Are you willing to be committed? How much would you be dedicating for another person? It may sound cliche, but indeed, while some relationships may be temporary, there would also be others which would transcend time.
Saibancho, the verdict
Some who may be suited with contemporary animation may take time to be accustomed with the popping style and the vibrant colors of the film, but it was not the only one to utilize such a technique in recent years. Note the likes of other anime such as Promare (2019). After all, the treatment of its animation style fitted well the narrative it was trying to portray. It was supposed to be a relaxing, feel-good movie with little to think about than the setting of a developing rural town and the emergence of young romance. At times, a straightforward film with no major twists and turns would be what one needed to take a break from a fast-paced life. Rest, after all, would be as vital as activity itself. One could not always stay awake as one could not always stay asleep.
This was not to say the film was bereft of flaws. There was just something about it that probably places it in the middle of a decent film and a masterpiece for all ages. Relatable as the movie may have been, even in a period of history that made physical distancing and mask wearing a norm than an exception, perhaps it was too good all around that it had become the very fault it had acquired. One lesson, meanwhile, that the film would likely leave was the principle of “what is for you is for you.” Cherry and Smile meeting each other, finding what they do as appealing, and so on, would only be possible in a setup that allowed their relationship to develop. Others may try to fabricate an artificial environment to achieve the man or the woman of your dreams, but that was probably why they were called dreams. There would be no perfect person. Just the right one for you.
(Photos from the film courtesy of flying DOG, Signal.MD, Sublimation)
