Sci-fi infused take on the mermaid’s story
Netflix’s latest anime offering is a quaint movie called Bubble. Hibiki, who lives in an abandoned Tokyo city, finds his life changing when he meets a strange girl. The story centers around Hibiki, who is forced to confront the harsh realities of life in an abandoned city and the struggles that come with it.
The short film “100 Minutes” is a fantasy and science fiction story that is set in a world where the length of time between breaths is only 100 minutes. The story follows a young girl who must find a way to break the 100 minute limit before she expires.
The story follows the citizens of Tokyo as they try to rebuild their lives. They are forced to confront the consequences of their actions five years ago and the city that was left behind. The citizens must find a way to live in peace and harmony with one another, while still facing the challenges of a post-apocalyptic world.
People who have run away from their homes often seek refuge in abandoned cities. Cities with limited resources and danger can be a safe place for people to hide.
The game of parkour is a way to have fun and adventure. Two teams of five people each compete against each other to win the opponent’s lot of supplies.
Hibiki is quite lucky as he always wins these games. Hibiki is the group’s ace because he always takes them to the finishing line. Since childhood, he has a hyper auditory sensitivity that makes him susceptible to the minutest of noises. He uses this to his advantage and finds his way during the parkour games.
Uta is a mysterious girl who does not have a name or speak. Hibiki named her Uta and she becomes a part of the team. She even competes in the parkour games too. Her past is unknown, and her motivation to save Hibiki or even come to this city are unknown.
After a sci-fi-inspired beginning, the story takes a turn into a post-apocalyptic, fantasy realm in the story of Uta and Hibiki. ..
Utada is introduced to the story through a story book, but she thinks the story as her own, as Utada develops a crush on Hibiki, and vows to do anything to please and save him. As the story progresses, the symbolism of the mermaid and the prince cements. ..
I wonder what justified Bubble’s selection for the Berlin Film Festival. If the movie was simply marketed as sci-fi retelling of a classic mermaid fairy tale, then it might have been more satisfying to watch. There are a few loose ends to the narrative that take away from the main story.
The film is visually appealing and well-shot, but its narrative issues make it difficult to recommend.
This may have helped to flesh out more of this world, which feels underdeveloped. Bubble is enjoyable, but certainly leaves room for improvement.
