Cinematic Rating
Studio
Bandai Visual, Office Kitano, TV Tokyo, Tokyo FM
Directed By
Fireworks Review
MovieWise Analysis
The Story: In 2017, audiences were introduced to Fireworks. Taking place within the realm of Animation, Drama, Fantasy, Romance, the story highlights Moshimo, Japan. The annual fireworks festival is about to take place and a group of schoolboys, arguing over whether they are round or flat when viewed from different angles, set out to find it out.
Cinematic Style: The production design and direction elevate the core premise, moving beyond standard genre tropes. Defined by its unique tone—often described as "If only I could return to that moment."—the film balances visual spectacle with character-driven moments.
The Experience: The experience is defined by how it handles its central conflict. It doesn't just present a story; it builds an environment where the stakes feel personal and the resolution feels earned.
The Verdict: The final result is a polished piece of entertainment. Whether you are here for the plot twists or the performances, it delivers a satisfying experience that lingers.
What Audiences Are Saying
"Drop Dead. Hana-bi (AKA: Fireworks) is written and directed by Takeshi Kitano. It stars Kitano, Kayoko Kishimoto, Ren Osugi and Susumu Terajima. Music is by Joe Hisaishi and cinematography by Hideo Yamamoto. Yoshikata Nishi (Kitano) is a loose cannon police detective who quits the force aft..."
"There's greatness in there, for sure, but 'Fireworks' (or, the better title, 'Hana-bi') drags on for too long. I was with it for the first 45-55 minutes, but the final portion of the film really dragged for me; aside from a few moments, it kinda just repeats the same sorta scenes over and over..."
"You wouldn't want to be policeman "Nishi" (Takeshi Kitano). His young child died a few years earlier, his wife is terminally ill in hospital and his partner at work takes a bullet that renders him paraplegic. Unsurprisingly, he hits the skids a bit and his priorities become compromised. When his ..."
▶ Official Fireworks Trailer
Cinematic Stills from Fireworks
