While cleaning up a pool with his friend Yusuke, middle school student Norimichi meets a popular girl, Nazuna. Following her suggestion, Norimichi and Yusuke have a swimming contest, as Nazuna promises she will go to the fireworks festival with the winner. Norimichi is disappointed when Nazuna, whom he has secretly liked, goes to the festival with his friend. But he happens to find a mysterious glass marble, and through it, Norimichi has a magical experience he will never forget. Director Simbo Akiyuki’s animation Fireworks, Should We See it from the Side or the Bottom? is based on director Iwai Shunji’s drama of the same name. This movie beautifully and gaily expresses the unique excitement of Iwai Shunji’s white period, in that fantastic way that only animation can provide. Viewers will experience those fluttering and exciting feelings of first love and the weight of reality that follows after. The movie Fireworks, Should We See it from the Side or the Bottom?masterfully depicts the bittersweetness of first love, tracing a day leading up to the evening fireworks. (KIM Byeong-cheol)