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Bubble is a visually stunning 2022 anime movie directed by Tetsuro Araki, set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo submerged underwater after a mysterious phenomenon. The enigmatic event brought along gravity-defying bubbles that altered the city's gravity and landscape, rendering it a no-go zone for the rest of the world. The film was produced by Wit Studio, well-known for their work on "Attack on Titan," and features an engaging blend of action, sci-fi elements, and a touching storyline, along with an ensemble voice cast including Jun Shison, riria., and Mamoru Miyano.

The story unfolds in a deserted Tokyo, where the strange occurrence has left the city's familiar landmarks and streets partially submerged, creating an eerie yet fascinating world. The only inhabitants of this new, bubble-covered Tokyo are pockets of young people - orphans and runaways who have made the abandoned metropolis their playground. They're known as "The Youth of Tokyo," who have adapted to this peculiar environment and are captivated by the mystery enveloping the city.

Among these youths is our protagonist, Hibiki, a talented and fearless teenager with a reputation for his stupendous acrobatic abilities, which he employs to navigate the gravity-warped Tokyo cityscape. Voiced by Jun Shison, Hibiki stands out as a dauntless parkour enthusiast and represents the innate human desire to find connection amid chaos and desolation.

One day, Hibiki's life changes dramatically when he encounters a mysterious girl with unusual powers. With hair as pale as the moon and an enigmatic aura, this girl, voiced by riria., seems to hold a connection to the bubble phenomenon itself. Her arrival acts as a catalyst for change, driving the story forward and challenging the status quo that has governed the lives of these isolated youths.

Mamoru Miyano lends his voice to one of the pivotal characters in the ensemble cast. As a celebrated voice actor in the anime realm, Miyano's contribution adds depth and intrigue to the already compelling narrative through his character's unique perspective and interactions within this fractured world.

The film's visual aesthetic is a notable highlight, painstakingly crafted to bring an otherworldly Tokyo, both beautiful and haunting, to life on screen. The animation is top-notch, with Wit Studio's commitment to quality evident in each frame. Tokyo's drowned cityscape provides the perfect backdrop for the gravity-defying action sequences, which are exhilarating and masterfully choreographed, striving to emphasize the altered physics of the world without straying too far into the realms of implausibility.

Bubble presents its core themes through a blend of slice-of-life moments and sci-fi fantasy elements that explore the human condition, survival, and the search for meaning in a world turned upside down. There is an emotional undercurrent to the movie that resonates with viewers as it touches on ideas of loss, belonging, and the yearning for connections in a broken world.

The film's soundscape complements the visual feast, offering an immersive auditory experience that elevates the on-screen action and emotional beats. The soundtrack is both haunting and invigorating, perfectly suiting the unique environment and story's tone. One would also find the action sequences' sound design intricate, serving to accentuate the otherworldliness and the kinetic energy of these scenes.

Bubble is also a testament to the collaborative spirit within the anime industry, featuring a screenplay by Gen Urobuchi, who has been involved in creating other remarkable series like "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" and "Psycho-." The movie integrates a mix of influences from different genres and media, woven together into a narrative that is distinct yet familiar for fans of science fiction and anime.

In of thematic exploration, the film delves into the idea of resilience in the face of catastrophe. It powerfully conveys the experiences of its young protagonists, who, despite the collapse of society as they knew it, find solace and a semblance of normalcy in their day-to-day lives in this new world. It prompts viewers to consider how people adapt to and find hope in even the most drastic of changes to their environment.

While Bubble is primarily a work of entertainment, it also poses philosophical questions about humanity's response to disaster, the way we rebuild and redefine our communities, and how young people, in particular, navigate the complexities of an altered world. It's a film about finding beauty in destruction and light in the shadow of despair, wrapped up in an action-filled package that anime fans, as well as newcomers to the medium, can thoroughly enjoy.

Bubble is a 2022 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 56.