Fireworks

Year: 2018

Runtime: 90 min

Language: Japanese

Directors: Akiyuki Shinbo, Nobuyuki Takeuchi

Sci-FiDramaFantasyRomanceAnimationFamily

A shy young man and a charming friend find themselves competing for the attention of a girl hoping to avoid her mother's remarriage. Their escape attempt leads them to a mysterious orb that allows them to relive moments, offering a chance to pursue their feelings. However, each time loop presents new complications and alters their reality, blurring the lines between their desires and the consequences of manipulating time.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Fireworks yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Fireworks (2018) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Fireworks (2018), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Norimichi Shimada and Nazuna Oikawa reside in the quaint town of Moshimo—a place aptly named for “if.” When a playful bet among students ensues regarding whether the fireworks in the sky appear round or flat, the stakes rise. Upon discovering a small glass marble, Nazuna teams up with Norimichi and Yusuke for a thrilling race at the swimming pool. Victory goes to Yusuke, which prompts Nazuna to ask him out on a date. As she makes preparations to leave home with a packed suitcase, Yusuke unexpectedly backs out, leading Nazuna’s mother to whisk her away.

In a moment of desperation, Norimichi tosses the marble while wishing for a stroke of luck, inadvertently triggering a rewind of time. This time, Norimichi emerges as the winner of the race, and Nazuna asks him out instead. Their budding romance faces another challenge when they attempt to sneak away to the train station, only to be intercepted by Nazuna’s mother and her fiancé.

Realizing that the reality around him suggests he is caught in an alternate timeline—where the fireworks are indeed flat—Norimichi yearns for a second chance. He hurls the marble from a lighthouse, triggering yet another time reversal as he assists Nazuna in evading her family and boarding the train. However, once again, they are caught, leading to a crescendo of events when Yusuke, in a fit of jealousy, pushes them off a balcony.

Desperate to escape unnoticed, Norimichi wishes upon the marble one last time, compelling time to jump back yet again. This time, fate steers the train on a new course, trapping both him and Nazuna in a peculiar glass dome in their own town. The story takes a surreal turn when a pyrotechnician unwittingly uses the marble as a fireworks charge during a display, causing a vibrant explosion in the sky.

In the aftermath, as they receive a glimpse of their potential future within the shards of glass, Norimichi and Nazuna share a tender embrace. The following day, the absence of both students weighs heavily on the school’s awareness, leaving everyone to wonder what truly happened to them.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:04

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Fireworks?

Still wondering what the ending of Fireworks (2018) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

Fireworks presents a cyclical and symbolic story about hope, life, and the value of human connections. Throughout the film, the characters are caught in an inexplicable time loop, reliving the same suicide attempt over and over. The repeated explosions of the fireworks serve as a metaphor for their struggles and the moments when they consider ending their lives, but these iterations also become a process of catharsis and reflection. Despite the destructive intent behind the bomb, the characters begin to realize that they are alive for reasons beyond their suffering. This realization is symbolized by the words “urip iku urup,” which mean “to live is to light up,” showing that life, no matter how painful, still has meaning and potential.

In the end, as the characters confront the pain and guilt that led them to consider death, they find hope and decide to abort their plans. They recognize that their tragedies can be transformed into moments of understanding and connection if they choose to see life as worth living. After deciding to move forward, the characters leave the room just as the fireworks explode into a beautiful display in the sky, symbolizing their renewed hope, the light of life, and the collective strength to embrace their future. The film concludes with each of them rebuilding their lives—Fahmi opening a new fireworks factory, Raga starting a healthy food business, Sukma mending her relationship with her husband, and Anggun growing into a resilient young woman—showing that even from despair, hope can ignite, and life can be valued again. Ultimately, the movie leaves the audience with a poignant message: that every attempt at ending life may contain within it the possibility of a new beginning, and that sometimes, the act of choosing to keep living is its own form of fireworks—bright, beautiful, and full of promise.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58

Unlock the Full Story of Fireworks

Don't stop at just watching — explore Fireworks in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Fireworks is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Fireworks Timeline

Track the full timeline of Fireworks with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Fireworks

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Fireworks. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Fireworks Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Fireworks? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

More About Fireworks

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Fireworks: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

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