"Fireworks, Should We See it from the Side or the Bottom?" is a 2017 anime film based on a 1993 live-action television drama. The story is set in a small coastal town during summer and centers around a group of middle school students. Norimichi Shimada, a reserved and introspective boy, becomes entangled in a series of surreal events after a class discussion about whether fireworks appear round or flat when viewed from different angles. This debate sparks curiosity and sets the stage for the film's exploration of time, choice, and relationships.

Norimichi and his friend Yusuke Azumi both harbor feelings for their classmate, Nazuna Oikawa, who is planning to run away from home due to her mother's impending remarriage. During a swimming race, Norimichi wins by chance, earning the opportunity to spend time with Nazuna at a summer festival. However, their plans are interrupted when Nazuna's mother discovers her intentions to leave. In a moment of desperation, Nazuna finds a mysterious glowing orb, which she later discovers has the power to rewind time.

Using the orb, Norimichi and Nazuna repeatedly reset the day, attempting to alter events and create a reality where they can be together. Each reset introduces subtle changes, leading to alternate timelines and outcomes. As they navigate these temporal shifts, the relationship between Norimichi and Nazuna deepens, but the consequences of their actions become increasingly unpredictable. The film juxtaposes the fleeting nature of summer with the characters' yearning for permanence, highlighting the tension between their desires and the inevitability of change.

The narrative is driven by the characters' emotional struggles and their attempts to reconcile their feelings with the realities of their lives. Norimichi's quiet determination contrasts with Yusuke's more straightforward personality, while Nazuna's vulnerability and longing for freedom add depth to her character. The film's exploration of time loops and alternate realities serves as a metaphor for the characters' search for meaning and connection in a world filled with uncertainty.

The story culminates in a poignant and ambiguous conclusion, leaving the fate of the characters open to interpretation. Through its blend of romance, science fiction, and coming-of-age themes, "Fireworks, Should We See it from the Side or the Bottom?" offers a contemplative and visually evocative portrayal of adolescence, choice, and the passage of time.