The Colors Within releases in cinemas across the United Kingdom and Ireland from January 31, 2025.
Synopsis
The Colors Within is a heartfelt coming-of-age story for the whole family that combines fun and catchy songs, beautiful pastel colours, and a touching story about those first steps we take towards finding ourselves. Totsuko is a gentle young woman with a form of synaesthesia that allows her to see the “colours” of people. When she is drawn to the colour of Kimi, a former honour student who suddenly drops out of their Catholic school, the two find themselves forming a band with Rui, a boy who hides his passion for music from his family. As the three grow closer together through their music, will they start to learn who they really are – what their real “colour” is?
Review
From the acclaimed director known for her emotionally resonant works like “A Silent Voice” and “Liz and the Blue Bird” Naoko Yamada once again brings her phenomenal talents to the screen with “The Colors Within,” a film that is as visually enchanting as it is emotionally deep. This time, Yamada invites us to experience the world through the eyes of Totsuko, a young girl who has the unique ability to see people as colors. After seeing her fellow classmate Kimi’s unique color aura she ends up accidentally making a band with her and a young man named Rui who collects instruments. Throughout the plot they learn to play music together as their personal lives begin to seep out into the lyrics.
Totsuko is a remarkably relatable protagonist, her insecurities and shyness mirroring the experiences of many young people. Her journey of self-acceptance, fueled by her growing friendships with Kimi and Rui, is both heart-warming and inspiring. Kimi, with her radiant aura and her hidden emotions conflict with her aura, serves as a beacon of interest for Totsuko. Rui, the introspective musician, provides a grounding presence and a safe space for the characters to explore their emotions and practice their music. The dynamics between these three characters are beautifully realized, their interactions imbued with a sense of genuine warmth and friendship.
Yamada’s masterful direction is evident in every frame. The animation, rendered in her signature soft, almost watercolor-like style, is breathtakingly beautiful. Each scene gives off a dreamlike quality, perfectly capturing the essence of Totsuko’s unique perception. The character animation is fluid and expressive with subtle nuances. But it is the depiction of the auras that truly sets this film apart. They swirl and shift with every emotional flux, transforming the ordinary reality into a hypnotic display of light and color.
“The Colors Within” is more than just a visual feast though, it’s a moving exploration of adolescence, friendship, and the challenges of carving out your own destiny. Totsuko’s ability, while a gift, also becomes a source of anxiety and confusion. She struggles to reconcile the vibrant colors she sees with the often-conflicting words and actions of those around her. This internal conflict is portrayed with remarkable sensitivity, allowing the audience to empathize deeply with Totsuko’s struggles.
The soundtrack of “The Colors Within” is one of the strongest parts of the movie. The music, composed with a delicate touch, perfectly complements the film’s gentle pacing and introspective tone. The growth of the character’s instrumental skill during practice sessions and performances, adds a layer of authenticity to the experience. The music swells and recedes in harmony with the characters’ emotions, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable auditory experience.
When you finally get to hear the band play their songs all the way through, that music stays with you. They are vibrant and catchy and quickly found their way into my Spotify playlist!
While “The Colors Within” is undoubtedly a masterpiece, it does have minor imperfections. The pacing, while deliberate and reflective, may feel somewhat slow for viewers accustomed to more action-driven narratives. Additionally, the film does not entirely wrap up our characters’ stories but instead puts on a path to a better future for each of them. For better or worse it does leave an unfinished feeling upon leaving the film. However, these minor flaws do little to detract from the film’s overall impact.
Verdict
The Colors Within is visually one of the most beautiful anime movies I have come across in the last year or so. The creative watercolors used to show the auras of the characters were breathtaking upon first sighting and the story while slow paced was emotionally driven. The music is a huge payoff as well with a fantastic payoff at the end of the movie.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
