‘The Colors Within’ Review: Naoko Yamada’s Exploration of Youthful Friendship Sings with a Warm and Inviting Spirit

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Exploring the Hues Within – A Tale of Friendship and Music

In the realm of light-hearted animated films, one might not expect the Serenity Prayer to make an appearance. However, “The Colors Within” is no ordinary movie. Directed by Naoko Yamada, a renowned figure in anime for her work on series like “K-On!” and movies such as “A Silent Voice” and “Liz and the Blue Bird,” this film focuses on the lives of three teenagers who form an impromptu rock band. The prayer is spoken by Totsuko (Sayu Suzukawa), a student at a Catholic girls’ school in Japan, who perceives people as emitting different colors based on her unique form of synesthesia.

One day, Totsuko notices the intense blue color of her classmate Kimi (Akari Takaishi), who has dropped out of school. They reconnect at a used bookstore where Kimi works, and meet Rui (Taisei Kido), an enthusiastic music lover whose vibrant green hue intrigues Totsuko. Inspired by Rui’s theremin playing and his collection of musical equipment, they form a band.

Despite their lack of experience in music, the trio regularly practice at an abandoned church on Rui’s island home. Their sessions interweave with personal issues such as Kimi hiding her school dropout from her grandmother and Rui’s mother pressuring him to pursue medicine like the rest of his family.

Unlike Yamada’s previous works, “The Colors Within” has a more optimistic tone, focusing primarily on Totsuko’s perspective. While other characters have their own struggles, the film explores these issues with a gentle and compassionate touch. The film also subtly addresses religion in a positive light, portraying the Catholic school as nurturing rather than repressive.

The movie reaches its climax with an extraordinary 10-minute concert, where it becomes clear that musical skill was never the primary focus. Instead, the performance showcases each character’s connection to the music and to one another, creating a harmonious blend of personalities. The film concludes on a poignant note, leaving open the possibility for future adventures.

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2025-01-25 14:46