Yamada Naoko’s luminous anime, The Colors Within, is a heartfelt exploration of the doubts, yearnings, and joys of growing up, delivering a rare authenticity often absent in children’s movies. With its soft, watercolor-like visuals and deeply resonant themes, the film gently immerses audiences into the unique world of Totsuko, a young girl with an extraordinary perception of color and life.
A Unique Perspective on Color
Totsuko (voiced by Suzukawa Sayu) is a spirited student at an all-girls Catholic boarding school. Her gift is unique: she doesn’t just see colors; she feels them as if they were an aura emanating from those around her. “When I see a pretty color, my heart quickens,” she explains in the film’s opening moments.
Her vibrant personality often leads her to speak before thinking, resulting in moments both endearing and humorous. During a dodgeball game, Totsuko becomes so mesmerized by the purple and yellow blur of the ball that she’s joyfully dazed when it hits her head.
A Journey of Connection and Self-Discovery
The story takes a turn when Totsuko crosses paths with Kimi (Akari Takaishi), a classmate who leaves school amidst rumors of breaking the institution’s strict no-boys rule. Driven by curiosity and concern, Totsuko finds Kimi at a local used bookstore, where she works while strumming an electric guitar.
This meeting sets the stage for an unlikely trio. When Rui (Kido Taisei), a bespectacled boy who plays the theremin, enters the picture, Totsuko impulsively suggests forming a band. Despite their limited musical experience, the trio begins practicing in an old church near Rui’s home. Totsuko sees colors in each of her companions: blue for Kimi and green for Rui.
Through their shared love of music, the three bond over their struggles: Kimi’s hesitation to reveal her school dropout status to her grandmother, Rui’s conflicted feelings about pursuing music against his parents’ wishes, and Totsuko’s determination to bring them together.
Music as the Language of the Soul
Sister Hiyoshiko (Yui Aragaki), the kind nun with the “beautiful” color Totsuko admires, serves as a quiet source of guidance. “We can chart a new course any time we wish,” she says, subtly encouraging the trio to embrace their individuality and forge their own paths.
The film’s emotional climax comes during a concert where dialogue fades, and their music takes center stage. In a powerful moment reminiscent of Yamada Naoko’s A Silent Voice (2016), the music speaks volumes about their growth, connection, and the unspoken emotions that define their journey.
A Visual and Emotional Masterpiece
Painted with delicate, impressionistic visuals, The Colors Within captures both the external beauty of its settings and the inner complexities of its characters. It seamlessly blends spiritual undertones with themes of self-discovery, friendship, and resilience, creating a deeply moving experience.
Final Thoughts
The Colors Within, a Gkids release, is rated PG for mild thematic elements and runs for 100 minutes. It’s a gentle stunner that speaks directly to the heart, offering a poetic reminder of the transformative power of connection and creativity.
Rating: ★★★☆ (3 out of 4 stars)
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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- Paraluman P. Funtanilla#molongui-disabled-link
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla#molongui-disabled-link
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