The Colors Within Review: A Heartfelt Anime About Identity, Music, and Friendship
Discover The Colors Within, Naoko Yamada’s heartfelt anime that explores identity, friendship, and the power of music through a unique coming-of-age story.
Naoko Yamada Returns with a Grounded Coming-of-Age Masterpiece
Renowned director Naoko Yamada, celebrated for her acclaimed film A Silent Voice, returns with The Colors Within. This poignant anime explores adolescence through music, friendship, and the rare sensory phenomenon of synesthesia. In her fifth feature, Yamada crafts an introspective coming-of-age story that resonates deeply with universal themes of identity and connection.
A Unique Take on Growing Up
Coming-of-age films often delve into self-discovery, love, and the turbulence of adolescence. The Colors Within approaches these familiar themes with a fresh perspective, focusing on the understated moments of life. Yamada’s direction transforms the everyday struggles of three teenagers into a moving narrative that lingers long after the credits roll.
Rather than relying on melodrama or grand spectacles, the film strengthens in quiet, deeply human moments. Yamada’s ability to portray vulnerability without artifice makes the story feel grounded and authentic.
Synesthesia as a Lens to View the World
The story centers on Totsuko Higurashi, a high school student with synesthesia—a rare condition where senses intertwine, allowing her to “see” people as colors. This unique ability becomes central to the narrative when she meets Kimi Sakunaga, a classmate battling depression, whose presence manifests as a striking, otherworldly blue. The two, joined by Rui, a boy living on a remote island, form a band that becomes a sanctuary where their struggles and identities can coexist harmoniously.
Through Totsuko’s perspective, the film masterfully weaves visual storytelling with emotional depth. The vibrant color palette, reflective of her synesthetic experiences, elevates the film’s introspective tone while highlighting its central themes of identity and acceptance.
Music as a Universal Language
Music is the heartbeat of The Colors Within. For Totsuko, Kimi, and Rui, it becomes a shared outlet for self-expression, a means to navigate the complexities of their lives. Composer Kensuke Ushio, known for his work in A Silent Voice, creates a score that blends ambient soundscapes with evocative melodies, perfectly complementing the film’s emotional tone. Each character’s connection to music—whether composing, singing, or playing an instrument—underscores the therapeutic power of art.
The songs, rich in emotion and meaning, extend the characters’ voices and resonate with audiences on a deeply personal level.
Visuals That Speak Volumes
From lush, dreamlike landscapes to meticulously detailed character designs, The Colors Within is a visual feast. The animation not only enhances the story but also mirrors the characters’ inner worlds, capturing the nuances of their emotions. Yamada’s deliberate pacing allows viewers to savor these visuals while engaging with the film’s introspective narrative.
Themes of Belonging and Identity
At its core, The Colors Within is a story about finding solace in connection and navigating the often overwhelming pressures of adolescence. The film delves into the universal challenges of conforming to societal expectations and reconciling them with personal identity. Totsuko, Kimi, and Rui’s bond becomes a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of life’s uncertainties.
While the film’s exploration of synesthesia could have been more in-depth, its imperfections mirror the characters’ struggles, making it all the more relatable. The deliberately unpolished ending emphasizes the idea that life, much like adolescence, rarely offers tidy resolutions.
A Film That Stays with You
The Colors Within is not a film of high drama or relentless action—it’s an intimate reflection of the human experience. For those willing to embrace its deliberate pacing and quiet storytelling, it offers profound insights into identity, belonging, and the transformative power of music.
Naoko Yamada’s ability to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary types of cement her place as a master storyteller. Her latest work is a testament to the resilience of youth and the enduring impact of art.
(Disclaimer: This review reflects the writer’s perspective and aims to provide an analytical overview of the film while maintaining objectivity.)
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