Of the various phrases that could start a light-hearted animated film, the serenity prayer, which gained popularity through Alcoholics Anonymous, is undoubtedly one of the least expected.
However, “The Colors Within,” which begins with a plea for divine help in accepting the unchangeable, goes beyond a typical anime feature. Directed by Naoko Yamada, known for her work in anime series such as “K-On!” Films such as “A Silent Voice” and “Liz and the Blue Bird” emerged as a distinct voice in the medium.
Seamlessly aligned with its thematic exploration of youthful ambitions and passions, the film follows a trio of teenagers as they spontaneously form a rock band, exploring their personal journeys in a gentle and sympathetic manner.
The prayer is offered by Totsuko (Sayo Suzukawa), a student at a girls' Catholic high school in Japan. Since her childhood, she has experienced a unique form of synesthesia, in which she sees individuals as radiating certain colors, a phenomenon that Yamada represents visually in a watercolor-like style. One day, she notices the startling blue color of her classmate Kimi (Akari Takaishi), who has dropped out of school unexpectedly. Their paths cross again at the used bookstore where Kimi works, where they also meet Rui (Taisei Kido), a young man with a passion for music, whose vibrant green aura inspires Totsuko to impulsively suggest forming a band with her new friends.
Despite Kimi being a novice guitarist and Totsuko's limited piano skills, the trio meets frequently at an abandoned church on Roy Island, where he has amassed an impressive collection of musical instruments to complement his impressive theremin performances. These training sessions are intertwined with family challenges: Kimmy has not yet told her grandmother that she is leaving school, while Roy's mother insists that she pursue a career in family medicine.
In a different film, even if directed by the same person, these narrative elements would take up a large part of the story. Yamada, who initially worked as an animator at Kyoto Animation, is probably best known in the United States for her 2016 film A Silent Voice, which explored a young man's confrontation with his past as a bully, revealing anguish and emotional turmoil that resonated with her. Throughout its cast of similarly troubled teenage characters. Her 2018 work, “Liz and the Blue Bird,” arguably her most visually stunning film to date, also conveyed a quiet intensity that enriched the emotional complexity of her ambiguous central relationship.
“The Colors Inside” marks Yamada’s inaugural feature film for Science SARU, the anime studio that has celebrated the works of Masaaki Yuasa, including “Inu-Oh” and “The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl,” as well as his involvement in the series “Scott Pilgrim takes off.”
While there are noticeable differences in animation style compared to Yamada's previous work in KyoAni – which featured softer lines and lighter colors – the most profound change lies in its overall tone and character development.
The emotional turmoil found in her previous films is replaced by a more optimistic outlook, highlighted in particular by the constant emphasis on Totsuko's perspective. Although it would be misleading to claim that her character lacks development, her transformations in personality and self-awareness are more absorbing than those of her peers.
A key aspect of Inner Colors is its commitment to Totsuko's point of view, even when the issues faced by others take precedence.
The film's thoughtful portrayal of religion, especially in an academic setting, is perhaps its most striking feature. It notably avoids the typical clichés associated with Catholic schools, instead presenting Sister Hiyoshiko (Yui Aragaki) as a compassionate teacher who works to foster a nurturing environment for Totsuko. Her delicate journey toward calm parallels Totsuko's, as well as Kimi and Rui's.
While Colors Within does not delve into the psychological complexities found in Yamada's previous works—such as the decreasing emphasis on Totsuko's attraction to Kimi as the narrative progresses—it effectively captures the emotional dynamics of its characters through Yamada's signature techniques.
These include frequent close-ups that emphasize characters' physical expressions, a slightly dynamic camera that moves in and out of focus, and unexpected cuts that conclude scenes with surprising notes.
These technical elements culminate in a brilliant, sustained 10-minute concert, with “The Colors Within” emphasizing that musical skill has never been the primary goal, especially for Totsuko. Although the three songs performed are both catchy and poignant, with Kimmy's lead vocals being particularly poignant, the highlight lies in the true representation of each character's connection to the music and to each other.
This fusion of souls maintains their distinct personalities. The film concludes with an unexpected but fitting acknowledgment of the myriad emotions woven into their interactions, symbolizing the open door to a promising future ahead.
Last updated on January 25, 2025 by 247 News Worldwide
