Back to Nagooey's Profile Nagooey's Profile

The Colors Within (Kimi no Iro) is cozy, warm, beautiful, and just nice vibes.

The animation is delicate and impressionistic, employing a gentle watercolor aesthetic that beautifully complements the film's themes of self-discovery and emotional expression. Both the visual and audio direction come together to create this emotionally resonant film directed by Naoko Yamada, where glimpses of her previous works like "A Silent Voice" and "Liz and the Blue Bird" are evident. The nuances of the characters' movements and gestures during interactions, paired with subtle shifts in both non-diegetic and diegetic environmental sounds, along with the incredible atmospheric soundtrack, showcase the masterful direction that makes this ... film such a rich experience.

While the movie explores meaningful themes and heavier topics that many viewers will resonate with, it isn't trying to be a devastatingly sad film. Instead, it tells a grounded, heartwarming story with tender love and care. Early on, I found myself waiting and speculating on where a dramatic plot twist might arise, only to realize that there wasn’t one—and you know what? That’s perfectly okay. This is a story about a group of friends coming together through a shared passion, learning to grow, and finding themselves by relying on each other’s presence. The character development is nuanced, with each protagonist grappling with personal challenges and societal expectations. The conflicts feel real and grounded, creating an enchanting portrayal of teenage life and friendship that avoids unnecessary, over-the-top drama.

This all leads to the film's climax—a concert performance featuring songs that were subtly teased throughout the characters' practice sessions. The performance feels like a cathartic release of all their built-up emotions, conveying the unspoken feelings of the three main characters through music and visuals alone. Props to Kensuke Ushio for composing the songs, as well as the amazing score and background soundtrack that enhances the film’s emotional depth.

The Colors Within is a gentle, warm movie. There aren’t any high-stakes conflicts or dramatic twists, but it isn’t trying to be that kind of film. On the surface, it might seem like a simple and straightforward movie, but if you pay attention to the subtleties—the nuanced character interactions, the settings (a small island and a Catholic boarding school) and how they shape the characters' choices, the direction through audio, shot angles, framing, color choices, and the recurring audio-visual motifs—the film delivers an experience that reminds us how colorful life can be.

The Colors Within is a nice watch and is perfect for those seeking a contemplative and beautifully animated exploration of adolescence, friendship, and the power of music.