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Serenity, Serendipity, Warm—these are the feelings that linger with me after watching Naoko Yamada's latest film, 'The Colors Within.' Her films have always been a source of comfort, and this one was no exception.

Having been a long-time fan of Naoko Yamada's films—each one leaving me with a sense of warmth—I was curious to see if 'The Colors Within' would continue that tradition. However, as the film began, I found myself concerned that my non-anime-watching friend might not share the same experience.
In the opening scenes, the pacing felt slower than what I was used to, and there was no immediate ... hook to pull me in. Unlike the flashy or dramatic openings of many films, this one didn’t start with a bang, which initially left me wondering how it would unfold. To illustrate, in modern superhero movies, there will probably be "the discovery of the protagonist's untapped power" or "a big problem occurs that needs great power to overcome" to hook the audiences to the story. This movie, however, does not have such hooks at all.

However, as I kept watching, I started to finally understand the storytelling of this movie.
I discovered that I don't have to wrack my brain or strain myself so that I do not miss anything. It's very... comfortable, or, should I say, really gentle.
When you watch other movies, the movie will attempt to guide you to feel a certain way.
However, this movie lets the story flows at their pace, while always gently welcome you when you would like to join in.
In other words, the storytelling is gentle in that it doesn't demand your attention but invites you to engage when you're ready. It's not about making you feel a certain emotion but allowing you to experience the film at your own pace. The lack of urgency is refreshing, almost like being in a warm, quiet space where you can simply breathe.

In the end, what I appreciate most about 'The Colors Within' is that it doesn’t try to force a profound message. It simply exists, quietly inviting you to find meaning at your own pace. For me, that’s the hallmark of Yamada’s artistry: creating films that feel like an intimate conversation, where you’re not rushed to understand everything all at once.

GOAT story. I'm so glad to see the conclusions to all of my dear characters after 9 years. It's like visiting your old friends one last time before they go on a journey which we will never meet again.
I love Kanade so much. I love Mayu too; my high school self really relates to her.

Some people complain about "the change" made by KyoAni, but you know what? IT'S EVEN BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL (at least to me.)
The only complain I have is that it should've been 26 episodes.
We have too little screen time to tell the whole story.