The main character in The Colours Within is Catholic schoolgirl Totsuko Higurashi, who sees people as colours, like someone with synaesthesia. She idolises Kimi, who is blue, and befriends Rui, who is green.
Kimi drops out of school and is too scared to tell her grandmother but forms a band with Totsuko and Rui. Rui, who plays the theremin, is too scared to tell his mother, who expects him to become a doctor.
The Colours Within is my favourite anime with a theremin. It’s a musical anime, although there’s no escaping the colours, especially the pastel tones.
For much of the film, my review would have been “strangely, the sum of the parts is lesser than the magical moments that go into it”, but the final act changes that. Maybe it’s a bit like baking? There’s that “is this going to come together?” doubt in the middle, and then, voila, tasty cake! In this case, The Colours Within deliver wholesome, feel-good cake.
The Colours Within look and feel
The Colours Within is a visual feast (more cake), employing beautifully hand-drawn backgrounds with fluid and active characters, creating a distinctly modern and (somehow) nostalgic aesthetic.
The character designs are soft and expressive, emphasising natural movement and realistic proportions. Backgrounds are often rendered in a painterly style, with colours and detailed textures that evoke a sense of warmth and wonder. Imagine a watercolour painting come to life, with characters moving seamlessly through these vibrant landscapes.
The film’s overall feel is gentle melancholy and quiet introspection. The animation is deliberately paced, allowing for moments of stillness and reflection, inviting the viewer to soak in the atmosphere and contemplate the characters’ emotions. The soundtrack, featuring acoustic guitar and piano melodies, complements this mood perfectly with its understated beauty. While there are moments of humour and lightheartedness, the film’s emotional core is rooted in themes of loss, longing, and the search for connection, creating a poignant and reflective viewing experience.
The rock song at the end is almost an ambush. It manages to be out of place and perfectly placed simultaneously. It’s a bit like how all three characters manage to be sad and happy at the same time.
Plot and characters
Intrigued by the vibrant colour of her classmate Kimi and upset after her sudden departure from school, Totsuko follows her to a used bookstore, where a chance encounter leads her to join a band with Kimi and Rui, a boy with a passion for music.
The plot revolves around the trio’s journey of self-discovery and musical exploration. As the friends navigate the challenges of adolescence and pursue their shared passion for music, they learn to embrace their individuality and confront their inner struggles. The film delves into themes of friendship, acceptance, and the power of music to heal and connect.
The characters in The Colours Within are well-developed and relatable. Totsuko is a likeable protagonist whose genuine curiosity and desire to understand others drive her actions. Kimi is a more reserved character, grappling with her own struggles, while Rui provides a source of optimism and encouragement. The supporting cast, including scary nuns at the rare Catholic school in Japan, adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
While the plot may not be the most complex or action-packed, it offers a heartwarming and introspective look at the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. The characters are engaging and relatable, making The Colours Within a film that speaks to viewers emotionally.
Overall
The Colours Within is a heartwarming and visually stunning anime that explores the power of music and friendship to overcome personal struggles. With relatable characters and a touching story, it’s a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age stories and slice-of-life anime.
🍻 Sponsor: Cheers, Dusk Wave Arts and Barheim, the beer tower defence game, for enabling our Scotland Loves Anime trip.
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