“The Colors Within” is a film that is coming out in 2024, directed by Naoko Yamada. It is a Japanese animated film which was produced by a company known as Science Saru. In the film, the people are able to relate to the concepts of self, the living world as well as music from a completely unique angle – through the eyes and experience of a person with synesthesia.
Synopsis
The story focuses on Totsuko Higurashi, a Japanese school girl who attends a convent school, boarding school located in Nagasaki. To add, this is caused by her unusual synesthesia. Totsuko is surrounded by people with joyous, excited or even tranquil personalities which infer different distinct colors that are perceived by Totsuko. Of these, what stands out the most is the one she sees coming from her classmate Kimi Sakunaga and she claims it is the most exquisite of them all.
Oftentimes, a Kimi who was formerly an outstanding student and the head of the school’s choir wouldn’t attend classes but of late, she has not being spotted at all. This has sparked a lot of speculation about the reasons for her absence. Totsuko is curious about Kimi and goes searching for her. To her surprise, she has been spotted at a second hand book shop up town. While there, she meets Rui Kagehira, a shy theremin player who has a passion for music. Totsuko is new to music and has no experience yet, but the three agree to put together a band on the spot.
Their practice sessions are held week after week in an inactive church in a secluded island which aids their music practice. In their work together, they have personal conflicts: Totsuko has personal issues relating to her distinct viewpoint; Kimi is caught in a conflict between her family’s wishes and her personal goals; and Rui bears certain expectations about his future. Thus, music lets them to articulate their song and embrace their authentic self with each ‘color’ and purpose that goes deep within.
Cast & Crew
Naoko Yamada, director of “A Silent Voice” and “Liz and the Blue Bird,” known for her beautiful storytelling, her narratives in this film are built around characters which are her signature trademark.
Reiko Yoshida, who co-created the story with Yamada, writes a screenplay focused on coming-of-age issues and the development of an individual.
Music Composer: Kensuke Ushio, the film’s composer, crafted an evocative score that accentuates the film’s themes and storytelling from within, strong and deep.
Voice Cast:
Totsuko Higurashi: The teenage character, Totsuko, is voiced by Sayu Suzukawa – who imbues the character with both youth and intelligence all while trying to portray a teenager still struggling with her identity.
Kimi Sakunaga: Kimi is voiced by Akari Takaishi, who brings forth the struggle of the character and her quest towards self-discovery.
Rui Kagehira: Taisei Kido gave voice to Rui Kagehira, capturing the character’s musical devotion and tranquility beautifully.
Sister Hiyoko: Protagonists receive voice of the nun from Yui Aragaki, who plays an enabling role to the main characters.
Critical Reception
The movies “The Colors Within” has received modest responses from both critics and the viewers. The film is well rated on Rotten Tomatoes, garnering praises from its viewers for its emotional touch and artistry. It is commented that, the aspects of the film which dealt with synesthesia, were well conceived in terms of providing the emotional depth to the plot and the audience as well.
Film has been able to depict an array of emotions while still keeping a light hearted, fun tone. In the opinion of Wendy Ide from Screen International, The film makes for a difficult embedding in such a ‘cute’ and ‘adorable’ light, however it is astounding, at such times to be filled with the daunting feeling of a myriad of teenage troubles.
SCREEN DAILY
Emphasis was also laid on the graphical illustrations of the film that captured the bright, vivid imagery and fast pacing throughout the movie. The film suggested a strong level of empathy towards the character of Totsuko by her unique way of depicting emulation through the reminds of a realistic visual experience.
The fans have also praised the character development in the story. People can relate to the accurate depiction of the teenage author struggles from having expectations from the family to finding out who they are as individuals. Totsuko, Kimi and Rui together, their depiction in the film is such that their interaction with each other is “real,” which helps the story to develop more.
CBR
There’s been a lot of positive feedback about the film’s emotional aspect as well as the visuals, but there remain some sketches which some have felt should have got more attention and coverage. These, however, are more of the exception, since the overall sense of the movie and its main ideas are much stronger.
Conclusion
The film demonstrates the significance an art such as animation has in articulating intricate emotions. The film interprets youth and a search for self through the perspectives of synesthesia, music, and self-discovery. Naoko Yamada, in charge of the film’s direction, together with her voice actors and composer Kensuke Ushio managed to produce an incredible cinematic impact.
If one seeks to watch a film that seamlessly fuses elements of creativity and deep-rooted love, then ‘The Colors Within’ is the film to watch. Keeping in mind that the film is set to be released in theaters across North America from January 24, 2025, it has the potential to reach out to many people thanks to its unique and emotional story.
Watch The Colors Within on Kisscartoon
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