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The Colours Within (2024)




The Colours Within is the fifth feature from acclaimed filmmaker Naoko Yamada. Yamada arrived on most fans' radar with the release of A Silent Voice, 2016's high-school drama, produced at Kyoto Animation. Now, nine years later, and having moved on from KyoAni, she returns with another school set tale.

The Colours Within is an original anime directed by Naoko Yamada and written by Reiko Yoshida. The animation production is by Science Saru, and the music is composed by Kensuke Ushio. The film opened in Japan in August of 2024, and was selected for screening at the BFI London Film Festival, Animation Is Film Festival and Tokyo International Film Festival. It was nominated for the Cristal for Best Feature at Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

The film centres on a young catholic school girl named Totsuko. She has synaesthesia, a sensory condition that causes her to see the "colours within" people. Kimi, one particular girl particularly intrigues her with her aura, and she develops something of a girl-crush. When Kimi suddenly stops coming to school, Totsuko is concerned. Then she runs into her one day at a shop where she is working. On a whim, she asks Kimi to join a band with her (and a passing stranger)- and to her great surprise, she agrees.


Yamada's previous films were known for their beautiful visuals. The Colours Within is no different in this regard, although it is visually distinct from her work with KyoAni. With pastel colours and distinctive character designs it looks quite unlike anything else you are likely to see this year. The portrayal of synaesthesia from Totsuko's perspective is also brilliantly eye-popping. The whole film looks so good, perhaps it's no coincidence that fairly rarely for an animated film, it has a credited cinematographer (Yoshimitsu Tomita).

Smooth character animation and beautiful backgrounds combine to create a treat for the eyes. Yamada's 'camera' brings something of a live-action feel to the whole affair.



But pretty visuals alone does not a good film make. Luckily, the film's beauty is more than skin deep.' The film's mood nicely complements the visuals, with a laid-back and relaxed tone. The relationship between Totsuko and Kimi is the heart of the film- whether you want to read it as platonic or having a romantic dimension. Their friendship is portrayed with skill, coming off as both believable and moving. Their friendship developing with Rui, the third member of the band, is also important, but is obviously much less of a concern than the relationship between the two girls.

The film captures something of what it's like to be young, and the importance of friendships and the joy of creativity.

The whole affair is very sweet and wholesome, with plenty of charm. It's also very low-stakes and down-to-earth. The climax is nothing more than the band performing a concert in front of classmates and teachers. There's no major drama, shocking revelations or tragedies here. It's just extremely pleasant, earning an unusual for anime U certificate.


With the plot revolving around a band, music is also a very important part of the film. The songs supposedly written by the band in the film are well written and extremely catchy. I can only speak to the subtitled version of the film, but based on the trailer GKIDS seem to have done a decent job translating and re-recording them.

The Colours Within is another gorgeous film from Yamada. It makes it clear just why she is regarded as one of the most impressive talents working in Japanese animation today. Beautifully animated, touching and memorable, this is a movie not to be missed.


The Colours Within is in UK and Irish cinemas from  January 31st via Anime Limited. It's in US Cinemas now via GKIDS Films.


 FORMAT: MOVIEAVAILABLE ON: CINEMA RELEASE  FROM: Anime Ltd./ GKIDS Films RATING: U [UK] RUNNING TIME : 1 hr 41 mins



IN A NUTSHELL: Colourful and captivating, The Colours Within will capture your heart.


★★★★