Author: Jorge Perez
The Colors Within Review
From Naoko Yamada, the visionary director behind A Silent Voice and Liz and the Blue Bird comes The Colors Within—a breathtaking coming-of-age story about music, identity, and self-expression. With stunning visuals, a deeply resonant soundtrack, and a heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, this film follows a girl who sees emotions as colors and the band that changes her life.
What do you see when you look at someone? Clothes, accessories, facial features—perhaps even their skin color. But for high schooler Totsuko, people radiate emotions as colors—blissful yellows, serene blues, or passionate reds. One day, she notices a particularly beautiful color emanating from a fellow student during a game of dodgeball—only to be hit in the face. When she recovers, she learns the student, Kimi, has dropped out of school and now works at a bookstore. Their chance meeting leads them to Rui, a reserved but deeply passionate music lover, and together, they form an unlikely band.
Their friendship grows as they practice in an old church, but so do their struggles. Kimi is hiding the truth from her family, Rui secretly pursues music against his mother’s expectations, and Totsuko wrestles with her own self-doubt. As they prepare for their first live performance at a school festival, they face the pressures of societal expectations and the fear of being seen as something they’re not. What colors will they reveal to the world when they step onto the stage?
A Unique Perspective: Synesthesia or Something More?
Watching this film, I couldn’t help but wonder what was contributing to Totsuko’s ability to perceive emotions as colors. It was reminiscent of synesthesia, a neurological condition where different senses blend together. Specifically, she may have emotion-color synesthesia (chromesthesia), where emotions manifest as distinct hues. This rare phenomenon allows some individuals to “see” sounds, emotions, or even personalities in vibrant colors, making their world uniquely rich in sensory experiences.
Alternatively, Totsuko’s perception could align with aura reading, a concept from spiritual traditions where people are said to emit an energy field that reflects their emotions and inner states. Whether her ability is rooted in neuroscience or something more mystical, The Colors Within beautifully explores how emotions shape our perception of the world and how deeply we connect through unseen forces.
A Masterpiece of Animation and Emotion
With a screenplay by Reiko Yoshida (The Cat Returns, Violet Evergarden) and music by Kensuke Ushio (Chainsaw Man, A Silent Voice), The Colors Within immerses audiences in a rich, emotional landscape where colors express the deepest human emotions. The painterly animation and meticulous attention to detail create a world where music and visuals blend seamlessly, bringing the characters’ inner struggles to life. The use of colors enamored me. They were simply eye-catching.
Beyond its breathtaking aesthetic, the film explores the challenges of self-expression, societal expectations, and the courage it takes to be truly seen. This is not just a story about music—it’s about identity, friendship, and embracing the colors that make us who we are. I especially enjoyed how the characters learned how to navigate their emotions and how they embraced their true selves.
Experience The Colors Within – an emotionally rich, visually stunning film that will inspire you to embrace your authenticity. In theaters Summer 2024.
What colors do you see in the world around you? Share your thoughts in the comments! And if you believe in the power of media for mental health, consider supporting Geek Therapy by donating here: https://geektherapy.org/ways-to-donate/
