Tokyo, Japan – On August 30, 2024, “The Colors Within,” the latest anime film from renowned director Naoko Yamada, premiered in Japan to widespread acclaim. The film has quickly garnered praise from several high-profile figures in the anime industry, including Makoto Shinkai, director of the critically acclaimed “Your Name.”
Shinkai, known for his own visually stunning works, lauded Yamada’s new project as a “one-of-a-kind” creation. In a recent review, Shinkai described “The Colors Within” as “a very gentle, cute, and soft film” infused with “a strong determination.” He expressed admiration for the challenges faced during the film’s production and noted, “If each film has its own ‘color,’ then [The Colors Within] is a one-of-a-kind film that expands the colors that exist in the world itself.”
Exploring Themes of Adolescence and Music
“The Colors Within,” based on an original screenplay by Reiko Yoshida, tells the story of Totsuko Higurashi, a high school student who perceives the “colors” emanating from individuals. The narrative follows Higurashi as she encounters Kimi Sakunaga, a girl surrounded by a particularly vibrant aura, and together with their friend Rui Kagehira, they form a band. Yamada has emphasized that her goal with this film was to depict “children who don’t blame others for their circumstances” while celebrating both adolescence and music.
Industry Recognition and Praise
Shinkai’s admiration for Yamada’s work is echoed by other notable figures in the anime industry. Tetsuro Araki, director of “Attack on Titan,” praised “The Colors Within” for its breathtaking beauty and delicate use of color. He highlighted the film’s “incredible expressiveness” and was particularly taken with a character he described as “so cute.”
Hiroshi Seko, the lead screenwriter for MAPPA’s hit series “Jujutsu Kaisen,” commended the film’s portrayal of adolescent “boredom.” Seko remarked on how this specific type of boredom, prevalent throughout the film, resonates deeply with the high school experience, calling it a “special kind of boredom” that feels authentic and precious.
North American Release
GKIDS has secured the North American distribution rights for “The Colors Within,” with a planned release in Winter 2024. Fans interested in exploring Yamada’s previous works can find “A Silent Voice” available digitally on platforms such as Prime Video, Google Play, and Apple TV. Meanwhile, Makoto Shinkai’s “Your Name” is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.