The Colors Within is definitely a new comfort film… a warm hug of a movie that exposits no evil intent, no ill will, no anger, no animosity. It’s all the good parts of being alive, of having friends, of experiencing the world in the best possible light. It’s a marvelous gem of humanity.

It’s about a teenage girl with synesthesia. She sees the world, people, and music as color. She’s a bit odd but her schoolmates accept her without question. There are no bullies here. When a friend quits school, she tracks her down and they decide to form a band.

Doesn’t sound like much of a story, huh? And I’ve already said it harnesses no negativity so it can’t have a villain. There are no antagonists… just teenagers trying to figure out who they are and achieve something wonderful through music.

I had a hard time keeping the tears in. Honestly, I was leaking all the salt water due to pure happiness. I loved these characters, I loved their experiences, and I wanted the best for them. These weren’t tears of sadness but of joy.

The art style is pure anime… but gorgeous detailed as befits a full length movie. But there’s something curious with the eyes. The characters’ cornea and irises seem to exist artistically in three dimensions. There’s depth and curvature to their lenses that I’ve never seen before in any animated film. It’s a fascinating and beautifully unique touch.

This flick is by the same director as A Silent Voice and you can see the DNA. A Silent Voice is a more complicated film emotionally, but The Colors Within is more soaring in turn. I’m definitely going to have to check out more of Naoko Yamada’s films.

It’s possible some folk will think a movie needs an antagonist and I get that. This is a very non-standard story structure for any movie. And maybe I’m exaggerating how endearing it is. But I don’t care since I was so moved and overjoyed… and encouraged by the capacity to just make a film about the good things in this world. And the courage to have made it and been allowed to make it.

Score: 96