Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Colorful

film

Colorful

2013

Upon reaching the train station to death, a dejected soul is informed that he is lucky and will have another chance at life. He is placed in the body of a 14-year-old boy named Kobayashi Makoto, who has just committed suicide. Watched over by a neutral spirit named Purapura, the soul must figure out what his greatest sin and mistake in his former life was, before his time limit in Makoto's body runs out. He also has a number of other lesser duties he must complete, such as understanding what led Makoto to commit suicide in the first place and learning how to enjoy his second chance at life.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Religious themes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The story begins after a teenager's suicide, which drives the entire plot; the treatment is serious but not graphically shown.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some realistic school-age insults and mild profanity occur, including language connected to bullying.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

A supernatural afterlife or reincarnation framework is central, but the film is not focused on organized religious practice.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Teen crushes and emotional relationships appear, but romance is secondary to family, identity and recovery.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Suicide, bullying, family conflict and intense emotional distress can be upsetting, though there are no horror creatures or jump scares.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Sexual themes include an adult affair and teenage sexual curiosity; there is no explicit sexual activity or graphic nudity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Smoking or tobacco use appears briefly in a social context; substance use is not a major focus or instructional element.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Bullying, verbal cruelty and a few mild physical confrontations occur, without sustained or graphic violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront guilt, bullying, family pain and suicidal despair; the film values asking for connection over giving up.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Its reincarnation premise and shifting viewpoints invite reflection about identity, hidden feelings and how people see one another.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Students have varied personalities and struggles, but the film offers limited demographic or identity diversity.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers social-emotional insight about depression, bullying, family strain and perspective-taking, rather than formal instruction.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, friendship and patient attention help the protagonist reconnect with life, although cruelty and neglect are also depicted.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strongly encourages valuing life, seeking help, showing empathy and recognizing that people may hide serious pain.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist grows in empathy and responsibility, though characters make harmful choices and adults do not always respond well.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Colorful would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Colorful, and what caused that change?
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