Japanese romantic fantasy is a tribute to classic cinema [Review]
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you met your favourite characters from the big screen in real life?
Colour Me True, also called Tonight, At the Movies, is a Japanese romantic fantasy film that explores just that, and is a tear-jerking and sentimental tribute to classic cinema.
The film follows Kenji (Kentaro Sakaguchi), an aspiring film director with a fascination for classic cinema. One night, Kenji stays behind in the local picture house to watch one of his favourite black-and-white films. But a storm is brewing outside, and a bolt of lightning strikes the cinema, sending the film’s heroine, Princess Miyuki (Ayase Haruka) out of the screen and into reality.
Miyuki’s stubborn and unyielding character causes trouble for Kenji, as she terrorises the movie set where he works. Regardless, Kenji has admired the princess on the big screen for a long time, so he puts up with her. Over time, Kenji starts to fall in love with her, but Miyuki has a secret that could mean the end of everything for both of them.
The film is visually very pleasing to watch, and viewers are treated to an array of vibrant hues as Miyuki is mesmerised by a colourful world so different from the black-and-white life she knew before.
Colour Me True is a highly emotional tale, and there are several moments when you will find it hard to hold back the tears. There are strong performances from the entire cast, and Kenji’s misfortunes are often a great source of humour.
The film is a profound yet entertaining tribute to classic cinema, and movie buffs will see the deeper message. Kenji and Miyuki’s characters personify the fear that cinema is dying, while thanking the viewers who still appreciate classic films.
Edited by Pete Spurrier