Colorful 2010

In the poignant story of What’s After the Movie, a soul finds itself at a train station, told that it is “lucky” and will be given another chance at life, despite its initial reluctance to accept it. This soul is transplanted into the body of Makoto Kobayashi (kazato-tomizawa), a 14-year-old boy who has recently taken his own life by an overdose. Supervised by a neutral spirit named Purapura, represented as a small boy, the soul is tasked with uncovering the primary sin or mistake made in its past life before the six-month limit to live anew runs out.

Throughout this period, the soul must also uncover why Makoto chose to end his life, learning details about his troubled past while discovering how to embrace the potential of this second chance. It soon becomes clear that Makoto harbors deep resentment toward his family, and the story explores these complex feelings. He despises his father, who is an underdog at work and often overwhelmed by unpaid overtime. Similarly, he resents his mother — portrayed by Kumiko Aso — for her affair with a dance instructor, a secret her son profoundly disapproves of and which his father appears oblivious to. His older brother Mitsuru, played by Akiko Yajima, has given up on him because of Makoto’s moodiness, and Makoto feels isolated, with no meaningful friends at school.

Makoto’s observations deepen when he discovers that a girl named Hiroka — who is also voiced by Akina Minami — sells sex to older men to afford luxury items, reflecting the harsh realities some youth face. Meanwhile, Shoko Sano (aoi-miyazaki) from Makoto’s class becomes suspicious of his strange behavior, emphasizing how alienated Makoto feels from his peers. An unsettling encounter with delinquents leaves him beaten and mugged, further deepening his sense of despair. However, Shoko, troubled by Makoto’s behavior, later visits him at home, but Makoto, overwhelmed and scared, drives her away.

Throughout this emotional journey, Purapura explains that Makoto’s life is ticking toward its inevitable end — that his “real” death will occur once the six months pass. Yet, amid these struggles, Makoto experiences a turning point. He befriends Saotome (jingi-irie), a classmate who accepts outcasts and treats everyone equally. This friendship allows Makoto to glimpse the possibility of happiness and contentment for the first time. They begin studying for their high school entrance exams together, finding purpose and hope in their plans.

Makoto’s family situation remains complicated. His brother Mitsuru, fearing Makoto’s future and their financial struggles, considers postponing his college entrance exams to help fund private school tuition for Makoto. However, Makoto, with the support of his parents, chooses to attend Tamegawa High, a public school, confirming his desire to follow his own path, even against his family’s expectations. His heartfelt declaration, driven by the desire to attend school with his new friend, eventually convinces his family to support his choice.

As the story approaches its conclusion, Makoto has a final encounter with Purapura. During this meeting, he learns the truth: that the soul he inhabits is himself from his past life, and his real mistake was his own suicide — an act he now recognizes as his greatest error. Purapura reassures him that he will continue living but also reveals that his memories of the spirit world and Purapura will be erased. This erasure is meant to help Makoto live without the burden of old guilt and regrets. Before his memories fade, Purapura offers this heartfelt advice: “Live a colorful life.” Makoto’s journey ends with this message of hope and renewal, emphasizing the importance of embracing life despite the pain and mistakes of the past.

This story beautifully explores themes of redemption, the complexity of family relationships, and the possibility of finding meaning in life even after immense suffering.