Flying Colors is one of my all favorite japanese films that has been released in the last few years. I don’t understand why it didn’t have more repercussion, maybe they thought it wasn’t a good enough film because it deals with what we can categorize with “first world problems”, but they are still problems. And I found the story compelling, relatable and endearing.

Let me point out that this film is based in a book that at the same time is based on the true story about a teacher and one of his students who decided on her last year of secondary school to apply for Keio University. Let me tell you, Keio is no small feat. This academic institution ranks 9th in the world in the Times Higher Education’s Alma Mater Index and the Academic Ranking of World Universities ranks it at 37 in Asia.

Whatever our leading lady made it into one of the best universities in the world or not is irrelevant. What it really matters is the incredible grit she showed through a year of hard work, the amazing mother who supported her and the teacher that made all the difference.

We usually talk or read about inspiring teachers who achieved life changing moments in their students lives. These students usually come from impoverish neighborhoods and difficult family situations, to those teachers and students who made it through and become more than anyone ever expected of them, I applaud them. They are making all the difference.

But not all “trouble” students come from a bad social-economic situation at home, and I believe that’s mostly the case in Japan. As wonderful as countries like Japan are, they also have their problems. People who are different, express themselves in a way that’s not the norm and show a certain proclivity for individuality don’t always have a good time in this kind of societies where the thought process has more weight in the collective. And if they don’t find a support system (friends, family, anything really) they ended up not finding their place in society (hikikomori, anyone?). Now, this is only my opinion and you are more than welcome to comment on it.

Kudo Sayaka is a middle class girl with a carefree lifestyle. Sayaka has never faced difficulties, hunger nor poverty but she has been treated and called trash to her face by her professors for not behaving in a “correct” way. She’s lucky to have a good group of friends who support her and a mother who is willing to go beyond for her to be happy. Sayaka’s father needs some work, since he puts all his hopes (and money) on her little brother and completely ignoring his two other daughters.

Sayaka is on her junior year when she’s suspended for an indefinite time. Her mother, always wishing the best for her, talks her into going to a preparatory school so she won’t miss classes. Is in this academy where Sayaka meets teacher extraordinaire Tsubota Yoshitaka, who manages to grab the attention of all students by connecting their personal likings and hobbies with their studies of history, english, math and so on. With this method, Tsubota manages to make the students take an interest in school and apply themselves to learn and do better, even dream to become students of universities like Keio.

I thought this film was not only good storytelling but also relatable because the problems the characters go through have a root in real life problems. The way Sayaka, the other students and Tsubota sensei built up their confidence and find a new sense of self worth is wonderful.

Sayaka is an amazing leading lady, she is strong-willed, independent and outspoken. She’s never afraid to ask questions, no matter how silly they seem and other people’s comment only fuel her inner fire. Do this comments affect her? Of course. There’s a limit to the verbal abuse you are willing to fight and some cut deeper than others, especially when they come from people we love.

I really recommend this movie. It made me laugh, cry, yell and cheer for all the characters to become better, to achieve their goals and prove themselves to be everything they ever dreamed.