Flying Colors
Year: 2015
Runtime: 117 mins
Language: Japanese
Director: Nobuhiro Doi
A high school student, Sayaka Kudō, initially struggled academically and was at the bottom of her class. Through dedication and hard work, she dramatically improved her academic performance, raising her deviation value from 30 to 70. This impressive turnaround allowed her to achieve a remarkable feat: gaining admission to Keio University, a highly competitive institution in Japan known for its rigorous entrance requirements.
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Flying Colors (2015) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of Flying Colors (2015), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Sayaka Kudo is a ‘gyaru’ who wears miniskirts and dyes her hair blonde. Although she is a second-year high school student, her academic performance sits at the level of a 4th-grade elementary student. She frequently transfers between schools in search of friends, eventually landing at a private all-girls high school where she enjoys social life and extracurricular activities, only to be suspended for smoking.
To prepare for university entrance, Mayumi Kudo sends her to Seiho Cram School. Her tutor, Yoshitaka Tsubota, makes it his personal mission to help her gain admission to Keio University—one of Japan’s most prestigious and challenging institutions—and to get back at her father.
Her father, who aims to push her younger brother Ryuta Kudo into professional baseball despite Ryuta’s reluctance, belittles Sayaka and accuses the cram school of scamming. She is also belittled by a high school teacher who believes she is destined for failure. Sayaka becomes determined to prove them wrong, and through the summer holidays into her third year, she studies with single-minded focus, sacrificing sleep, skipping dates with friends, dyeing her hair back to black, and even cutting it to show her resolve.
Her results on practice tests steadily improve, and her academic deviation value climbs dramatically from 30 to 70 in a short span. With the unwavering support of her entire family, Sayaka is ultimately admitted to Keio University. The film closes with a lighthearted montage of the characters as they sing or dance to the ending song.
Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:04
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Academic comeback stories like Flying Colors
Stories of struggling students overcoming doubt to achieve educational goals.If you enjoyed watching Sayaka's journey in Flying Colors, you'll like these movies about students who overcome academic struggles. Discover similar films featuring underdog stories, the power of dedication, and the triumphant feeling of achieving educational dreams against the odds.
Narrative Summary
The narrative follows a character who is initially dismissed as a failure or is at the bottom of their academic class. Through a transformative journey involving a supportive mentor, intense personal sacrifice, and unwavering dedication, they systematically improve their skills and knowledge, culminating in a clear, hard-won victory such as passing a crucial exam or gaining entry to a prestigious institution.
Why These Movies?
These films are grouped together because they share a core narrative of academic redemption. They blend emotional struggle with a steady, motivational pacing, leading to an unambiguously happy and uplifting ending. The primary appeal is the cathartic experience of witnessing an underdog prove their worth through effort.
Uplifting transformation movies like Flying Colors
Journeys of profound self-improvement fueled by sheer willpower.Find more motivational stories like Flying Colors, where a character undergoes a significant personal transformation. These movies capture the steady, hopeful journey of self-improvement, the emotional weight of change, and the ultimate rewarding payoff, perfect for viewers seeking an encouraging and focused narrative.
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Narrative Summary
A protagonist, often stuck in a rut or living far below their potential, commits to a difficult path of self-betterment. The story charts their progress in a linear, steady fashion, emphasizing the daily grind and personal sacrifices required. The central conflict is internal and external doubt, which is overcome by sustained effort, leading to a fulfilling conclusion that validates the entire journey.
Why These Movies?
These movies are connected by their shared vibe of hopeful determination. They possess a medium emotional weight and a steady pacing that allows the viewer to invest in the process. The core experience is motivational, centered on the belief that with enough effort, anyone can radically change their circumstances for the better.
Unlock the Full Story of Flying Colors
Don't stop at just watching — explore Flying Colors in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Flying Colors is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Flying Colors Timeline
Track the full timeline of Flying Colors with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Characters, Settings & Themes in Flying Colors
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Flying Colors. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
