Note: This review will contain some spoilers to the film (especially in the plot section). However, I do recommend everyone to read the introduction if you are interested in giving the film a shot, or you may just go to the film completely blind and come back to read this review later. Whatever you may do, please watch this incredible film.
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Introduction
A Silent Voice, a profoundly moving anime film directed by Naoko Yamada and based on the manga by Yoshitoki Ōima, delves into the complex themes of bullying, redemption, and the quest for forgiveness through a coming-of-age story. The story follows Shouya Ishida, a former elementary school bully, who together with his group of friends, tormented Shouko Nishimiya, a deaf girl who moved to his class. Years later, Shouya is burdened by guilt and ostracized by his peers and seeks to make amends with Shouko. The film's nuanced portrayal of their evolving relationship explores the deep emotional scars left by bullying and the difficult path toward reconciliation and self-acceptance. With its stunning animation and heartfelt storytelling, A Silent Voice invites viewers to reflect on the impact of their actions and the power of empathy. This is an absolute must-watch if you are interested in realistic character drama, and if you aren’t I would still recommend giving it a shot.
Plot
I would like to start this section by repeating this: If you are at all interested in character drama, or just want to test the waters with the genre in anime form. Please watch this movie and come back to read this review after because from now on this review will contain major spoilers.
With that said let me begin talking about the plot and why it’s special. As I said in the introduction the story begins with our protagonist, Shouya, a bully bullying a deaf girl, Shouko, who joins his school in the middle of the year. Together with his friends, Shouya has done some truly horrible things to Shouko like pulling her hearing aids out and tossing them out of windows, and at times even into the trash. Yet, when the character grows older he realizes his mistakes and does everything in his power to get redemption from Shouko. This is the plot of Shouya learning from his mistakes and redeeming himself to the person he bullied and to everyone else involved. Throughout Shouya's redemption arc, many difficult concepts are covered in such a beautiful and realistic way. The conclusion of this movie was also incredible; in just a few minutes it was able to tie up all the loose hands perfectly. From Shouya not being able to look people in the eyes to the connections of the group and Ueno's character (really funny). Not only that but the music used in the conclusion was incredible, with so much emotion packed in such a simplistic piece of music (more on that later).
The plot is emotionally charged, often evoking feelings of empathy, sorrow, and hope. The film does not shy away from difficult topics, such as mental health (suicide), self-worth, and the consequences of one's actions. It presents these themes in a manner that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own lives and relationships. The narrative structure, which alternates between past and present, effectively builds a sense of empathy for the characters, allowing the audience to witness their growth and struggles firsthand. The film's pacing ensures that each emotional beat is given the time it needs to resonate, creating a powerful and immersive storytelling experience.
Characters
Shouko Nishimiya
Shouko, despite her limited dialogue, is a powerful character whose strength and vulnerability are portrayed beautifully. She like everyone else, just wants to fit in with everyone. Sadly, due to her hearing impairment things don’t work out, and she ends up getting bullied for being unique—for the fact that she has a disability—Her interactions with Shouya are heartfelt and poignant, showcasing the film's central theme of forgiveness and understanding.
Shouya Ishida Shouya starts as a character who is meant to be hated by the audience, as he does some truly terrible things to an innocent girl like Shouko. However, Shoyua's character arc is particularly compelling; his journey from a remorseful bully to someone seeking forgiveness is handled with nuance and sensitivity. You can see he truly regrets what he has done, and he goes through a lot to make up for that. At the end of the day, he was just a kid. His actions were unacceptable but by growing older he was able to learn that on his own; It’s a realistic character development that takes the character through an emotional journey that many people may go through in their lives.
Side CharactersThe supporting characters, including Shouya's friends and family, are well-developed, each contributing to the film's exploration of guilt, redemption, and the human need for connection. All the side characters are great. However, there is a single character that stands out to me. Yuzuru Nishimiya, the younger sister of Shouko, really is special to me. I was born to a family of two with an older brother with autism and seeing how Yuzuru's defensive mechanism tries to protect Shouko truly connected with me as a viewer personally. Yet, even if you don’t have a personal anecdote to connect with the characters (which you likely will). The characters are still extremely relatable and real. Each of them has flaws, and each of them deals with their flaws in different ways. They all struggle, they all make mistakes, and they all learn from their mistakes, creating a truly beautiful experience for the viewer.
Animation & Cinematography
Animation
The animation in this film is stunning with its beautiful use of lighting and color. Soft, pastel hues dominate many scenes, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere that perfectly complements the themes of the film. The play of light and shadow adds depth to the characters and settings, enhancing the emotional weight of key moments. The character animation is also very noteworthy with subtle changes to character expressions throughout the film that helps you delve into the world. Finally, the extra details in the movie, like the “X” signs Shouya faces on people’s heads due to his changing perception of others and his previous bullying actions. These marks visually illustrate his struggle with social anxiety and alienation. They signify his internal barrier, preventing him from seeing others as individuals rather than as potential sources of scorn or rejection. As the story progresses, the “X” signs slowly peel off the people—Shouya can see people face to face. This is one of the many attention-to-detail the filmmakers used during this movie to add to the experience.
CinematoraphyThe cinematography in this movie is also extremely well done. The visual composition of each scene is meticulously crafted, creating a rich and immersive experience that draws viewers deeply into the characters' lives and struggles. One of the most striking aspects of the cinematography is its use of framing and perspective. The film often employs close-up shots that capture the subtle nuances of the characters' expressions and emotions. Additionally, by looking closer into it you may be able to realize that by using cinematography the director was able to add to the messages and themes of the story. Most prominent with the use of water, which is a recurring motif in the film. Water can often symbolize cleansing, transformation, and the flow of emotions. Scenes by the river, underwater sequences, and reflections all serve to underscore the characters' growth and the fluid nature of their relationships. Overall, the animation & cinematography in
A Silent Voice is a masterclass in visual storytelling. It not only enhances the emotional impact of the story but also stands as a testament to the artistry and skill of Kyoto Animation. The film's visuals are a perfect complement to its powerful narrative, making it a truly unforgettable viewing experience.
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Sound Design
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SoundtrackThe soundtrack of
A Silent Voice, composed by Kensuke Ushio, plays a pivotal role in conveying the film's emotional depth and narrative subtleties. Ushio's compositions are delicate, often minimalist, and effectively underscore the film's themes of redemption, isolation, and forgiveness. The use of piano and strings creates an intimate atmosphere, perfectly capturing the inner turmoil and evolving relationships of the characters. The soundtrack's ability to seamlessly blend with the visual storytelling enhances the overall impact, making moments of silence and sound equally powerful. Particularly notable are tracks like "
LIT" which played twice during the movie once during a reflection Shouya had while riding his bike, and most notably at the resolution of the movie a longer version is played. This track beautifully mirrors the protagonist's emotional journey and complements the film's touching moments beautifully without overpowering them.
Voice ActingNot only is the soundtrack in Silent Voice exceptional, but the voice acting in "A Silent Voice" is also exceptional, bringing depth and authenticity to the characters. Miyu Irino, who voices Shoya Ishida, delivers an incredible performance that captures his character's complex emotions, from guilt and remorse to hope and determination. Saori Hayami, as Shoko Nishimiya, gives a sensitive and heartfelt portrayal, effectively conveying her character's vulnerability and strength despite having few lines of dialogue. The supporting cast also excels, providing a well-rounded and dynamic ensemble that enhances the film's emotional resonance. The voice actors' ability to convey the subtleties of their characters' feelings and relationships adds significant depth to the narrative, making their performances memorable and impactful.
Overall the sound design in this film is incredible, with heartfelt music design that can easily bring you to tears. And, the voice acting is taken to the next level with each voice actor putting everything they have into their role. Not only that, but the two aspects intervene perfectly together to create a harmony of emotions in the film which cannot be understated. Those performances will get you to cry, to laugh and everything in between. I love the sound aspect of this film and you will probably too
Verdict
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A Silent Voice is a profound exploration of redemption, empathy, and the human need for connection. Its poignant storytelling, coupled with breathtaking animation and a hauntingly beautiful score, creates a powerful emotional experience that lingers long after the credits roll. The film’s nuanced portrayal of complex issues such as bullying, disability, and mental health resonates deeply, making it not only a compelling watch but also a significant commentary on the importance of understanding and kindness, through mistakes “To make no mistakes is not in the power of man; but from their errors and mistakes the wise and good learn wisdom for the future” ― Plutarch. In the end, A Silent Voice is a story about making mistakes, big mistakes at that, but learning from those mistakes coming back up, and making a different mistake. This movie is an emotional rollercoaster in a good way and an absolute must-watch in my book. ~~~
One final thing before you leave, if you are struggling with mental health issues please don't shoulder it by yourself get help whether from family, a friend, a professional, or anyone supportive. Even if you are struggling and think no one cares, people DO CARE about you. I can promise you no matter what you think there is at least one person that does.
"Hey, Nishimiya I want you to help me live." - Shouya.
With that said I hope you enjoyed my review and stay positive! __~~~
