This has definitely become my number 1 favorite anime movie. When I had originally found the movie it wasn’t on any streaming platforms and I had to wait to watch. About a year later Netflix had decided to put the movie up so I sat down at my kitchen table, wrapped myself in a blanket and grabbed some popcorn ready to watch the movie that had been talked about for a little over a year. Let me tell you that is movie did not disappoint.

The Story: I loved the story. The themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and self love made me want to keep watching to see how the characters were able to overcome each one of these challenges. I feel like a lot of people can definitely identify with Shoya on many levels, but I found myself more drawn to Shouko than anyone. She basically grew up hating every bit of her self. Even when there were others that were in her life and telling her that she mattered she had it stuck in her head that she was worthless and couldn’t hear the good and the praise that came from her loved ones. It wasn’t until she almost lost someone precious to her that she was finally able to accept who she is and love her self through that person.

The Animation: The animation to me almost seems like a cross between a classic anime style and a modern one with the story and background leaning in a more modern direction while the characters have a more classic slice of life feel to them. The beautiful colors and the amazing transitions almost left me in a trance while I was watching it. I definitely love Kyoto Animations style they use such light colors and almost ethereal type of animation that makes you almost want to jump through the screen and into their world.

The Music: Now I will say the music wasn’t as amazing as I’d hoped it would be. It was good, but not a I need to find this song right now and add it to my playlist kind of good. It definitely moved the story along in spots that seemed stagnant and there wasn’t really much going on, but it was also very forgetful. I don’t know too much of the composer for A Silent Voice but definitely for this movie I expected something more of a Joe Hisaishi type of composition. Then again this is a Kyoto animation. Which they aren’t very well known for their soundtracks, but when it comes to visuals and animation they can have anyone beat.

Final Verdict: If you wanting a feel good type of movie that will make you shed a tear or two or you’re looking for something to watch on a lazy weekend that’ll make you smile, this might be the movie for you.