In 2016, one of my favorite Japanese animation or anime movies, A Silent Voice, was released. It was based on the original manga Koe no Katachi (The Shape of Voice), written and illustrated by Yoshitoki Ōima. The movie adaptation was directed by Naoko Yamada, who has also worked on shows like K-On, Clannad, Hōyka, and Free, and it was animated by Kyoto Animations. A Silent Voice is an incredible emotional drama that deserves a very special review as it is incredibly different from the other movies I have reviewed.
The story revolves around Shôko Nishimiya, a grade student who has impaired hearing. Upon transferring into a new school, she is bullied by her classmates, specifically Shôya Ishida. The bullying develops beyond simple teasing, forcing Nishimiya to transfer to another new school. Ishida, her bully, is also ostracized and bullied himself, with no friends to talk to and no plans for the future. Years later, Ishida sets himself on a path towards redemption and forgiveness.
This movie has so much packed into 129 minutes. While this may seem incredibly long, the movie has pacing that keeps you entertained as the characters develop and interact. The way the characters speak with each other is fantastic, and most characters introduced in the movie undergo significant development through the film. The stark isolation that Ishida experiences is powerful, and the way he works through to his redemption is presented perfectly. The movie features themes of anti-bullying, redemption, forgiveness, and the real meaning behind friendship.
As expected from Kyoto Animations, the movie looks beautiful. The animation, character design, art style, and the way the “camera” works is perfect and fits within every scene of the movie. The effort it must have taken to animate sign language in every scene shows the dedication and time put into the movie.
Another aspect of the movie that can’t be ignored is the soundtrack, which is by far one of the greatest soundtracks of any film I have reviewed. Kensuke Ushio, the composer, is known for his incredible work on soundtracks for Netflix’s Devilman Crybaby and Japan Sinks: 2020, and he is currently working on the 2022 release Chainsaw Man. His work never disappoints, and the way he is able to bring out such emotion and tension in his music is inspiring and rejuvenating, compared to many other movie soundtracks.
This is a movie I highly recommend because of its great themes, art, music and emotional edge that can bring anyone to tears. As someone who doesn't mind reading subtitles, I recommend watching this movie in the original Japanese with English subtitles as Miyu Irino (Ishida), Saori Hayami (Shoko) and Aoi Yûki (Yuzuru) are excellent in their performances. There is also an English-dubbed version that is pretty good, but it doesn't compare to the original Japanese version.
Regardless, the movie is worth watching, but be warned it will likely make you cry. It is available on Netflix to watch right now, so with spring break around the corner, give this movie the recognition it deserves. I guarantee it will become one of your favorites.