A Silent Voice is a poignant anime film directed by Naoko Yamada and produced by Kyoto Animation, based on the manga of the same name by Yoshitoki Ōima. The story follows Shoya Ishida, a former elementary school bully who seeks redemption and tries to make amends with the deaf girl he used to torment, Shoko Nishimiya.
The anime deals with themes of bullying, redemption, and the power of forgiveness. It explores the impact that bullying can have on a person, both the bully and the victim, and how it can affect their relationships and mental health. It also shows how a person can learn from their mistakes, grow and change for the better.
Watch a Silent voice on Netflix
A Silent Voice Synopsis
A Silent Voice is a critically acclaimed Japanese anime film that explores themes of bullying, forgiveness, redemption, and self-acceptance. Directed by Naoko Yamada and based on the manga of the same name by Yoshitoki Ōima, the film follows the story of a young boy named Shoya Ishida, who is haunted by his past actions towards a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya.
The film begins with Shoya Ishida, a former elementary school bully, deciding to end his life. Before he does so, he reflects on his past actions and how they have led him to this point. He then decides to seek forgiveness and redemption by reaching out to Shoko Nishimiya, whom he had relentlessly bullied in the past.
As Shoya reaches out to Shoko, the film takes us on a journey through his past actions towards her and how they affected her life. Shoko is deaf and uses a hearing aid to communicate with others. Shoya and his friends initially found her unique and interesting, but as time went on, they began to bully her, taking her hearing aids, and destroying them.
As the story progresses, we see how Shoko’s constant bullying had a profound effect on her life, leading her to transfer schools multiple times. We also see how Shoya’s own guilt and shame over his past actions have left him isolated and alone, unable to connect with others or move on from his past.
However, as the two reconnect, they begin to heal each other’s wounds and learn to forgive themselves and each other. They also learn to confront their own personal demons and work towards self-acceptance.
A Silent Voice is a powerful film that delves deep into issues of mental health, social isolation, and the importance of empathy and understanding. The film’s beautiful animation and haunting score add to its emotional impact, making it a must-watch for fans of the anime genre.
Is A Silent Voice worth watching?
A Silent Voice is a beloved anime film that has captivated audiences around the world. Here are some reasons why:
Complex and relatable characters:
The characters in A Silent Voice are portrayed as flawed and complex individuals, each struggling with their own insecurities and past mistakes. This makes them relatable to many viewers who have experienced similar struggles in their own lives.
Emotional storytelling:
The film’s story is a deeply emotional one, exploring themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. It’s a story that resonates with many viewers on a personal level and leaves a lasting impact.
Beautiful animation:
The animation in A Silent Voice is stunning, with breathtakingly beautiful scenes and character designs. The visuals enhance the emotional impact of the story and create a memorable viewing experience.
Tackles important themes:
The film deals with important themes such as bullying, disability, mental health, and suicide. The way these topics are addressed is both honest and compassionate, making the film an important conversation starter about important social issues.
Unique premise:
The premise of the film, where a former bully tries to make amends with his victim, is a unique and intriguing one. The story is unpredictable, and the viewer is left guessing about how it will all turn out until the end.
Realistic depiction of school life:
The film’s depiction of school life in Japan is realistic and grounded, with accurate portrayals of the social dynamics and pressures faced by students. This makes the story feel more authentic and relatable to viewers.
Great voice acting:
The voice acting in A Silent Voice is top-notch, with excellent performances from the cast. The actors bring a depth and nuance to their characters that adds to the emotional impact of the story.
Overall, A Silent Voice is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that has touched the hearts of many viewers. Its complex characters, emotional storytelling, beautiful animation, and important themes make it a must-watch for any anime fan.
Everything that sucks about A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice” is a critically acclaimed anime film that has received widespread praise for its emotional storytelling and impactful themes. However, it has also received some criticism from certain viewers and reviewers.
One of the main criticisms of the film is its portrayal of disability. Some viewers have argued that the film falls into the trap of using disability as a plot device, rather than exploring the experiences of people with disabilities in a meaningful way. Additionally, some have criticized the film for perpetuating the idea that disability can be “cured” through friendship or romantic love.
Another common criticism of A Silent Voice is its depiction of bullying. While the film does portray the devastating effects of bullying on both the victim and the perpetrator, some viewers have argued that it doesn’t go far enough in condemning the behavior. Some have also criticized the film for not addressing the systemic issues that contribute to bullying, such as the lack of support from teachers and school administrators.
Finally, some viewers have criticized the film’s pacing and character development. While many have praised the film’s emotional impact, some have argued that it rushes through important character moments and doesn’t give enough time for the characters to fully develop and grow.
While A Silent Voice has been widely praised for its powerful storytelling and impactful themes, it has also received some valid criticisms for its portrayal of disability, its handling of bullying, and its pacing and character development.
Final thoughts on A Silent Voice
A Silent Voice is a beautiful and powerful anime film that explores important themes and delivers a powerful message of redemption and forgiveness.
The animation, music, and characters are all expertly crafted, making for a memorable and emotional viewing experience.
A Silent Voice is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys anime or is interested in stories that explore important social issues.
