A SILENT VOICE (MOVIE)

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A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) is a 2016 Japanese animated drama film directed by Naoko Yamada and produced by Kyoto Animation.

TRAILER


BASE LINE OF THE STORY

A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) is a poignant tale of guilt, redemption, and understanding, centered around Shōya Ishida, a boy who once bullied his deaf classmate, Shōko Nishimiya, in elementary school. As a child, Shōya was mischievous and sought attention from his peers. When Shōko transferred to his class, her hearing impairment made her a target for bullying, with Shōya leading the charge. Despite her attempts to befriend her classmates, she was relentlessly mocked, isolated, and tormented. Eventually, the bullying escalated, and Shōko was forced to transfer schools. The consequences fell upon Shōya, as his peers turned against him, leaving him ostracized and alone.

Years later, in high school, Shōya is consumed by guilt and struggles with self-worth. Haunted by his past actions, he lives in social isolation, avoiding deep interactions, and marking out people's faces to symbolize his detachment from society. One day, determined to make amends, he seeks out Shōko, who has grown into a kind yet reserved young woman. Despite his remorse, their reunion is awkward at first, but as he makes genuine efforts to connect, Shōko begins to accept his presence.

As they rekindle their relationship, Shōya befriends Tomohiro Nagatsuka, a quirky and loyal friend, and gradually reconnects with old classmates. The group, including Yuzuru Nishimiya (Shōko’s protective younger sister), Naoka Ueno (a former classmate with unresolved resentment), and Miki Kawai (a girl who struggles with guilt and self-image), must confront their own past mistakes and regrets. The journey is emotionally complex—while some members seek healing, others resist change.

The film also delves into mental health struggles, particularly suicidal thoughts. Both Shōya and Shōko battle inner demons—Shōko, burdened by feelings of being a burden on others, and Shōya, grappling with self-hatred. These moments are deeply emotional, showcasing the importance of communication, support, and self-acceptance.

Through a series of meaningful events, including heartbreak, reconciliation, and understanding, Shōya comes to realize that forgiveness is not just about making amends with others, but also about forgiving himself. In the end, he opens his heart to those around him, choosing to embrace life rather than run from his mistakes. The film closes on a hopeful note, where Shōya finally sees the faces of those around him clearly, symbolizing his reintegration into society.

THEME

A Silent Voice is a deeply emotional film, beautifully animated by Kyoto Animation, with a profound message about kindness, empathy, and the impact of one's actions on others. It does not shy away from difficult themes, making it a powerful and thought-provoking story.

ARTWORK AND ANIMATION OF THE MOVIE

The animation and artwork of A Silent Voice are absolutely stunning, crafted by Kyoto Animation, a studio renowned for its breathtaking visuals and emotional storytelling.

The film’s animation style is delicate yet expressive, emphasizing subtle character movements and facial expressions to convey deep emotions. One of the most striking aspects of the artwork is the background design, which is rich in detail and beautifully captures the serene atmosphere of the town where the story unfolds. The use of light and colors is particularly noteworthy, creating warm and melancholic moods that enhance the emotional weight of the scenes.

Kyoto Animation masterfully uses symbolism in its animation—such as Shōya marking out people's faces to represent his emotional isolation, and water as a recurring visual motif, symbolizing drowning in guilt and emotions. The character designs are soft and realistic, making them highly relatable, while the fluid animation allows for lifelike interactions.

The cinematography in the film plays a significant role in the storytelling, with unique angles and framing choices that immerse the audience in the characters' emotions. From intimate close-ups to panoramic cityscapes, every shot is thoughtfully composed. The sound design also complements the visuals, with moments of silence being just as powerful as dialogue.

The main characters in A Silent Voice

1. Shōya Ishida (石田 将也)

  • The protagonist, who bullied Shōko Nishimiya in elementary school and later seeks redemption for his past actions.

  • Initially reckless and cruel, but later isolated and weighed down by guilt.

  • His journey is about self-forgiveness, reconnection, and learning empathy.

2. Shōko Nishimiya (西宮 硝子)

  • A deaf girl who was bullied by her classmates but always tried to make friends.

  • Gentle, kind, and patient but struggles with feelings of being a burden to others.

  • Her inner struggles with self-worth and her desire to be accepted make her an emotionally complex character.

3. Yuzuru Nishimiya (西宮 結弦)

  • Shōko’s protective younger sister, who often acts tough and distant.

  • Worries deeply about Shōko and tries to shield her from further pain.

  • Has a rebellious streak but is a deeply caring sibling.

4. Tomohiro Nagatsuka (永束 友宏)

  • Shōya’s first real friend in high school.

  • Loyal, quirky, and slightly awkward but provides comic relief in the story.

  • Stands by Shōya, showing the power of true friendship.

5. Naoka Ueno (植野 直花)

  • A former classmate who was part of the bullying but refuses to acknowledge her wrongdoing.

  • Has unresolved feelings for Shōya and resentment toward Shōko.

  • Represents those who refuse to change and struggle with personal guilt.

6. Miki Kawai (川井 みき)

  • A classmate who avoids responsibility for the bullying.

  • Presents herself as kind, but often acts selfishly to protect her image.

  • Reflects the contradictions of human nature—seeking approval while avoiding blame.

7. Satoshi Mashiba (真柴 智)

  • Another classmate who values fairness but can be distant.

  • Often struggles to understand the depth of the conflicts in the group.

  • Represents an outsider’s perspective on their history.

SOUNDTRACK

The soundtrack of A Silent Voice is composed by Kensuke Ushio, and it plays a crucial role in enhancing the film’s emotional depth. The music is subtle, atmospheric, and deeply moving, perfectly complementing the themes of guilt, redemption, and self-acceptance.

The A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) soundtrack, titled A Shape of Light, was composed by Kensuke Ushio and released on September 14, 2016. The album features 61 tracks that beautifully complement the film’s themes of redemption, communication, and emotional healing.

🎶 Notable Tracks:

  • "LIT" – A hauntingly beautiful piano piece that captures the film’s emotional depth.
  • "My Generation" – A classic rock song by The Who, played during the opening scene.
  • "Ai Wo Shita No Wa" – A heartfelt ending theme by AIKO, reinforcing the film’s bittersweet conclusion.
  • "inv" Series – Tracks inspired by Bach’s Invention No. 1 in C major, adding a classical touch to the score.

🎼 Listen to the Soundtrack:

  • YouTube: OST Playlist
  • Spotify & Apple Music: Available on major streaming platforms (Check Wikipedia for details).

KEY INFO

  • Title: A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi)

  • Director: Naoko Yamada

  • Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Yoshitoki Ōima (original manga)

  • Studio: Kyoto Animation

  • Release Date: September 17, 2016 (Japan)

  • Genre: Drama, Slice of Life

  • Runtime: 130 minutes

  • Language: Japanese (available with subtitles and dubbed versions)

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