What Made A Silent Voice Such a Big Deal? Liz's Anime Movie Review

Shouko Nishimiya making a peace sign.

Credits: Kyoto Animation

Contents

  • Why A Silent Voice is Unforgettable
  • The Story That Grabs Your Heart
  • Stunning Visuals & Emotional Soundscapes
  • Powerful Themes That Stick with You
  • Liz’s Final Take on A Silent Voice

Why A Silent Voice is Unforgettable

Yuzuru, Shouko, and Shoya laughing together.

Credits: Kyoto Animation

When A Silent Voice dropped, the anime world went wild! This isn’t your usual high-energy shounen or steamy romance; it’s a story that dives deep into human connections and healing. Koe no Katachi (as it’s known in Japanese) takes us on an emotional journey that hits like a punch straight to the heart! If you’re looking for an anime that’ll make you think and feel, this is it. Get those tissues ready, because A Silent Voice is unforgettable for a reason!

The Story That Grabs Your Heart

Shouko and Shoya on a bridge.

Credits: Kyoto Animation

The story follows Shoya Ishida, a kid who bullied his deaf classmate Shouko Nishimiya in elementary school. Fast forward to high school, and he’s haunted by guilt, living in a world of silence himself—isolated by the shame of his past. 

Watching Shoya try to make amends and find forgiveness? Sugoi, it’s a rollercoaster of feels! You’ll go from being mad at him to wanting to hug him and back again. And then there’s Shouko, whose quiet resilience and kindness make her the perfect foil to Shoya’s journey. She’s an absolute yamato nadeshiko—the classic image of a graceful, kind-hearted girl, but with so much strength!

Stunning Visuals & Emotional Soundscapes

The main cast of A Silent Voice.

Credits: Kyoto Animation

Visuals that Speak Volumes

Kyoto Animation totally knocked it out of the park with the animation! Every frame is like a beautiful painting, capturing emotions with soft, dreamy colors. There’s so much visual storytelling happening here—whether it’s Shoya’s closed-off expressions or Shouko’s vulnerable moments, the art makes you feel the story. 

The scenes often look just slightly muted, as if showing us Shoya’s world through his regret and self-doubt. It’s yabai (crazy good!) how the visuals bring out emotions without a single word.

Sound and Silence

Here’s the genius part—A Silent Voice isn’t just a title; sound (or the lack of it) plays a massive role in this movie! The sound design mirrors Shouko’s experience, with muffled or silent moments that make us feel her isolation.

When the background sounds fade away, it’s like we’re seeing the world through her perspective. Even the tiniest sound effects, like footsteps or rustling, come alive in a way that makes every moment feel so real and intimate. It’s a powerful way to remind us just how much we take sound—and connection—for granted.

Powerful Themes That Stick with You

Shouya holding candies while Shouko looks at him.

Credits: Kyoto Animation

Bullying and Its Ripple Effect

One of the most important themes in A Silent Voice is the impact of bullying. The movie shows how one bad choice in childhood spirals into years of loneliness and regret for Shoya. It’s a huge reminder that our actions have real consequences! But what’s also incredible is how the story doesn’t just paint Shoya as the “bad guy.” 

We see his struggles, how his guilt eats away at him, and that makes him so real. The movie asks us to think about forgiveness—can we ever really redeem ourselves after hurting someone? And even more, can we forgive ourselves?

Self-Worth and Healing

The way Shoya isolates himself shows how badly he’s struggling with self-worth. He literally sees “X”s over people’s faces, unable to connect with anyone. But as he slowly reconnects with Shouko, those “X”s start to fall away. It’s such a visual reminder that letting go of self-hatred and opening up to others is crucial for healing. 

Shouko, too, has her own battles with self-worth, but she faces them with a strength that’s just… beautiful. Watching these two stumble through their own personal battles makes you want to cheer them on like, ganbatte (you got this)!

Liz’s Final Take on A Silent Voice

Phew, what a journey! This movie goes beyond just being “good”—it’s a kandou (deeply moving) experience that stays with you long after the credits roll. A Silent Voice challenges us to be kinder, more understanding, and to remember that everyone carries unseen battles. So, if you haven’t watched it yet, you’re missing out on one of anime’s true masterpieces!

Whether it’s your first time or a rewatch, this movie is always worth it. Join us in the Otaku Community, and let’s chat about all the feels (because, trust me, there are plenty!). Plus, if you need something to brighten up your room after an emotional movie like this, check out our kawaii Ecchiverse wallpapers!

For the newest in digital magazine, Waifu Monthly has got you covered. Trust me, it's the highest quality waifu magazine around! See you there, and happy watching, minna!

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