A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)

A Silent Voice is a character-driven animated drama about guilt, forgiveness, and the difficulty of human connection. Years after he mercilessly bullied a deaf classmate, Shōya Ishida lives with the consequences: isolation, shame, and the memory of a friendship he destroyed. When he seeks out Shōko Nishimiya to make amends, both teenagers — and the people around them — are forced to confront painful choices from their past and whether reconciliation is possible. Watching the film, you’ll follow a realistic, intimate portrait of adolescence and its long echoes into young adulthood. The story balances tense confrontations and awkward attempts at repair with quiet, reflective scenes; it doesn’t shy away from raw emotions such as humiliation, despair, and anger, but it also gives room for small, hopeful human gestures. Shōya and Shōko are surrounded by classmates whose loyalties and flaws complicate every step toward redemption, so the film explores not only individual remorse but the social dynamics that enable cruelty. Visually and aurally, the movie pairs detailed, expressive animation with a thoughtful score to amplify both heartbreaking and tender moments. Expect a slow-burning, emotional experience that lingers after the credits: painful at times, but ultimately focused on empathy, growth, and the hard work of reconnecting.

Actors: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yûki

Director: Naoko Yamada

Runtime: 130 min

Genres: Animation, Drama

78 /100 8.1 /10 8.0 /10