A Silent Voice - The Movie [DVD]

First off, this is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time, not just a solid 'best anime' contender. While some would deem this a love story, and a lot of people see this as a movie about bullying, it's not really either of those, per se, but rather (I would contend) the story of one person's redemption. You'll spend your first third of the movie or so actively detesting the male lead, and the last third or so hoping that the vastly superior person he later became can make amends and finally find peace.The art is gorgeous and at times lush - both on par with, and characteristic of, the quality the work we've come to expect from Kyoto Animation. While everything I have seen from them to date is quite literally beautiful, the story here and the painstaking, loving care they have so obviously put into this film really do make this a piece of art on a whole different level. I can't recommend this film enough. As with any suitably subtle and complex film, different people will take different things from it, but I believe anyone would find something of value that lasts long after they've seen it.This is one of a vanishingly small number of films I actually prefer watching in dub rather than the original language with subtitles. And I'll tell you why: This was given the deluxe treatment. Literally every english Dub voice actor is uncommonly good, several superior to the original voice actors, particularly the female lead. The Dub female lead was *so* convincing, I looked her up and was only slightly surprised to learn that she was actually deaf. Perhaps it's because English is my first language, but I didn't get that sense from the Sub female lead (who wasn't bad, but after you hear the Dub you miss it when you go back to the Sub) at all.I'll be suitably vague, to avoid outright spoilers here:A hearing-impared girl named Shouko transfers to a new school, where she's initially well-received but her welcome is ultimately short-lived. The male lead, Shoya seems at first blush to be a typical boy with regular friendships who's both shocked and intrigued by his new classmate. Unfortunately, he proves both insecure and isolated enough to seek popularity and approval from his peers by ruthlessly bullying his classmate. There are moments (granted few during the childhood flashback) where his interest ('"sign language, huh?") or an opportunity to act like a decent human being ("You like it. You're blushing") is met with hostility and scorn by his peers, which reinforces his basest impulses.This situation escalates beyond the point where the adults are forced to intervene, as chances to change course pass unnoticed while an increasingly frustrated, isolated, and angry Shoya continues to vent his spleen on his undeserving victim while we, the viewer, realize that despite everything she has had to deal with up to this point, she's trying to protect him from his other classmates, who have now turned on him. It's at this moment that he misses his last chance to show any compassion, and a confrontation devolves into a physical fight causing two (arguably three) lives to be essentially ruined.Following this, Shouko transfers (again) out of the school and Shoya is now the sole target of his peers - Mind you not for tormenting a young deaf girl, but rather for the crime of turning on them when the adults finally started asking much-needed questions.Years later, a repentant, scarred, and socially isolated Shoya goes to return Shouko's communications notebook, having first learned sign language so that he can set his affairs in order. Her reaction to this causes him to change his plans, and start looking for a way to repair *something* he instinctively knows is terribly wrong with himself. As the two grapple with the wreckage their lives had become, various family, friends, and acquaintances are involved with both beneficial and disastrous results. Penultimately, one is able to limp along toward a future while the other is unable to, and only serendipity allows both to realize what really matters in life.I've done the manga as well as the anime, and while some omissions from the film are missed (some backstory, indications Shoya's friendships were already fraying before Shouko's arrival, anime's 'generic friend' [Satoshi] being a bit less generic and aggressively confrontational about the revealed bullying), while others are welcome edits (the Koi bridge nighttime reunion rather than the movie subplot comes to mind). Overall, the anime is both a solid adaptation and a real gem in its own right. Naoka comes off as a bit less awful in the manga, and Satoshi less two-dimensional, but a lot of the rest is tolerable and expected trimming.There's an amazing level of attention given to subtle queues relating to the interpersonal dynamics in the anime, which you might miss at first watch if you're not attentive: The distraught\sad\guilty expression Shouko makes after the bridge confrontation when asked about summer plans, Nao glancing at Shoya multiple times, the sequence of expressions on Shouko's face when Shoya locates her unexpectedly at sign language class, the festival fireworks "you're coming, right" synchronized (literal) looking to mom for approval, and Miyoko's hunched shoulders while walking down the hall last the 'popular girls' mocking her are fine examples of this. Other actions such as the signing of "Thank You" rather than "Later" at the festival, scrubbing of Shoya's desk, or Naoka's standing to ask "Why can't we just write in her notebook?" after Shoya seems interested in learning sign language are artfully fraught with meaning which is later revealed (if\as needed).My sole complaint with the original release was the English Sub having a couple of jarring errors, most notably the "I'm Helping You! I'm doing the best I can!" being mangled to "I'm mad! I'm doing the best I can!" in the school desk confrontation scene, and "Then stop Breathing!" being butchered into "Then stop Breeding!" at the hospital fence scene. Given the overall quality of the work and the care put into it, I was disappointed at the glaring subtitle errors, which I hope they addressed in the Limited Edition release.

This has to be one of the best anime movies I've watched so far. What an amazing story.

My Favorite anime that didn't include crazy fights, actions... It was so down to earth

Changed my life

Beautiful movie and will forever be one of my favorites! I highly recommend watching the subtitled version the actors are phenomenal

5 star

A Silent Voice - The Movie" (Japanese Language Version) is an extraordinary cinematic experience that left me deeply moved and utterly captivated. This heartfelt masterpiece from director Naoko Yamada is a shining example of the power of storytelling in animation, and it beautifully explores the complexities of human emotions and redemption.The film revolves around the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the struggle to find one's voice. The protagonist, Shoya Ishida, is a character who has made mistakes in his youth and seeks a chance at redemption. His journey from a troubled, isolated young boy to a young adult struggling to reconnect with those he wronged is portrayed with stunning emotional depth.The animation in "A Silent Voice" is breathtaking, with its meticulous attention to detail and the use of color to convey emotions. The character designs are not only visually appealing but also incredibly expressive. Every glance, every gesture, and every tear carries profound meaning, drawing the audience deeper into the characters' lives and struggles.The film delves into themes of bullying, isolation, and the consequences of one's actions. It doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of these issues, making it a poignant and emotionally charged viewing experience. The portrayal of Shoko Nishimiya's struggles as a deaf individual and the way her classmates react to her disability is both thought-provoking and empathetic.The Japanese voice cast delivers exceptional performances that breathe life into their characters. Each actor captures the nuances of their respective roles, making the emotional journey all the more impactful. The music, composed by Kensuke Ushio, complements the narrative beautifully, enhancing the film's emotional resonance.What sets "A Silent Voice" apart is its ability to balance moments of heartache with those of hope and redemption. It challenges the audience to reflect on their own actions and the potential for growth and forgiveness. The film's conclusion is both cathartic and emotionally satisfying, leaving viewers with a sense of closure and understanding.In conclusion, "A Silent Voice - The Movie" (Japanese Language Version) is an absolute triumph in the world of animated cinema. It is a profound and emotionally resonant journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll. This film is not just a masterpiece of animation but also a testament to the power of empathy, understanding, and the capacity for redemption. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a cinematic experience that will touch their hearts and leave them profoundly moved.

Very good, heart breaking but also very inspiring. It gets a little boring at parts and the ending isn’t the best, I feel like a sad ending would have hit a lot harder and been more impactful but still a great movie