![]() The story revolves around two characters: Shoko, a deaf girl who over-apologizes for her own existence in a misguided effort to make others happy, and Shoya, the boy who bullies her relentlessly when they first meet. Rather, it relishes the separation between communication and understanding, both on and off the screen.Ī Silent Voice is a beautiful film with messages that run so deep and true that they may emotionally unravel the unprepared. It’s a narrative that doesn’t hold the audience’s hand it doesn’t dictate what to think through voice-overs or other techniques. Never has animation been more realistic in portraying the troubles one faces when trying to convey their innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires. The path to redemption is not a simple one, and A Silent Voice dares to tackle the messy intricacies that are experienced every step of the way. It highlights the isolating effects of depression, but shows that through opening up and allowing friendship to blossom, the negative voices and trust issues can be replaced with a newfound sense of self-esteem. The film promotes the idea that persistence is worth it. It sheds light on the difficulties the deaf community faces, not just in regards to communication, but also the misguided, horrible feeling that they are a burden to others-a topic that is rarely addressed in media. Positive Content: This film focuses on the journey to redemption–seeking forgiveness from those who have been hurt, and learning to love oneself again along the way. The bullying that occurs is mean-spirited and lacks empathy, and some of this behavior is never explained (though most of the cast do go on to regret their actions with age). Other Negative Content: One female character is mistaken for a boy, and she only corrects this misconception after several meetings. Though not terribly obvious, two characters (mistakenly) develop the impression that they will be visiting a strip club. Sexual Content: There are quite a few shots focusing on the short skirts of school girls–it doesn’t go so far as up-skirting, but quite a bit of thigh is seen. ![]() The folkloric tale about the koi carp that perseveres by swimming up the river, against the current, and is rewarded by turning into a dragon (yeah, the Magikarp story) is used as a visual metaphor. Spiritual Content: It’s not directly stated or overtly obvious, but some viewers may recognize a Buddhist influence in the narrative. ![]() Language/Crude Humor: Mild slurs, such as “stupid,” and comparisons to human excrement.ĭrug/Alcohol References: One character tries to coolly smoke a French fry like a cigarette. One character takes photos of dead creatures. ![]() Bullying is a prominent issue, and there are multiple scenes involving physical assaults, resulting in cuts, bruises, and bleeding wounds. Blood crops up a couple of times in the film-once seen as red traces when a character hits their head underwater, and a separate time when a character lays down while blood pools from the back of their head. The suicide attempts are discussed heavily after the fact, and friends and family of the suicidal characters question their motives and beg them to never do it again. The second attempt is thwarted by another character. One character walks to the edge of a bridge, about to jump, but changes their mind. Violence: There are two attempted suicides, both of which involve trying to fall from a high place. Those hoping to see the English dub may have to wait until a commercial release. While there is an English dub currently in development, the version of A Silent Voice I am reviewing is the original Japanese version with English subtitles. Very few films have ever elicited such a reaction from me. Having seen over a hundred films this year, A Silent Voice is the only one that has impacted me so heavily-that has encouraged me to not merely reflect upon it’s message, but to take action in response. During GUG’s Back to School week, I listed it as a movie that has inspired real change in my life. This isn’t the first time I’ve written about A Silent Voice. Rating: Not Rate (for comparative purposes, it was rated 12A in the UK, M in Australia, and PG in Singapore) Starring: Miyu Irino, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yuki Writers: Reko Yoshida, Yoshitoki Oima (manga), Kiyoshi Shigematsu (original author), Amanda Winn Lee (English translation), Clark Cheng (English translation)
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