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A Silent Voice: The Movie
“A Silent Voice: The Movie” (judul asli dalam bahasa Jepang: Koe no Katachi) is a Japanese animated film released in 2016, directed by Naoko Yamada and produced by Kyoto Animation. The Film is adapted from the manga by Yoshitoki Ohima and lasts about 130 minutes. The story focuses on themes such as bullying, redemption, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Description
The Film tells The Story of Shoya Ishida, a boy who in elementary school becomes a bully to Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl who has just transferred to her school. As a result of his actions, Shoya ends up being ostracized by his friends and grows up with a deep sense of guilt. Years later, as a teenager, he tries to make amends by finding Shoko and building a new relationship with her. The story explores Shoya's emotional journey in seeking forgiveness, both from Shoko and himself, while confronting past traumas and relationship dynamics with those around him.
The Film is known for its beautiful animation, deep emotional portrayal, and sensitive approach to issues such as disability, mental health, and social isolation.
Suitability for Children's Viewing
Although “a Silent Voice " is animated, the film is not entirely suitable for all children, especially young children (under 13 years old). Here are some considerations:
- Heavy Theme: The Film addresses bullying explicitly, including scenes of verbal and physical violence, as well as its psychological impact. There are also elements about depression, guilt, and even suicidal thoughts, which may be difficult to understand or too intense for young children.
- Emotional Depth: The narrative is complex and is more aimed at a teenage or adult audience that can appreciate the layers of emotion and moral message.
- Rating: In many countries, the film is rated PG-13 or equivalent, indicating that some content may require parental guidance.
- Positive Value: On the other hand, the film offers a strong message about empathy, forgiveness and the importance of communication, which can be a valuable lesson for older children (adolescents) if accompanied by a discussion with a parent or companion.
Conclusion
“A Silent Voice " is more suitable for teenagers (ages 13 and up) or adult audiences because of its serious and emotional theme. For younger children, the film is less appropriate unless there is supervision and context provided by parents to help them understand the story. If you are looking for a lighter, animated children's show with a theme (friendly) and simple like Studio Ghibli's work (My Neighbor Totoro or Ponyo) may be more appropriate.
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Complete Synopsis: A Silent Voice: The Movie (Koe no Katachi)
A Silent Voice: The Movie is an anime adaptation of Yoshitoki Ohima's manga directed by Naoko Yamada and produced by Kyoto Animation. The Film was released in 2016 in Japan and is known for its emotional portrayal of issues of bullying, penance, depression, and self-acceptance. Here is the most complete synopsis of the film:
The Film centers on Shoya Ishida, a young man trying to make amends for his past mistakes, and Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl who was the victim of bullying by Shoya while they were still in elementary school. The story is set in the city of Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and moves between flashbacks of the characters ' childhood and teenage lives.
The Beginning Of The Story: Elementary School
The story begins with Shoya as a popular boy in the 6th grade of elementary school. He is known to be mischievous, likes to seek attention, and often throws tantrums with his friends to avoid boredom. His life changed when Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf schoolgirl, transfers to her class. Shoko communicates with notebooks and sign language due to speech difficulties, which makes her appear different in the eyes of her peers.
Initially, Shoya and his friends are curious about Shoko, but their curiosity turns to ridicule when they find it difficult to communicate with her. Shoya becomes the main perpetrator of bullying Shoko, committing acts such as stealing Shoko's hearing aid, making fun of her way of speaking, and damaging her notebook. Although Shoko tries to make friends and keep smiling, the pressure from bullying makes her even more isolated.
However, when this bullying is revealed, Shoya is made a scapegoat by his friends and teachers. He was abandoned by his peers, punished, and subjected to ridicule. Shoko eventually transfers schools, leaving Shoya with a sense of guilt that begins to surface, although he does not yet fully understand the impact of his actions.
Adolescence: Penance
Years later, Shoya is now a lonely and regretful High School student. He is haunted by guilt for what he did to Shoko and feels alienated from the world. Shoya sees the faces of those around him covered in blue crosses, a symbol of his inability to connect with others. His depression leads him to the point where he plans suicide, but before doing so, he decides to find Shoko and apologize.
Shoya finds Shoko, now a teenager, and begins learning sign language to communicate with her. He returns Shoko's notebook that she once took and apologizes sincerely. At first, Shoko hesitates, but she eventually accepts Shoya's apology. The two begin to build a new relationship, albeit one marked by awkwardness and past wounds. Shoko, who also struggles with low self-esteem and guilt for feeling like a burden to others, finds comfort in Shoya's presence.
Conflict and character growth
Over time, Shoya tries to improve his life by approaching people from his past, including classmates who were involved in Shoko's bullying. He was reunited with Naoka Ueno, who still holds a grudge against Shoko and does not regret his actions, as well as Miyoko Sahara, who once attempted to befriend Shoko but drifted away due to social pressure. Shoya is also friends with Nagatsuka, a student who faithfully supported him, and Yuzuru, Shoko's younger sister who is protective and initially distrusts Shoya's intentions.
This group forms a complex dynamic, in which each character faces guilt, regret, and the desire to be accepted. Shoya attempts to bring them together to make a short film as a school project, but conflicts arise due to differences in views and old wounds that have not healed. Meanwhile, Shoko continues to struggle with depression and feelings that she doesn't deserve to be happy, which culminates in a dramatic scene in which she attempts suicide by jumping off the balcony of her apartment. Shoya manages to save him, but he is seriously injured and comatose.
Climax and resolution
Koma Shoya became a turning point for all characters. Shoko, feeling guilty about this incident, finally faces her emotions and promises to live for herself and the people who love her. Shoya's friends, including those who once shunned him, begin to realize the importance of supporting each other. When Shoya finally awakens from his coma, he and Shoko share an emotional moment in which they confess their wounds and fears to each other.
At the end of the film, during a school festival, Shoya confronts his fear of connecting with others. The Blue Cross that had been covering the faces of those around him began to disappear, symbolizing his acceptance of himself and his ability to see the world in a new way. The Film closes with Shoya and Shoko walking together, showing that despite their wounded pasts, they have found hope and strength to move forward.
Theme and message
A Silent Voice explores weighty themes such as bullying, disability, mental health, and penance in a profound and human way. This Film not only focuses on forgiveness from others, but also forgiveness towards oneself. Through Shoya and Shoko's relationship, the film illustrates how communication, empathy, and the courage to face mistakes can bring healing.
Main Characters
- Shoya Ishida: The protagonist who transforms from a bully into someone who seeks redemption.
- Shoko Nishimiya: A deaf girl who struggles with low self-esteem but has a loving heart.
- Yuzuru Nishimiya: Shoko's protective and brave sister.
- Naoka Ueno: Shoya's childhood friends are complex, selfish, but also vulnerable.
- Miyoko Sahara: A former classmate who is trying to make amends.
- Tomohiro Nagatsuka: Shoya's loyal friend who provides emotional support.
Production Value
The Film was praised for its beautiful animation, emotional use of color, and heartfelt soundtrack, including the theme song “My Generation” by the Who. The depiction of sign language and small details in the characters ' movements add depth to the story.
A Silent Voice is a powerful story of humanity, error, and hope. At approximately 130 minutes in length, the film manages to convey a complex and emotional narrative, making it one of anime's most memorable and universally relevant works.
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