A Silent Voice: The sound of laughter echoes through a sixth-grade classroom as a boy named Shoya Ishida leads his friends in teasing the new girl. Shoko Nishimiya, a transfer student, is different—she is deaf. Instead of trying to understand her, the class sees her as an easy target. Shoya, the ringleader, takes it the farthest, pulling cruel pranks and mocking her attempts to communicate.
But the tide turns when Shoko’s mother reports the bullying. The class, once complicit, turns on Shoya. His friends abandon him, and he becomes the new target of ridicule. Years later, now a lonely and guilt-ridden high school student, Shoya decides to make things right.
Movie Details
| A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) | |
|---|---|
| Director | Naoko Yamada |
| Studio | Kyoto Animation |
| Release Date | September 17, 2016 (Japan) |
| Runtime | 130 minutes |
| Genre | Drama, Slice of Life |
| Language | Japanese (with multiple dubbed versions) |
| IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
| Number of Reviews | Over 117,000 user reviews |
| IMDb Link | IMDb Page |
A Past That Can’t Be Erased
Years of isolation have left Shoya struggling with self-hatred. He avoids eye contact, seeing imaginary “X” marks over the faces of those around him—a symbol of his emotional distance. Convinced he doesn’t deserve happiness, he plans to end his suffering. But before he can, he decides to find Shoko and return a notebook she once used to communicate with the class.
When he meets her again, Shoya is hesitant, burdened by his past mistakes. But to his surprise, Shoko doesn’t hold resentment. Instead, she accepts his apology with a timid smile. Encouraged, Shoya vows to become a better person.
The Journey to Redemption
Determined to mend his broken relationships, Shoya starts reconnecting with others. He makes an effort to befriend Tomohiro Nagatsuka, a lonely but kindhearted classmate. He also encounters Yuzuru, Shoko’s fiercely protective younger sister, who distrusts him at first but gradually acknowledges his sincerity.
As Shoya and Shoko spend more time together, an unspoken bond begins to form. Yet, deep down, both struggle with their own demons—Shoya with his guilt, and Shoko with her belief that she is a burden to others.
A Silent Cry for Help
Despite Shoya’s attempts to make amends, not everyone is ready to forgive. Old classmates resurface, reopening wounds and forcing Shoya to confront the full weight of his past actions. Meanwhile, Shoko, hiding her own pain behind forced smiles, quietly battles her own feelings of worthlessness.
One night, as fireworks light up the sky, Shoko makes a heartbreaking decision—she attempts to take her own life. But Shoya, sensing something is wrong, rushes to her apartment just in time. He pulls her back, saving her, but in the process, he falls from the balcony and ends up in a coma.
Facing the Future Together
After days of worry, Shoya wakes up in the hospital. The incident forces both him and Shoko to truly open up to each other. They realize that neither of them is alone in their pain and that moving forward is possible if they support each other.
As they return to school, Shoya takes a bold step—he lifts his head and meets the eyes of those around him. The “X” marks disappear. For the first time in years, he allows himself to truly connect with people again.
At the school festival, Shoya and Shoko walk together, tears in their eyes. Without words, they understand—they have forgiven each other, and more importantly, they have learned to forgive themselves.
What This Movie Teaches Us
A Silent Voice is a powerful story about the consequences of bullying, the weight of guilt, and the long road to forgiveness. It reminds us that redemption is possible, but it takes time, effort, and the willingness to face the past.
Shoya’s journey teaches us that while we can’t erase our mistakes, we can learn from them and strive to be better. Shoko’s story shows the importance of self-worth and that everyone deserves kindness—even from themselves.
Why You Should Watch It
- A deeply emotional and realistic portrayal of bullying, guilt, and mental health.
- Beautiful animation by Kyoto Animation, capturing emotions with stunning visuals.
- A moving soundtrack that enhances every heartfelt moment.
- A meaningful message about second chances and self-acceptance.
you might have experienced similar struggles or are simply looking for a film that touches the heart, A Silent Voice is a story that lingers in the soul.
FAQ – A Silent Voice
1. What is A Silent Voice about?
It follows Shoya Ishida, a former bully who seeks redemption by making amends with Shoko Nishimiya, the girl he once tormented. The film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and personal growth.
2. Is A Silent Voice based on a true story?
No, but it is based on a manga by Yoshitoki Ōima, which was inspired by real-life issues surrounding bullying and disability awareness.
3. Why does Shoya see “X” marks over people’s faces?
The “X” represents his emotional disconnection from others due to guilt and social anxiety. As he heals, the marks disappear, symbolizing his regained ability to connect.
4. What is the main message of A Silent Voice?
The film highlights the importance of empathy, personal growth, and the power of second chances. It also sheds light on the lasting effects of bullying and the struggle for self-forgiveness.
5. Where can I watch A Silent Voice?
The movie is available on various streaming platforms, including Netflix (region-dependent), Crunchyroll.
