A Silent Voice: The Movie

Years after a harsh spell of classroom taunting, Shouya Ishida is forced to reckon with the harm he caused when he singled out Shouko Nishimiya, a deaf girl. The cruelty poisons friendships, reshapes the class, and leaves a quiet void when they move on from elementary school. Then, as an older boy who has learned the weight of his mistakes, Shouya steps back into Shouko's world seeking a chance to atone. He hopes to listen and repair what was broken, but the question remains whether such reconciliation can happen before too much time has passed, and at what cost. The film uses soft lighting and restrained color to reflect mood, turning small exchanges into moments of insight. The voices capture unspoken pain and longing as Shouya and Shouko drift between silence and conversation, inviting viewers to read between the lines.

Directed by Naoko Yamada, the film adapts Yoshikoto Oima's manga with a screenplay by Reiko Yoshida. The score by Kensuke Ushio accompanies Kyoto Animation's precise animation, and the film's restrained visual approach has earned praise in Japan and abroad.

The movie is celebrated for its candid look at disability, guilt, and forgiveness, sparking conversations about empathy and bullying. Its sensitive portrayal and inventive use of sound and visuals helped broaden anime discussions around social issues and personal accountability, influencing later works to treat stigma with care and realism.

Critics and audiences praised its mature handling of difficult topics, its quiet, patient storytelling, and the fracture and repair of relationships. The film carries a measured tone that invites reflection on guilt, forgiveness, and the cost of being listened to, leaving viewers with questions rather than easy answers.

Box office data is not provided in the material. The film is primarily discussed for its critical acclaim, storytelling depth, and ongoing conversations about its themes rather than blockbuster performance. Its impact lies in sparking dialogue about empathy and redemption across audiences.