8.9
A Silent Voice
聲の形
8.9
Rank
#20
Popularity
#19
Members
2.6M
Favorites
95.5K
Synopsis
As a wild youth, elementary school student Shouya Ishida sought to beat boredom in the cruelest ways. When the deaf Shouko Nishimiya transfers into his class, Shouya and the rest of his class thoughtlessly bully her for fun. However, when her mother notifies the school, he is singled out and blamed for everything done to her. With Shouko transferring out of the school, Shouya is left at the mercy of his classmates. He is heartlessly ostracized all throughout elementary and middle school, while t...
Background
Koe no Katachi won the following awards: Japanese Movie Critics Awards for Best Animation Feature Film in 2016; Japanese Academy Award for Excellent Animation of the Year in 2016; Tokyo Anime Award Festival for Anime of the Year (movie) & Best Screenplay / Original Story (Reiko Yoshida) in 2017; Jap...
AI Synopsis
AI · OriginalA former bully seeks redemption by confronting the silent girl he once tormented.
Shōya Ishida spent his early school years as a restless troublemaker, lashing out at anyone who dared to break the monotony. When Shōko Nishimiya, a shy girl with a hearing impairment, joins his class, the whole class, led by Shōya, subjects her to relentless teasing and cruelty. The incident escalates when Shōko’s mother confronts the school, and Shōya becomes the scapegoat, bearing the brunt of collective guilt. As a result, Shōko transfers out, and Shōya finds himself ostracized, his reputation tarnished, and his teachers indifferent. The weight of his actions follows him through elementary and middle school, leaving him a pariah haunted by regret. Now a senior in high school, Shōya is still shackled by the memory of his past sins. Determined to atone, he tracks down Shōko and offers a sincere apology, hoping to rebuild the bridge he once shattered. Their tentative reunion forces both of them to confront lingering pain, insecurities, and the fear of being misunderstood. Through heartfelt conversations, small gestures, and shared moments of vulnerability, they learn that forgiveness is a two‑way street and that redemption is earned one honest step at a time. "Koe no Katachi" is a poignant exploration of bullying, disability, and the fragile process of healing, reminding viewers that even the deepest wounds can begin to mend when courage meets compassion.
Redemptive DramaComing‑of‑AgeDisability AwarenessEmotional HealingQuiet Strength
Why Watch
AI1
**A visceral look at bullying’s aftermath**
The opening schoolyard scene where Shōya’s classmates corner Shōko, followed by his own isolation years later, starkly visualizes how cruelty reverberates long after the act.
2
**Redemption portrayed through everyday gestures**
Shōya’s clumsy attempts to return Shōko’s lost notebook and later his nervous confession at the riverbank illustrate that making amends is a slow, messy process.
3
**Authentic deaf representation**
Shōko’s sign language is woven into the animation, with close‑up hand movements synced to the soundtrack, giving viewers a rare, respectful glimpse into her world.
4
**Kyoto Animation’s signature visual poetry**
The rain‑soaked rooftop scene, where Shōya watches Shōko’s silhouette against neon lights, uses color and lighting to echo the characters’ inner turbulence.
5
**A nuanced exploration of guilt and forgiveness**
Mid‑film, Shōya’s nightmare of being trapped in a classroom full of accusing faces encapsulates his self‑punishment, while Shōko’s eventual smile offers a quiet, hopeful counterpoint.
Best for: Viewers who appreciate emotionally layered dramas that tackle real‑world issues with thoughtful character work and subtle visual storytelling.
Audience Guidance
AIRecommended age: 13+
strong
Disturbing themesCentral plot involves sustained bullying of a deaf girl, social ostracization, and a depicted suicide attempt with emotional aftermath.
moderate
ViolencePhysical bullying shown: hitting, pulling hearing aids, throwing notebooks into a fountain, shoving; consequences portrayed realistically.
mild
LanguageOccasional harsh insults and name-calling during bullying scenes; no strong profanity in subtitles.
A Silent Voice is a raw, emotionally intense drama about bullying, disability, and redemption that doesn't soften its hardest moments. The suicide attempt and prolonged psychological fallout make it heavy viewing despite the ultimately hopeful arc.
Relations
FAQ
A Silent Voice has 1 episodes.
A Silent Voice is currently finished airing.
A Silent Voice was produced by Kyoto Animation.
A Silent Voice aired Sep 17, 2016.
A Silent Voice is based on a Manga.
A Silent Voice is a raw, emotionally intense drama about bullying, disability, and redemption that doesn't soften its hardest moments. The suicide attempt and prolonged psychological fallout make it heavy viewing despite the ultimately hopeful arc.
