A Silent Voice: The Movie (2016)
Naoko Yamada's acclaimed anime masterpiece about guilt, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to truly listen to another person.
A Silent Voice: The Movie - Movie Information
- Original Title: 映画 聲の形
- Release Year: 2016
- Directed by: Naoko Yamada
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 2h 9m
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 17, 2016 (Japan), December 15, 2024 (United States - NR), August 22, 2018 (France - U), March 16, 2018 (Spain - 12), May 9, 2017 (South Korea - ALL), September 8, 2017 (China)
- Alternative Titles: The Shape of Voice (US), Uma Voz Silenciosa (PT), 聲の形 (JP), 声之形 (CN), A Silent Voice (DE), 聲之形 (HK), 聲之形 (TW), Una Voz Silenciosa (MX)
- Production Companies: Kyoto Animation, ABC Animation, Kodansha, Pony Canyon, Quaras, Shochiku
- Production Countries: Japan
A Silent Voice: The Movie - Plot
Shouya Ishida starts bullying the new girl in class, Shouko Nishimiya, because she is deaf. But as the teasing continues, the rest of the class starts to turn on Shouya for his lack of compassion. When they leave elementary school, Shouko and Shouya do not speak to each other again... until an older, wiser Shouya, tormented by his past behaviour, decides he must see Shouko once more. He wants to atone for his sins, but is it already too late...?
A Silent Voice: The Movie - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and experience the emotional world of the film:
Sometimes the answer is as simple as learning to listen.
A Silent Voice: The Movie - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Naoko Yamada
Main Cast
- Miyu Irino
- Saori Hayami
- Aoi Yuuki
- Kensho Ono
- Yuki Kaneko
- Yui Ishikawa
- Megumi Han
- Toshiyuki Toyonaga
- Mayu Matsuoka
- Sachiko Kojima
Writers
- Reiko Yoshida
Producers
- Mikio Uetsuki
- Shinichi Nakamura
- Kensuke Tateishi
- Eharu Ohashi
- Toshio Iizuka
A Silent Voice: The Movie - FAQs
Is A Silent Voice: The Movie based on a manga?
Yes. A Silent Voice is adapted from the manga series by Yoshitaka Oima, serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine from 2013 to 2014. The manga was praised internationally for its sensitive portrayal of bullying, deafness, and redemption, and won the Kodansha Manga Award for general manga in 2015.
Does A Silent Voice: The Movie have a happy ending?
The film ends on a hopeful, emotionally cathartic note. Shouya overcomes his guilt and social isolation, and both he and Shouko take meaningful steps toward healing and genuine human connection. While bittersweet, the conclusion is widely regarded as uplifting and emotionally satisfying rather than tragic.
What is A Silent Voice: The Movie about?
The film follows Shouya Ishida, a young man haunted by his past bullying of Shouko Nishimiya, a deaf classmate. Years later, he seeks her out to make amends. The story explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, disability, social isolation, and the difficult journey toward self-acceptance and genuine human connection.
Who are the main voice actors in A Silent Voice?
The principal voice cast includes Miyu Irino as Shouya Ishida and Saori Hayami as Shouko Nishimiya. Supporting roles are voiced by Aoi Yuuki, Kensho Ono, Yuki Kaneko, Yui Ishikawa, Megumi Han, Toshiyuki Toyonaga, Mayu Matsuoka, and Sachiko Kojima.
How does the film portray Shouko's deafness authentically?
Director Naoko Yamada and the Kyoto Animation team consulted with deaf communities and incorporated Japanese Sign Language throughout the film. Shouko communicates primarily through a notebook and sign language, and the sound design strategically uses silence and muffled audio to place viewers inside her perspective.
Who directed A Silent Voice: The Movie?
A Silent Voice: The Movie was directed by Naoko Yamada, one of the most celebrated animators at Kyoto Animation. Known for her nuanced character animation and emotionally intimate storytelling, Yamada brings exceptional sensitivity to the film's exploration of guilt, disability, and redemption.
Did A Silent Voice: The Movie win any awards?
Yes. The film won the Animation of the Year award at the Japan Academy Film Prize in 2017, among numerous other accolades. It was also selected as Japan's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and earned widespread critical acclaim at international film festivals.
What is the age rating for A Silent Voice: The Movie?
A Silent Voice: The Movie is rated NR (Not Rated) in the United States. The film deals with mature themes including bullying, suicide, and social anxiety. It is generally considered appropriate for older teens and adults, and parental guidance is recommended for younger viewers given the emotional weight of its subject matter.
More About A Silent Voice: The Movie
Explore further details, credits, and data for this film on the following resources.