KOE NO KATACHI: A REVIEW?

 

Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice) is a 2016 Japanese [obviously] animated film written by Reiko Yoshida and directed by Naoko Yamada. The film is based on the manga of the same name, written by the great Yoshitoki Ōima. I just want to talk type about this beautiful anime; don't think of this as some sort of review.

P.S.: Little spoilers here and there.

It starts off with Ishida - who'd later be the main male character - trying to commit suicide. And may I say... the musical build-up to the point where he is to jump off the bridge... SUBARASHI! It's utterly gorgeous [for the lack of a befitting word]. It's not over done with sad sounds or large synths. It's almost inaudible, gentle; it's the kind of music that would play in the head of a sad or depressed person.

And it is explained in detail - his dilemma. 

The movie's title makes sense because of Nishimiya. She's deaf. In middle school, she's a victim of bullying from her classmates in form of ignorance, isolation, silence, and more.

The worst thing to bully a deaf person with is silence.

The movie, basically, is about the lives of Ishida and Nishimiya. One was once a bully and now suffers depression, the other is deaf and suffers depression. The plot opens the audience - you and I - to the communication problems in today's world and the stigma that's associated with disabled people. It's very "real"... in the sense that many animes that explore this field/genre tend to over-do or under-do but this one sits just right. The emotions are balanced and the unnecessary is avoided.

The movie tackles a lot of things: social anxiety, depression, suicide, bullying, anger, pity, 2020, etc. It's a lot that simmer well and a few things that do not. My first problem is the character development. It's nothing too serious but a lot more could've should've been done. The red haired guy just popped out of nowhere and he's an equally important character as the rest of Ishida's friends? Boo!

Red haired guy😂

I'd like to think that bully cases are not handled by Japanese schools as portrayed in this movie. From the look of things, the teacher was aware that Nishimiya was being bullied but he did nothing? He said nothing till her parent complained and changed Nishimiya's school? Boo!

I think the music is amazing. It's not the regular J-Pop but exciting sounds that I believe any lover of proper music would appreciate. The animation is very sharp and beautiful, as one would expect from Kyoto Studios. The movie keeps one interested and it has tons of moments that are screenshot worthy.

You should see it if you haven't.

It's a strong 8 from me.