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 teachers turn a blind eye.
Now in his third year of high school, Shouya is still plagued by his wrongdoings as a young boy. Sincerely regretting his past actions, he sets out on a journey of redemption: to meet Shouko once more and make amends.
Koe no Katachi tells the heartwarming tale of Shouya's reunion with Shouko and his honest attempts to redeem himself, all while being continually haunted by the shadows of his past.
Koe no Katachi – A Review by The Anime Critic
“Koe no Katachi”, also known as “A Silent Voice” in the West, is a movie that you won’t forget easily. With its vibrant animation coupled with a heart-tugging storyline, “Koe no Katachi” threads a narrative that leaves a lasting impact in the minds of the audiences. But before we delve deep into the review, let’s take a glance at what this incredible movie brings to the table.
The story revolves around a boy named Shoya Ishida, who bullies a deaf girl, Shoko Nishimiya, during his school days. This merciless bullying leads to Shoko changing schools, leaving Shoya to bear the brunt of his actions as he becomes the new target of bullying. Fast forward to a few years later, we find a guilt-ridden Shoya, who’s set out on a path to seek redemption by making amends with Shoko. He wants to show her that he has changed. It’s a tale of redemption, forgiveness but most importantly, it talks about the ability to listen with the heart, rather than the ears.
Now heading over to the review!
“Koe no Katachi” is an emotional roller coaster that warms and wrenches the heart simultaneously. Imagine experiencing a gust of chilling winter wind, only to be met with the warm glow of the sun moments later; that’s what this movie feels like. It’s said that movies are a mirror to the world and “Koe no Katachi” reflects emotions in the most realistic, relatable, and gripping way that few anime movies have managed to do so.
The animation and artwork of “Koe no Katachi” deserve a special mention. With its fantastic use of color and detail, it perfectly captures the myriad expressions, making the characters real and relatable. Kyoto Animation, known for its meticulous attention to detail, has indeed breathed life into these characters making them unforgettable.
The storyline is a powerhouse packed full of emotions. What makes “Koe no Katachi” shine even brighter amid a sea of anime is its raw depiction of adolescence. It touches on some sensitive topics like bullying and self-acceptance, to bring forward a narrative that’s profound, evocative, and hard-hitting. It’s a heartfelt tale of redemption and self-worth, and it beautifully captures the guilt, resentment, love, and the journey towards forgiveness, acceptance, and change.
As for characters, our protagonist Shoya anchors the movie with a performance that is nuanced and raw. His journey from a bully to a repentant friend showcases deep character development and growth. Each character in “Koe no Katachi” is fleshed out with their unique personas, and none feel unnecessary or poorly integrated into the plot.
In conclusion, I highly recommend “Koe no Katachi” for its beautiful storytelling, character development, and deep-rooted message. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. Whether you should rent, buy or stream “Koe no Katachi” is your personal preference. But do remember, this is a movie you won’t want to miss out on. In my opinion, it’s a must-have for every anime lover’s collection. Strap in for this emotional journey, and prepare to be moved to the core.
Final Verdict
“Koe no Katachi” – A spectacular Anime experience that explores the emotional complexity of the human heart with incredible depth. An absolute must-watch!
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