A Silent Voice is one of the best anime movies I’ve seen in a while.
As the title says, this article mentions suicide and talks about subjects that could be potentially triggering for some readers. If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, domestic violence, suicidal thoughts, or sexual assault, these are the numbers to call or even text.
It’s tough to watch at times with how much it will pull at your heartstrings. December 27th, 2020 marks 7 years since my last suicide attempt. I won’t ever forget that night and the emotions that built up to it. How even today, I still have to fight the abyss that loves to surround me. I have so much to be grateful for…a cozy apartment, a husband that loves and accepts me, the world’s cutest furbaby, a job that lets me sit down and listen to music/podcasts all day. I have so much that many people would love to have. And yet, I’m still depressed.
I have to fight the emotions and the voice in my head telling me that I can’t do it and I’m not good enough. There are days I won’t leave the house or talk to anyone because I don’t want them to be burdened by the sight of me. It’s a heavy burden for just myself, I can’t put that on others.
Since that night, I promised myself I wouldn’t give up anymore. And because I didn’t, I got what I have now in life. I can’t imagine life without my husband or my dog. They give me a purpose and a reason to keep fighting, to keep getting better. ALL of us do have a purpose. And ALL of us need to keep fighting. Are you toxic? Okay, fix yourself. Become better and I KNOW you can do it. Does it take work? Oh yes. There will be days that you will still cry yourself to sleep at night and take sleeping pills to numb the feelings. For me, it was mostly a stubbornness thing and anger. I let my anger keep me alive. I was so angry at the world for putting me through what it did. If that’s what it takes, use it.
Suicide is NEVER the answer. All it does it gets rid of the chance for things to get better.
What’s A Silent Voice Even About?
This is just a short version from myanimelist that lets you know what this movie is about. It does have spoilers though so don’t read if you don’t want them!
Japanese high school student Shoya Ishida intends to die by suicide. Changing his mind at the last minute, he recalls his days in elementary school and the events that have led him here. A new student named Shoko Nishimiya informs the class that she is deaf. She tries to integrate with the class but ends up annoying Shoya and his friends, so they start to bully her. When word of the bullying reaches the principal, Shoya is singled out as the culprit by his teacher. Soon, the class’s bullying is directed toward him. Shoya blames Shoko, and the two get into a physical altercation. She is subsequently transferred to another school. He later finds Shoko’s notebook, which she left behind, and keeps it.
In middle school, Shoya’s reputation of being Shoko’s bully led him to become an outcast. Now in high school, he has fallen into a depression. He blocks out the faces of those around him, unable to look them in the eye. Shoya visits the sign language center and returns Shoko’s notebook in the hopes of making amends, revealing that he has learned sign language.
During a fireworks festival, Shoko goes home under the guise of finishing homework. Shoya follows when Yuzuru asks him to get her camera. When he arrives, he finds Shoko standing on the balcony, about to commit suicide. Shoya succeeds in grabbing her and pulls her back up but falls into the river below. He is rescued by his best friends in elementary school but slips into a coma. Hoping to help Shoya, Shoko meets with each of the group members to explain her and Shoya’s situations.
One night, Shoko dreams about receiving a farewell visit from Shoya. Horrified, she runs to the bridge and collapses in tears. Shoya, awakening from his coma, stumbles to the bridge and finds her there. He apologizes for the way he treated her, asking her to stop blaming herself, and admits that, while he once considered ending his own life, he has since decided against it. Shoya then asks her to help him continue to live.
When Shoya goes to the school festival with Shoko, he finds out how much his new friends still care for him, and they reconcile. During the festival, Shoya is finally able to look at other people’s faces again. He looks around at his family and all the new friends he has made and cries.
It just makes me cry at how our two main characters planned on suicide and it was dealt with in this movie. All of this is handled so wonderfully and with such care. It’s refreshing to see an anime handle such emotive issues as mental health, bullying, and suicide.
A silent voice is one movie that needs to be on your watch list!
Have you already seen a silent voice? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
As always,
Keep Smiling!
Get your own copy of A Silent Voice complete box set or Merch here!