This anime will make you cry. Trust me.

Summary

This video reflects on how the anime *A Silent Voice* profoundly impacted the narrator, shifting their perspective on anime and life. Initially skeptical and dismissive of anime, the narrator's life changes when they watch the movie, which addresses themes of bullying, isolation, and redemption. The subtle emotional storytelling and the powerful soundtrack, particularly composed by Kensuke Ushio, resonate deeply. The narrator discusses how the film conveys emotion through expression and music, encouraging viewers to reconsider how media can shape personal perspectives. It's a moving analysis of growth, empathy, and the power of storytelling.

Takeaways

• 😀 The narrator, Aru, reflects on how *A Silent Voice* (Koe no Katachi) profoundly changed their perspective on anime and life in general.
• 😀 Aru initially had a negative view of anime, believing it to be all about fanservice, but decided to give it a chance at the age of 13.
• 😀 *A Silent Voice* starts with a heavy premise, as the protagonist, Shoya, is shown contemplating suicide due to past guilt and isolation.
• 😀 Shoya's bullying of Shoko, a deaf classmate, is the central conflict of the movie. He bullies her out of a desire to fit in with his classmates.
• 😀 The film highlights the impact of bullying on both the victim (Shoko) and the perpetrator (Shoya), with Shoya eventually facing isolation after being outed as the bully.
• 😀 The movie's storytelling relies heavily on subtle, non-verbal cues to convey characters' emotions, such as body language and hand placement, rather than overt dialogue.
• 😀 Naoko Yamada's direction is praised for making the characters feel like real people through these subtle emotional expressions.
• 😀 The soundtrack of *A Silent Voice*, composed by Kensuke Ushio, plays a crucial role in setting the emotional tone, particularly through the use of a microphone inside the piano to capture intimate, mechanical sounds.
• 😀 Aru expresses a deep emotional connection to the film, stating that it wasn't just entertainment but a transformative experience that reshaped their perspective on empathy and understanding.
• 😀 The narrator encourages viewers to experience *A Silent Voice* without spoilers and suggests listening to the soundtrack to appreciate its emotional depth.
• 😀 Aru invites viewers to subscribe to their channel for more content and welcomes feedback and ideas for future videos.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the video script?

The central theme of the video script is the personal impact of the anime film *A Silent Voice* (*Koe no Katachi*). The speaker reflects on how the film profoundly changed their perspective on life, particularly in terms of empathy, understanding, and self-reflection.

Why did the speaker initially judge anime negatively?

The speaker initially judged anime negatively because they believed it was primarily focused on glorified fan service. They based their judgment on what others had said rather than forming their own opinion through personal experience.

How did the speaker’s perspective on anime change after watching *A Silent Voice*?

After watching *A Silent Voice*, the speaker’s perspective on anime shifted from a negative view to a more appreciative one. The film’s emotional depth, nuanced storytelling, and ability to convey complex emotions through subtle movements made the speaker realize that anime could offer more than just surface-level entertainment.

What emotional tone does *A Silent Voice* start with, and why is it significant?

The film begins with a heavy and emotional tone, as the main character, Shoya, is shown contemplating suicide. This opening sets the stage for the deep themes of guilt, isolation, and personal growth, making the eventual journey toward redemption even more impactful.

What role does Shoko Nishimiya play in Shoya’s transformation?

Shoko Nishimiya plays a pivotal role in Shoya's transformation. Initially, Shoya bullies Shoko due to her disability (deafness), but her presence and the consequences of his actions eventually lead him to confront his past and change his ways. Her attempt to reach out to him, despite his cruelty, serves as a catalyst for his emotional growth.

How does the film convey its characters' emotions without relying solely on dialogue?

The film conveys characters' emotions through subtle visual cues, such as hand gestures, eye contact, body language, and the characters' physical movements. This approach allows the film to communicate complex emotions in a more nuanced and realistic way, avoiding the need for explicit dialogue.

What makes Naoko Yamada’s direction stand out in *A Silent Voice*?

Naoko Yamada’s direction stands out for her ability to convey deep emotions and personal struggles through small, intimate visual details. She uses subtle visual language to make the characters feel real and relatable, making the audience connect with their experiences on a deeper level.

What is unique about the soundtrack of *A Silent Voice*, and how does it enhance the film?

The soundtrack of *A Silent Voice* is unique because it captures the feeling of isolation through a methodical approach. Composer Kensuke Ushio placed a microphone inside the piano to capture not only the sound of the keys but also the mechanical movements, creating a distant yet comforting sound. This technique enhances the emotional impact of the film, adding depth to the themes of loneliness and personal reflection.

How did the film’s soundtrack affect the speaker personally?

The soundtrack deeply affected the speaker by evoking a sense of isolation and melancholy. The speaker admires the way the music mirrors the emotional journey of the characters and helps convey complex feelings that words or visuals alone could not express.

What does the speaker hope viewers will take away from watching *A Silent Voice*?

The speaker hopes that viewers will take away a shift in perspective, similar to their own experience. They encourage viewers to reflect on themes of empathy, understanding, and personal growth, emphasizing that the film’s emotional depth can have a lasting impact on how one views themselves and others.