Dickens & Rumi
Cover of A Silent Voice: The Movie

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A Silent Voice: The Movie

2017

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...?

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The film includes sustained bullying, social isolation, depression, a suicide attempt, grief, and emotionally intense discussions of self-worth. Violence is limited, but the themes require maturity and supportive discussion. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Deaths and grief affect the characters, including a significant family loss, but death is not portrayed graphically.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No significant graphic gore; injury depictions are brief and non-gratuitous.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional instances of angry name-calling and harsh language typical of school drama.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Awkward adolescent affection and developing romantic feelings are present but secondary to friendship, accountability, and healing.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Bullying, panic, suicide-related danger, and frightening accidents may strongly upset viewers, though there are no horror creatures or jump scares.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No notable substance use.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Repeated bullying includes hitting, harassment, property damage, and confrontations; some assaults are upsetting but not graphically depicted.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters show courage by confronting guilt, reconnecting, apologizing, accepting help, and continuing through depression and shame.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Visually creative use of symbolism to represent isolation and social interaction.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

A deaf protagonist is portrayed with agency and complexity; the story explores disability, inclusion, communication, and varied social experiences.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the experience of being deaf and the impacts of bullying.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, support, friendship, apology, and caring for isolated people are major concerns, alongside realistic failures to act kindly.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes address accountability, consequences of bullying, empathy, disability inclusion, communication, forgiveness, and seeking help during despair.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters make serious mistakes, but several demonstrate remorse, growth, persistence, and willingness to repair harm; the path is emotionally complicated.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in A Silent Voice: The Movie would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in A Silent Voice: The Movie, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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