A Silent Voice: The Power of Human Connection

Can you recall the first time you genuinely connected with a show? Whether it was through a character, a certain scene, or a line that you saw or heard? The first time I can recall connecting with something so profoundly was when I watched “A Silent Voice”, a film directed by Naoko Yamada and based on a manga series by the author Yoshitoki Ōima. This is a movie that is critically acclaimed for its core themes of bullying, depression, social anxiety, redemption, and the power of human connection. There’s a reason why this film is already loved by so many, it’s because of the way it handles and portrays these themes. These are all things that are real, that people deal with daily and this film does a masterful job of conveying these emotions to the audience. The shape of voice.

The story follows a young boy named Shoya Ishida, who, along with his “friends”, bullies a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya in elementary school. Years later, Shoya runs into Shoko in High School and is filled with guilt and regret over his past actions. He decides to try to make amends and reconcile with Shoko. Through his journey of self-discovery, Shoya is now joined by Shoko, who despite having been the victim of his past cruelty, finds it in her heart to offer him empathy, forgiveness, and a chance at redemption. Through their friendship, Shoya learns to see the world through Shoko's eyes, finding the common ground that unites them despite their differences.

One of the most significant characters in the film is Tomohiro Nagatsuka, a classmate of Shoya's who initially appears to be a bit of an oddball. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Nagatsuka is a deeply compassionate and empathetic person who sees the good in others even when they don't see it in themselves. His friendship is an important source of support for Shoya, and he sets a good example of the fact that it just takes one person to create a ripple that could change a person’s life for the better. Nagatsuka is one of the best examples of the power of human connection.

Overall, the other characters in "A Silent Voice" serve to deepen the film's exploration of the themes of empathy, forgiveness, and human connection. Through the interactions with Shoya and Shoko, we see the power of kindness and compassion, we are reminded of the importance of treating others with love and respect which we need more of in the world, especially in the society we live in today.

But what truly sets "A Silent Voice" apart is its deeply felt sense of empathy and compassion. The film does not shy away from the pain and hurt caused by bullying, but it also recognizes the humanity of both the victim and the perpetrator. Through its exploration of the complexities of human connection, it offers a message of hope and healing that speaks to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. The fact that Shoya learns sign language to communicate with Shoko shows that he’s really grown. We can see as Shoya realizes that he’s not the person he used to be, he’s made an effort to change and be a better person. This is a testament to every person that feels like they aren’t deserving of connection, friendship, or love because of the way they feel about themselves.

The reason I connected so deeply with this film was because there was a point in my life when I was dealing with some of the themes that are portrayed. I saw a part of myself in certain characters and as the film went on, I fell in love with the way this beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption, friendship, and compassion put itself out for the world to witness. This movie will tug at your heartstrings, challenge your perspective, and leave you feeling sad and warm at the same time. I truly mean it with my entire soul when I say this is a film that everyone should watch. “A Silent Voice” shows us that we are all deserving of the simplistic beauty of human connection, because that in its essence is what life is all about.

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If you’re someone that deals with depression or anxiety, I highly recommend you check out the Art of Living Foundation. They are a nonprofit organization that helps people deal with mental and emotional health through meditation, yoga, and various breathing exercises. The organization offers a variety of courses for all ages but my personal favorite one is the SKY Breath Meditation course. Before I speak a little bit about my experience here’s how meditation can benefit your life:

• Feeling calm and rested

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Less depression

• Increased emotional and mental well-being

• Increased clarity and focus

• Improved long-term memory

• Improved sleep

I believe I did the SKY Breath Meditation course back in 2020 around the peak of COVID-19. I did the course in the comfort of my home and you can too as Art of Living has moved into the online space. Covid was a relatively difficult time for everyone and I can remember that doing the guided meditations and breathing exercises in this course helped me focus my thoughts and emotions. The meditations you do and the techniques you learn in the Art of Living courses will benefit you lifelong. If you’re interested in the SKY Breath Meditation course click the link below and experience a free online intro session.

Link: SKY Breath Meditation Free Online Intro Session