A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice is an animated film directed by Naoko Yamada and was animated by Kyoto
Animation. It was originally based on a manga series with the same name written by ​Yoshitoki
Ōima. The character designs are by ​Futoshi Nishiya and music by Kensuke Ushio. It is a story
about a japanese teenager Shoya Ishida who intends to commit suicide but changes his mind at
the last minute when he recalls his days in elementary school and the events that have led him
here. A new student named Shoko Nishimiya had entered the class and informs 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 principles, Shoya is singled out as the culprit.
And the class’s bullying is directed towards him, subjecting him to the same treatment he gave
Shoko. Shoya blames Shoko, and the two get into a physical altercation. She subsequently
transferred to another school. He later fins Shoko’s notebook,which she left behind , and keeps
it.

Moving onto the review. For me, A Silent Voice is an emotional and beautiful movie that almost
anyone can relate is some shape or form. The story is both heart wrenching and heartwarming, as
it tackles many issues such as bullying, social anxiety, depression and suicide. Many of the
characters deal with some or all of these issues. The issues the characters deal with in the past
ultimately lead them into becoming what they are in the present movie. Shoya is a great
protagonist who is battling with something much bigger in his life, his past self. The other main
character Shoko is outstanding. You can really genuinely feel all her emotions just tough he
facial animations alone. Other notable characters I enjoyed were Shoya’s best friend Toohiro and
Shoko’s little sister Yuzuru. The majority of the music used in the movie is played only by piano
making the film take a somber tone. Making the scenes feel more peaceful and calm
contradicting what many of the characters feel deep down inside. The animation in this movie is
absolutely gorgeous. In conclusion, I absolutely love this film. Everything feels so genuine and
the characters feel so real. This movie made me cry and I can assure you that it will do the same
to you.
“Movie Poster For A Silent Voice”

“Fireworks Scene”

“Hand Sign Scene”

Your Name

Your Name (Kimi no Na Wa) is an animated film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai and
was produced by CoMix Wave Films. The film was produced by Noritaka Kawaguchi and Genki
Kawamura, with music composed by Radwimps. Your Name tells a story about a high school
boy in Tokyo and a high school girl in a rural town who suddenly inexplicably begin to swap
bodies. Mitsuha Miyamizu is a high school girl that lives in the fictional town of Itomori in
Japan’s mountainous Hida region. She is bored with the country life, and wishes to be a
handsome boy in her next life. She begins switching bodies intermittently with Taki Tachibana, a
high school boy in Tokyo, when they wake up. They communicate by writing messages on
paper, their phones, and sometimes on each other’s skin. Mitsuha causes Taki to develop a
relationship with his coworker Miki, while Taki causes Mitsuuha to become popular in school.

For me, Kimi no Na Wa is up there with the quality of work Studio Ghibli makes. It’s a journey
in a world breathing with atmosphere, mystery, and visual wonder. A journey about growth and
resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. A journey about human emotion that transcends
space and time, as we watch our two protagonists struggle relentlessly against fate. A journey
that might just be one of the most captivating anime movie experiences I’ve had. Makoto
Shinkai’s artistry is something people tend to love or hate, but this film is a solid proof to all of
his disdainful critics that his movies were never “just eye candy”. They explore the nature of life
and relationships in quiet ways rarely seen or discussed. The pacing of the film is a lot faster and
intense. There’s a surprising amount of humor in the script, making the chemistry between the
character’s more lighthearted and comically entertaining than expected. All of this is done
through a narrative vision so emotional, so brilliantly realized, that I’m pretty sure everyone
watching it was tearing up, including me. What mainly drives this film’s story is the dynamics of
our main characters’ relationship. The way these two interact is just so unique and lovable. The
premise itself allows them to bond on a more personal level, far more intriguing than the usual
teenage love story. eventually , you become so invested in their strange relationship, that when
all the action goes down, it’s no longer just suspenseful, it’s almost heartbreaking. The editing
and sound design play a huge role in this immersion. There’s rarely a single dull moment
because of how gripping and emotionally driven the timing of every cut is. The sound design
combined with a beautiful music score is outstanding, subtle and moving when creating
atmosphere, powerful at times of dramatic conflict. In fact, the same can be said for all the visual
aesthetics, which are amazing. This is a prime example of astonishingly jaw-dropping animation
combined with powerful storytelling.
“Movie Poster For Your Name”

“Meteor Scene in Tokyo”

“Hill Scene”
Weathering With You

Weathering with You (Tenki no Ko) is a japanese animated romantic fantasy film written and
directed by the maker of “Your Name” Makoto Shinkai. The film is set in Japan during a period
of exceptionally rainy weather and tells the story of a high school boy who runs away to Tokyo
and befriends an orphan girl who appears to be able to manipulate the weather. The film is
produced by CoMix Wave Films, Genki Kawamura and Story Inc, and the music was composed
by Radwimps. Hodaka Morishima is a high-school freshman who ran away from his home and
moves to Tokyo. On his trip, he almost gets thrown off a ferry when a freak rainstorm hits it.
However, he is saved by a man named Keisuke Suga, who gives Hodako his business card in
case he ever needed help. Hodaka contacts suga and is hired as an assistant to his small
publishing company. At work, Hodaka meets Natsumi, Suga’s niece. They investigate urban
legends relating to the unusual weather in Tokyo; from a psychic, they hear the legend of a
weather maiden who can control the weather. Hodaka encounters Hina intimidated into working
at a sketchy club and rescues her. The two teens escape to a nearby abandoned building where
she demonstrates her ability to clear the sky by praying. Inspired by the legend of the weather
maiden, Hodaka visits Hina at her home and proposes that they start a business together; Hina
would provide her mysterious ability to people who want clear weather for special events. Their
business becomes a great success and they attract a large number of clients ranging from
kindergarten students to corporate giants.

Beautifully animated and touching , Weathering with you is guaranteed to provide just the right
amount of entertainment for any fan of Makoto Shinkai’s work. While it doesn’t quite reach the
level of cleverness as “Your Name”, it still has enough originality to separate it from its
predecessor and stand out on its own without drawing too much comparison, The animation is
simply spectacular. Easily on par with Studio Ghibli, perhaps even more so. The attention to
detail on the raindrops and water is highly reminiscent of Shinkai’s 2013 film “The Garden of
Words”, another of his work that used rain as a plot device. The characters are likeable and well
developed, particularly Hodoka and Hina. Every scene they were together I could always feel the
growing friendship between both of them. However, the one major gripe I had was that the story
was highly predictable. By the time the third act has begun, it’s very obvious how things are
going to end. Aside from that, this movie is certainly worth a shot.
“Movie Poster for Weathering With You”

“Sunshine Scene”

“Sunshine in Tokyo scene”

The Garden of Words

The Garden of Words (Kotonoha no Niwa) is an animated film also by Makoto Shinkai and
animated by CoMix Wave Films. The film was made into a manga, with illustrations by Midori
Motohashi, and later novelized by Shinkai, both in the same year as the film. The film focuses on
Takao Akizuki, an aspiring 15-year-old shoemaker, and Yukari Yukino, a mysterious
27-year-old woman he keeps meeting at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden on rainy mornings.
While Takao is skipping his morning class to design shoes, Yukari is avoiding work due to
personal problems in her professional life. Yukari tells Takao nothing about herself, including
her name, while Takao opens up to her, sharing his passion for shoes by offering to make a pair
for her. When Takao learns Yukari’s identity, emotions come to a head as both learn that they
have been teaching each other “how to walk”. Shinkai wrote the story as a tale of “lonely
sadness”, based on the meaning of the traditional Japanese word for “love”, and uses shoes as a
metaphor for life. The story’s motifs include rain, Man'yōshū ​poetry, and the Japanese garden.
The age difference between the two main characters and their character traits demonstrate how
awkwardly and disjointed people mature, where even adults sometimes feel no more mature than
teenagers, according to Shinkai.

For me, it is a great anime film. ​This movie is extremely commendable for its mastery of visual
aesthetics. Lush green surroundings and great idyllic views are depicted in this animation which
leaves the viewer in awe. The colours are so vibrant and conspicuous that one can simply not
afford to lose attention, because momentarily, we transcend reality and become immersed in
dreamlike beauty. The rain season evokes a somewhat poignant feeling during the rainfall but at
the same time, the viewer will find serenity in the park, even during a storm. The premise for this
story is quite primitive and somewhat traite but the delivery is refreshing and has a great artistic
stroke backing it up. Furthermore, the delicate romance, poetry and messages in this movie are
handled well without becoming too cheesy. The relationship that ensues between the two main
characters may be perceived as clichéd. However, this should not put you off this animation.
This movie is art in motion. Each frame is divine and rarely has this medium been used to such
magical extent. In the end, the story is not complex and a little trite but there is enough visuals
and some poetry to keep you fully engaged
“Movie Poster for The Garden of Words”

“Shoe Scene”

“Raining Scene”
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas ( Kimi no Suizo o Tabetai), is a novel that was adapted into an
animated film in september 2018. ​a bookworm who is deeply detached from the world he resides
in. He has no interest in others and is firmly convinced that nobody has any interest in him either.
His story begins when he stumbles across a handwritten book, titled "Living with Dying." He
soon identifies it as a secret diary belonging to his popular, bubbly classmate Sakura Yamauchi.
She then confides in him about the pancreatic disease she is suffering from and that her time left
is finite. Only her family knows about her terminal illness; not even her best friends are aware.
Despite this revelation, he shows zero sympathy for her plight, but caught in the waves of
Sakura's persistent buoyancy, he eventually concedes to accompany her for her remaining days.
As the pair of polar opposites interact, their connection strengthens, interweaving through their
choices made with each passing day. Her apparent nonchalance and unpredictability disrupts the
protagonist's impassive flow of life, gradually opening his heart as he discovers and embraces the
true meaning of living.

For me, Everything in this movie is good. The studio did a really good animation and the OST
were very good as well. They made Sakura very lovable and adorable, the voice actor did a very
remarkable job on this film and suit the characters perfectly. The art design is stunning with the
Cherry blossoms, fireworks, and even the normal city streets are beautiful. The facial expressions
on the characters immediately capture what kind of person that character is and as time goes by
how their personality has changed. The sound design are just like any other slice of life anime,
it’s pleasant and peaceful, and gives the scene a perfect atmosphere on what they are trying to go
for. Overall I enjoyed this Film, It brought tears to my eyes and I was engrossed all the way
through.
“Movie Poster for I Want to Eat Your Pancreas”

“Cherry Blossom Scene”

“Fireworks Scene”
Hazbin Hotel

Hazbin Hotel is a short film created, directed, and produced by ​Vivienne "Vivziepop" Medrano.
It was released on 28​th October 2019 on Youtube and currently has only one episode with no
news on a second episode. As for a short summary for the film are as such, Hazbin Hotel is the
story of Charlie, the princess of Hell, as she pursues her seemingly impossible goal of
rehabilitating demons to peacefully reduce overpopulation in her kingdom. She opens a hotel in
hopes that patients will be "checking out" into Heaven. Now moving on with the review, in my
opinion the short film itself has a lot of potential as watching it gave me sufficient amount of
enjoyment as it has high comedic value with jokes that are targeted towards adults. Furthermore,
for a small group of animators they managed to make the animation of the film very fluid and
bright, it shows the competency of their animation group even though small managed to produce
high quality animation without any quality issues that can easily be noticed. To sum it up they
made good use of their skills to be able to produce this quality film. Next, let’s talk about the
story of the film as the film is catered towards adults we can find a lot of mature jokes that most
young people will not understand and I find that quite surprised in a good way of course as not a
lot of cartoon type shows created are catered towards adults as their prime target are children and
thus makes it quite a bore to watch children cartoons that cater towards children thus Hazbin
Hotel catering towards adults gave a fresh breath of air in the cartoon community. Next, my
opinion on the voice acting of this film is superb as every character has their own depth and
feelings. It makes the film feel alive as all the character has their own distinct voice acting and as
such they are memorable and are charming in their own way. Finally, let me talk about their
character designs as my opinion goes all the character design in this film is very well drawn and
thought out as each character is distinct and also very colourful with their own palates which
makes their character stand out from most character designs in these types of shows and when
given a glimpse can easily be recognized. All in all I had fun watching this film as gave me more
enjoyment than I expected and I would recommend others to watch this film if they have spare
time.
“Poster for Hazbin Hotel”

“Fighting Scene”
Fate/Stay Night; Heaven’s Feel

Fate/stay night: Heaven's Feel is a Japanese anime film trilogy produced by ​Ufotable​, directed by
Tomonori Sudō, written by Akira Hiyama and featuring music by ​Yuki Kajiura The trilogy
adapts Heaven's Feel, the third and final route of the Fate/stay night visual novel. The main
heroine is ​Sakura Matou who is affected by a conflict between mages known as the Holy Grail
War. As stated by the basic information of the film it is the first of a trilogy of a movie
adaptation of a visual novel and the summary are as such, as our main character Emiya Shirou
catches a glimpse of a battle between superhuman beings and was dragged into a magical war
called The Holy Grail War by being a ‘Master’ commanding a servant which are heroes of old
fighting in war for the Holy Grail which in theory can grant a wish for the winner of the war. The
main character joins into the fray to stop an evildoer and save innocent people but it becomes
wrong as suddenly a ‘shadow’ starts to indiscriminately kill innocent lives in Fuyuki. Now for
my opinion on this film, I wholeheartedly can say it very good from many angles from the story,
the music, the visual effects, animation, and etc. Let me begin with the story, as the story centres
on a dark type of storytelling it can be seen that the story itself is catered towards adults even
though the protagonist are teens as it has mature content such as blood and gore and some sexual
content are also included and as such are quite interesting as story goes as not many writers can
make dark stories without it being too dark to the point it becomes stale. Next, the visual effects
used in the movie was simply superb as the timing of each effect was well thought out and was
well executed it made the show even more alive as the effect made the scenes more vivid and
colourful in its own way. Next, the animation of the film, it was honestly one of the most well
done animations that are made that can even beat some of the current winners of best animation
Oscars as the animation in every scene was well done and the main point was the action scenes,
the scene were extraordinary with every single detail can be noticed while not completely
blinding you with effects and lighting. This shows the competency of the studios animating team
which are veterans in making animation. So my final thoughts on the film itself was a
spectacular film with little to no flaws while having spectacular story telling with astounding
animations and visuals.
“Poster for Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel”

“Hugging Scene”

“Fighting Scene”
Howl’s Moving Castle

Howl’s Moving Castle a critically acclaimed film that was released in 2004 produced by Toshio
Suzuki, animated by Studio Ghibli. ​The story is set in a fictional kingdom where both magic and
early 20th-century technology are prevalent, against the backdrop of a war with another
kingdom. The film tells the story of Sophie has an uneventful life at her late father's hat shop, but
all that changes when she befriends wizard Howl, who lives in a magical flying castle. However,
the evil Witch of Waste takes issue with their budding relationship and casts a spell on young
Sophie, which ages her prematurely. Now Howl must use all his magical talents to battle the
jealous hag and return Sophie to her former youth and beauty. Now for the review itself, for me I
love this film to bits as it has that mystical feel with their world building and storytelling. The
world was thoroughly fleshed out with many fantastical vistas and scenes which made the movie
feels surreal and the story oh don’t get me started it was so good as it plays with your emotions
from a light hearted moment can become a heart wrenching moment later which not only makes
it memorable it also gives us hidden lessons which can be used in real life which I find quite
appealing is that regard. Also the animation cannot be scoffed at as it was claimed that their
animation was ahead of its time. The animation was well done with Studio Ghibli using their
distinct animation style that evokes warmth and nostalgia which raises the quality of the movie
by ten folds. Furthermore, the characters of the film itself was fantastical as they have their own
views and goals which made them likeable and their voice actors did a superb job in voicing
their characters as their voice acting made the whole film have a certain depth and it shows the
raw emotion from their voice acting which made even the viewer’s feel the raw emotion from
their voice acting. All in all, I feel that this movie is true to others saying that it is critically
acclaimed and as such that it can be said that this movie was ahead of its time and I would
recommend it to others as it not only have Japanese dub but also English dub for those that do
not like to read subtitles and listen to Japanese dub and I feel that they will enjoy it.
“Movie Poster for Howl’s Moving Castle”

“Mountain Scene”

“Making Hats Scene”

My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro is a 1988 Japanese animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao
Miyazaki and animated by Studio Ghibli for Tokuma Shoten. The film is about ​two young girls,
10-year-old Satsuki and her 4-year-old sister Mei, move into a house in the country with their
father to be closer to their hospitalized mother. Satsuki and Mei discover that the nearby forest is
inhabited by magical creatures called Totoros. They soon befriend these Totoros, and have
several magical adventures. This film for me is the epitome of classics as the movie itself aged
fine wine as the older it gets the better it becomes as not only the animation was beautiful for its
time the story was also very well written. The story was honestly a very reminiscence of our
childhood. The story is just light hearted no violence, no mind boggling plots just a fantastical
adventure with Totoro seeing the world in this fantastical world just adventuring and having fun,
all in all it makes the viewer’s nostalgic with their childhood thus it can easily be recommended
to not only children but also adults. Furthermore, the animation style was the best of its time with
not only visual effects that enchant the viewers the audio was very good which evokes emotions
that cannot be easily described. Now for the characters, the two girls are fleshed out as they feel
real they are not the ‘mature’ children or ‘special’ children they are just a regular pair of sisters
thus they make the film feel realistic in a way. Next, for Totoro the woodland spirit, it is super
adorable and honestly till this day he is still well known even by the younger generation. This
character even though is silent, the viewers are able to know what is in their mind as their
animations and facial expressions constantly change and makes them feel real and alive. All in
all the movie itself is in my opinion a super good as the characters are super likable and I would
without a heartbeat recommend it to others as it has that enchanting feel for a movie that came
out in 1988 and seriously this movie is an art.
“Movie Poster for My Neighbor Totoro”

“Rain Scene”

“Bus Stop Scene”

Spirited Away

Spirited Away is a 2001 Japanese animated coming-of-age fantasy film. It was written and
directed by Hayao Miyazaki, animated by Studio Ghibli for Tokuma Shoten, Nippon Television
Network, Dentsu, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Tohokushinsha Film and Mitsubishi and
distributed by Toho. The film is about a 10-year-old Chihiro and her parents stumble upon a
seemingly abandoned amusement park. After her mother and father are turned into giant pigs,
Chihiro meets the mysterious Haku, who explains that the park is a resort for supernatural beings
who need a break from their time spent in the earthly realm, and that she must work there to free
herself and her parents. In my opinion this movie can be listed in my top 10 favourite movies of
all time, with an amazing storyline and how the story cannot be called a children’s film as it also
has mature content. With the story itself being so good I kid you not that you would watch it
again with its breathtaking scenes and story. Next, the characters, the characters are well fleshed
out and they feel so alive and realistic with their own issues that makes them more human like.
Also their character designs are simplistic yet intricate with their colour palate and clothing
designs. For the voice acting, I would recommend the Japanese dub as the English dub feels
somewhat weird. But for the Japanese dub I can say the voice acting was superb as you can feel
the emotions of the characters and their conflicts with their intonations and tones. Lastly, the
animation quality, for a 2001 movie the quality of the movie is very good for its time and can
still beat some current generation animation as their animations are fluid and does not feel rigid
or static. All in all, I would highly recommend this film to teens and older as they will be able to
understand the movie more while children can still watch it but they might be slightly confused
with the story but at least they can enjoy an all time classics.
“Movie Poster for Spirited Away”

“Train Scene”

“Flowers Scene”