映画 聲の形
"Sometimes the answer is as simple as learning to listen."
A Silent Voice: The Movie - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The 'X' Marks
The blue 'X' marks that Shouya sees on people's faces are a powerful visual representation of his social anxiety, guilt, and self-imposed isolation. They symbolize his inability to look people in the eye and connect with them. The Xs peeling off and disappearing signifies his healing, his readiness to forgive himself, and his newfound ability to engage with the world and listen to others' voices.
The 'X's appear on nearly everyone's face after Shouya becomes an outcast in elementary school. As he begins to form genuine connections with people like Tomohiro and Shouko, their 'X's fall away. In the final, cathartic scene at the school festival, all the 'X's disappear as Shouya finally accepts himself and allows himself to hear the voices of those around him, leading him to break down in tears of relief.
Koi Fish
The koi fish symbolize perseverance, overcoming adversity, and transformation, reflecting the journeys of both Shouya and Shouko. An ancient legend tells of a koi fish that swam up a waterfall and became a dragon, representing the reward for facing life's hardships. The fish represent the characters' struggles and their potential to overcome their painful pasts and become better people.
Shouya and Shouko frequently meet at a bridge over a river to feed bread to the koi. This location becomes a sanctuary for them, a place where they can communicate and slowly rebuild their connection. The act of feeding the fish is a recurring, gentle motif that underscores their growing bond.
The Notebook
Shouko's notebook initially symbolizes her attempts to communicate and connect with her classmates, and subsequently, the bullying and rejection she faced. For Shouya, it becomes a physical manifestation of his guilt and the wrongdoing he needs to atone for. Returning it is his first step towards redemption.
In elementary school, Shouko uses the notebook to talk to her peers. Shouya repeatedly throws it in the water as an act of bullying. He later retrieves it, and years later, his primary motivation for finding Shouko is to return it to her as a gesture of apology and a way to start over.
Fireworks
In Japanese culture, fireworks (花火, hanabi, lit. 'flower-fire') symbolize transient, ephemeral beauty and the fleeting nature of life. In the film, they serve as a powerful backdrop to both Shouya's and Shouko's suicide attempts, highlighting the preciousness and fragility of the moments they are about to discard. They become a complex symbol of both despair and hope.
A single firework startles Shouya out of his own suicide attempt at the beginning of the film. Later, a full fireworks display serves as the backdrop for Shouko's attempt, which Shouya prevents. The same fireworks that almost marked the end of his life become the catalyst for him saving hers.
Philosophical Questions
What is the true nature of redemption?
The film delves into whether redemption is an internal or external process. Shouya initially believes he can achieve it by making things right with Shouko. However, his journey reveals that even with her forgiveness, he cannot escape his self-hatred. The film suggests that true redemption is not about being absolved by others, but about coming to terms with one's past, learning from it, and finally forgiving oneself in order to move forward and live a meaningful life.
Can we ever truly understand another person's experience?
"A Silent Voice" constantly highlights the chasm between people's inner worlds. Shouya cannot understand Shouko's experience of deafness, and Shouko cannot fully grasp the depth of Shouya's guilt. Their misinterpretation of each other's words and actions leads to significant pain. The film posits that while perfect understanding may be impossible, the sincere and persistent effort to communicate and empathize is what forms the foundation of all meaningful human connections.
Who bears the responsibility for bullying: the individual or the group?
The film explores the diffusion of responsibility in a group setting. While Shouya is the primary bully, his friends and even the teacher are complicit through their participation or inaction. When the principal intervenes, the group quickly scapegoats Shouya, absolving themselves of guilt. This raises questions about collective responsibility and how societal structures can enable and then punish individuals without addressing the underlying group dynamic that fosters such cruelty.
Core Meaning
The core message of "A Silent Voice" revolves around the profound and multifaceted themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the immense difficulty of genuine communication. Director Naoko Yamada stated that bullying is not the central theme, but a catalyst to explore the characters' growth. The film delves into the lasting psychological impact of bullying, not only on the victim but also on the perpetrator. It powerfully illustrates that true atonement is not just about seeking forgiveness from others, but about learning to forgive oneself. The film posits that connection and empathy are the keys to overcoming isolation and self-hatred, suggesting that everyone, regardless of their past mistakes or disabilities, deserves a chance to be heard and understood.