ANIME TRAILERS: “A Silent Voice” Returns To Theaters December 15

ANIME TRAILERS: “A Silent Voice” Returns To Theaters December 15

November 14th, 2024

Haylie Baker

The critically acclaimed and Academy Awardwinning GKIDS, a producer and distributor of high quality animation from around the globe, has announced on November 14, 2024, from New York, NY, that North American distribution rights have been acquired for A Silent Voice (2016) and Liz and the Blue Bird (2018), two films from the renowned director Naoko Yamada. In addition, GKIDS has announced that A Silent Voice is set to return to theaters worldwide on December 15 and December 16 of this year. A Silent Voice now has tickets available for purchase.

The animation for both films has been produced by Kyoto Animation, the animation studio Naoko Yamada became a director at during her time as a member. The films additionally showcase a screenplay by the writer Reiko Yoshida, praised for Ride Your Wave and Violet Evergarden, and music from composer Kensuke Ushio, known for his work on Devilman Crybaby, and Chainsaw Man. Originally released to theaters in 2016, A Silent Voice ranked at #2 in Japan’s domestic box office, resulting in glowing reviews and a nomination for the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year. Yamada next released a spin-off sequel, Liz and the Blue Bird, for the popular television series Sound! Euphonium.

A Silent Voice Synopsis

Previously, GKIDS had announced in July at Anime Expo that rights for the short film The Garden of Remembrance, another work from Naoko Yamada, were acquired. Having worked as a key animator on various influential television series, including The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Lucky Star, and Clannad, Yamada later directed the fan-favorite show K-On! and its sequel, all before directing A Silent Voice and Liz and the Blue Bird. Yamada also directed the series The Heike Story in 2021, and her latest work, The Colors Within is set to release this January 24th. GKIDS negotiated the deal for A Silent Voice with ABC Animation and for Liz and the Blue Bird with Pony Canyon.’

Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl, is bullied by the popular student Shoya Ishida soon after transferring to his school. As a consequence of Shoya’s actions towards Shoko, he loses the respect of his fellow classmates. Shoko ends up transferring, leaving Shoya as an outcast. Feeling depressed and regretful of his treatment of Shoko, Shoya seeks her out with the intent of making amends. The coming of age drama, A Silent Voice, represents the hardships of adolescence through its themes, characters, and stunning animation.

Liz and the Blue Bird Synopsis

Best friends Mizore Yoroizuka and Nozomi Kasaki team up in order to play a challenging musical duet, “Liz and the Blue Bird,” on oboe and flute. The two students have a history of collaborating beautifully in their middle school brass band, and have since continued. However, with high school graduation steadily approaching as they work on their demanding duet, the bond between them is challenged. The narrative of Liz and the Blue Bird is interwoven with a fantasy story about Liz, with animation featuring storybook-like drawing that contrasts with the sharp realism of the school. The differing styles work seamlessly with heartfelt music to create a moving coming of age story.

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Haylie Baker

Haylie Baker is an anime and cartoon enthusiast with a background in creative writing and character design. Some of her favorite titles include FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Aside from animation, she enjoys comics, graphic novels, and writing her own stories. She also has a fluffy white cat named Oliver that likes to meow at her while she works.