They say that all is fair in love and war, but where do 2016 anime movies fit into the equation? When you sit down and put titles head-to-head, do you set ground rules, or is it a free-for-all? Does it change your answer if I were to tell you that we are going to be comparing A Silent Voice and Your Name? These are easily the most influential films that came out of that time, with supporters all over the world keeping the hype alive almost 7 years later. Each has its die-hard fans clinging to the belief that their pick is undoubtedly superior. As if there aren’t enough people out there having this debate, today we are going to fuel the fire and keep the bad blood flowing. Before I jump into the deep end on this one, let me make one thing clear: both these movies are phenomenal choices, and there is no wrong answer in distinguishing the better film… unless it’s Your Name.
I know that by this point, I’ve lost some of you. If you’re still reading, it’s likely because you demand an explanation. Listen, I’m fully aware of the numbers; it’s no secret that Your Name absolutely destroyed at the box office: breaking records and earning critical acclaim. There is no doubt that it is much more of a household name than A Silent Voice.
However, none of that means anything to me. I’m not saying that Your Name didn’t deserve the recognition that it got; it brilliantly told a complete and satisfying tale. I really can’t think of a single thing truly “wrong” with this film. What I’m saying is that I found Your Name to be largely one-dimensional. It has a single major goal, and that is to tell you the story of Mitsuha and Taki as they navigate their budding romance and the circumstances that keep them from meeting. Once again, I have no real problem with this aspect, it just wasn’t what I would have expected from a film with such high praise.
That is why I prefer A Silent Voice: it is extremely multifaceted, covering themes of bullying, mental health, redemption, friendship, personal growth, and a little bit of romance. I will concede that its concept isn’t nearly as attention-grabbing as Your Name’s and that if you’re looking for a true love story, A Silent Voice is not the movie for you. If you’re in the market for something that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll, A Silent Voice should be at the top of your list and let me be clear, by thinking, I mean sobbing. The more details you notice, the more your heart will shatter beyond recognition. Even if you’re like me and don’t pick up on all the nuances in the first watch-through, you’ll still constantly find yourself crying tears of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. The story, as well as the characters and their individual journeys, will stick with you in ways that you might not expect.
Speaking of characters, a lot can be said about how A Silent Voice handles them. While the bulk of the focus is on its two protagonists, there is a larger cast that ultimately adds more weight to the overall message. It grapples with the concept of what a true antagonist looks like, asking you to look past your initial impressions of who may be the guilty party. You will find yourself hating at least one character, but asking yourself why. As for friends that they make along the way, each represents the different phases of Shoko’s and Shoya’s individual and collective journeys. In contrast, without a true “villain” present in Your Name, I can only analyze the roles that the friends of Taki and Mitsuha play. They are quintessential supporting characters, starting off as a means through which the viewer can become oriented in the story. Eventually, once we are on the same page as the main characters, their allies fill the position of providing aid while the protagonists carry the weight of pushing the tale forward. They are important, but not in the same way as those in A Silent Voice.
At the end of the day, it might be entirely unfair to compare A Silent Voice and Your Name. Both are fantastic pieces of media, but that seems to be where the similarities end. They have entirely different intentions and aim to reach separate audiences. I could honestly see the arguments for either side, but if I must choose one, it will always be A Silent Voice.
What are your thoughts? These are both amazing films, do you have a favorite between the two? Let us know your opinion, are you Team Your Name or Team A Silent Voice?
Watch A Silent Voice here:
Watch Your Name here:
