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Naoko Yamada is one of the most celebrated directors in the anime industry, renowned for her ability to bring profound emotional depth and visual storytelling to her works.
Her adaptation of Yoshitoki Oima’s mangaA Silent Voicehas not only become a worldwide hit but also demonstrated her talent and vision perfectly. However, Yamada’s approach to this movie was totally unconventional, as she deliberately chose not to read the manga before beginning production.
This creative decision is bound to spark intrigue and debate among fans and critics alike, however, she offered a fascinating insight into her creative philosophy in this regard as well as the challenges of adapting a beloved source material.
Naoko Yamada’s creative vision forA Silent Voicemovie
In an interview conducted by Gloria Daniels-Moss viaHeyUGuysin 2017, Naoko Yamada shared her motivations and tidbits of her creative venture forA Silent Voicemovie. When asked whether she was familiar with the originalA Silent Voicemanga before directing the film, Yamada’s response was striking. She admitted to intentionally avoiding the source material, stating,
I didn’t read the book before, because I heard it was popular and stuff. The Studio were raving about the book so I deliberately didn’t read it as I thought it was something I want to direct. So I thought if I did read it, it wouldn’t happen so I didn’t.
This decision wasn’t born out of disregard for the manga’s fans or its creator. On the contrary, Naoko Yamada’s choice stemmed from a desire to approach the story with a fresh perspective and to craft a movie thatcould stand independentlyof its source material.
In this regard, Yamada’s goal was clear: she didn’t want to create a“fan movie”. While she acknowledged the manga’s substantial fanbase, she emphasized that the movie wasn’t intended to cater exclusively to them. Instead, she wanted to focus on the core story of Shoya Ishida, the protagonist, and allow his journey to resonate with audiences on its own terms.
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This approach allowed Yamada to craft the movie with her unique directorial style and artistic sensibilities, making sure thatA Silent Voicewould be accessible to newcomers while still honoring the manga’s themes and emotional core.
How Naoko Yamada’s approach shapedA Silent Voice?
DespiteNaoko Yamada‘s decision to avoid the manga initially, she expressed immense respect for Yoshitoki Oima’s work. After completing the film, she read the manga and fell in love with the story, reaffirming her admiration for the original creator. In this way, the movieA Silent Voiceremained a distinct artistic work while still paying homage to the manga’s essence.
This decision allowed her to focus more on visual storytelling as Yamada’s signature use of cinematography and subtle visual cues brought emotional depth to the film, conveying themes of guilt, redemption, and forgiveness in ways that words could not. Moreover, her emphasis on Shoya’s perspective ensured that the story remained deeply personal and relatable; making his journey resonate with a wide audience.
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The movieA Silent Voice‘s ability to stand on its own merits further attracted viewers who had never encountered the manga, broadening its reach and acclaim. Ultimately, her approach left an indelible mark on the world of anime with this legendary work; proving that sometimes, a fresh perspective is the key to creating something truly extraordinary.
A Silent Voiceis currently available to watch on Netflix.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
