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For first-time viewers, the choice is yours. The Japanese version is a cultural artifact. The English dub is a raw, emotional transplant. But for second-time viewers? Watch the dub. You will notice details you missed the first time because your ears weren't straining to read subtitles.
If you are a sub-only purist, you are doing yourself a disservice. The is not a cheap imitation. It is a masterwork of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement) direction. It solves the impossible riddle of voicing a deaf character by hiring a hard-of-hearing actor who understands the loneliness of the "deaf accent."
The challenge for the English dub team was immense. If they cast a typical anime voice actor, they risked making Shoko sound too "cute" or fluent. If they went too realistic, the performance might become grating or unintelligible, alienating the audience.
Released in 2016, A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) is a poignant and thought-provoking anime film that has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Directed by Naoko Yamada, the movie tells the story of Shoya Ishida, a former bully who seeks redemption and forgiveness from his deaf classmate, Shoko Nishimiya. The film's exploration of themes such as bullying, guilt, and redemption has resonated with viewers, and its English dub has made it accessible to an even broader audience.
The voice actors deliver outstanding performances, bringing depth and emotion to their characters. Josh Jones, in particular, shines as Shoya Ishida, capturing the complexity of his character's emotions, from remorse to determination.