The Anthem of the Heart

The Anthem of the Heart is a poignant Japanese film written and directed by Tatsuyuki Nagai, released in 2015. The story revolves around Naruse Juri, a young girl who has been living a reclusive life, unable to speak or express herself freely due to a traumatic event in her past. In the film's opening scene, we meet Juri, a 12-year-old girl who attends school with a condition known as 'speech loss.' Due to her troubled home life and a series of unfortunate events that left her voiceless, Juri's parents made the painful decision to take away her ability to speak using an ancient, mysterious ritual. This ritual strips Juri of her vocal cords, making her unable to communicate or express herself through the power of her voice. This event has a crippling effect on Juri, forcing her to live a life devoid of self-expression and emotional intimacy. Her existence becomes a silent, desperate cry for help, but her isolation makes it difficult for her to communicate her feelings to the people around her. However, Juri's life takes a significant turn when she meets her new classmates, who become the instruments of change in her life. Among them is a friendly boy named Sendo Takashi, who initially harbors a fascination for the mysterious Juri due to her enigmatic nature. Despite their differing social standing, the two form a bond that gradually blossoms into friendship, helping Juri to see her life through fresh eyes. Juri's encounter with theatre arts provides her with a new perspective on expressing herself. Her classmates, under the guidance of a passionate drama teacher, are working on a high school production of the musical 'The Anthem of the Heart' and, more specifically, the play's protagonist – a young boy who loses his voice as well. This parallels Juri's story closely and provides her with an outlet to express her thoughts and emotions through song and dance. Throughout the film, we witness Juri's transformation as she gradually finds the courage to join her classmates on stage, sharing her story through the medium of music and dance. Her voiceless state allows the audience to empathize with her emotions, rendering the experience all the more poignant. Naruse Juri's personal journey is deeply intertwined with the idea of creating an anthem – a heartfelt expression that captures the essence of her inner turmoil, as well as her growing connection with her peers. Her story becomes a touching exploration of human emotions, self-expression, and the transformative power of friendship. The film expertly captures the complex relationship Juri shares with Takashi and her classmates, as they collectively navigate their way through the trials and tribulations of adolescence while facing the realities of their troubled pasts. Through their stories, we are reminded that the journey of healing and self-discovery is often long and arduous but never truly impossible. This beautiful animation brings forth an inspiring message that emphasizes the importance of human connections. By working together, we can overcome even the most seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life, breaking the silence that has consumed us. With her heartfelt anthem, Juri embarks on her journey toward healing, slowly reclaiming her voice through the act of creative expression and self-acceptance. As the story reaches its climax, Naruse's anthem resonates as an affirmation of hope, illustrating the profound importance of human connection, music, and art in our pursuit of happiness and healing. As the curtains close on the film's poignant conclusion, we are reminded of the transformative potential of friendship, love, and music – each one a potent catalyst that enables Juri to rediscover her voice, forging a path toward self-healing that ultimately leads her to convey the true anthem of her heart.