Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- sincere
- wistful
- gentle
- quiet evening
- anime movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's captivating story, grounded characterization, animation, balanced tone, and classical soundtrack, while finding its final act less effective.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jun's inability to speak is transformed into a central musical and theatrical mode of communication.
Jun and her classmates confront guilt, hurt, affection, and vulnerability through their collaborative performance.
The film combines grounded high-school relationships with the magical premise of a voice-taking egg and expressive music sequences.
The students' musical project gradually draws them out of isolation and helps them face personal pain together.
Films like The Anthem of the Heart, and why
Whisper of the Heart
Japanese animated coming-of-age drama centered on adolescent friendship, emotional communication, and music
Your Lie in April: The Movie
Anime teen romance blending heartfelt character drama, music, and sincere emotional catharsis
A Silent Voice
Animated Japanese high-school romance with wistful tone, ensemble relationships, and transformative self-expression
Her Blue Sky
Youth-focused animated drama using music and friendship to explore grief, isolation, and emotional healing
Movie Details
- Director
- Tatsuyuki Nagai
- Release Date
- 2015-09-19
- Runtime
- 119 min
- Rating
- 7.6 / 10 (442)
Cast
- Inori Minase
- Koki Uchiyama
- Sora Amamiya
- Yoshimasa Hosoya
- Taishi Murata
- Rie Takahashi
- Shizuka Ishigami
- Takanori Ooyama
- Makoto Furukawa
- Keiji Fujiwara
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video
- Buy
- Amazon Video
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Anthem of the Heart about?
- A wounded Japanese schoolgirl finds her silenced voice again through music, friendship, and the courage to speak honestly.
- What is The Anthem of the Heart like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Anthem of the Heart as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Anthem of the Heart violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Anthem of the Heart.
- What did critics think of The Anthem of the Heart?
- Critics broadly praised the film's captivating story, grounded characterization, animation, balanced tone, and classical soundtrack, while finding its final act less effective.
- Which films are like The Anthem of the Heart?
- Films with a similar feel include Whisper of the Heart, Your Lie in April: The Movie, A Silent Voice, and Her Blue Sky.
- How long is The Anthem of the Heart?
- The Anthem of the Heart runs 119 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Anthem of the Heart?
- In United States, The Anthem of the Heart is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video.
