When the fourth season of Haikyuu!! started in early 2020 and concluded around July of the same year, I was expecting a fifth season. Given the abundance of material in the manga, a couple more seasons seemed likely. However, the decision was made to produce two movies instead. In February this year, the first movie, Haikyuu!! THE MOVIE: Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump, was released to great success.
We’ve been anticipating this rematch between Karasuno and Nekoma for what feels like forever, and it exceeded all my expectations. Watching the film made me feel nostalgic because Haikyuu!! is one of my favorite anime series of all time. Seeing it on the big screen with fellow fans was an absolutely incredible experience.
While I would still prefer the story to continue as a series, this movie delivered on all fronts, so I have no complaints. I’m quite satisfied with it. It saddens me, however, that after the second film, it will be over, and only the memories of watching this incredible anime will remain—along with rewatching the entire series in the coming years.
Animation-wise, the film is exceptionally well made and a significant improvement over the somewhat comical and butchered animation of the fourth season. Remembering that still makes me chuckle.
The film is packed with flashbacks, funny moments, and exhilarating scenes from the manga. We get different perspectives from various characters, primarily Kenma and Hinata.
My favorite scenes from the movie include Kenma’s POV of the game. Those few minutes of seeing the play through Kenma’s eyes featured fantastic animation. Another highlight is seeing young Kuroo and Kenma. And, of course, Hinata’s resolve as he was challenged by Kenma to play his best, and vice versa.
The story is, as always, top-notch. The humor was spot on, and the characters—what can I say? Haruichi Furudate is a genius for creating these wonderful characters that we fans have come to cherish over the years and will continue to cherish moving forward.
The movie opens in the country on May 15 and should be available in major theaters nationwide. Be sure to catch it while it’s showing!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Director: Susumu Mitsunaka
Based on Haikyu!! by Haruichi Furudate
Cast: Ayumu Murase, Kaito Ishikawa, Yuki Kaji, Yuichi Nakamura
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