Haikyū!! La Guerre des poubelles

Karasuno High School made it through the Miyagi prefecture preliminaries for the Harutaka Volleyball Tournament, which was crowded with strong teams, and advanced to the third round by defeating Hyogo Prefecture representative Inarizaki High School, which was considered one of the favorites for the championship. Their opponent, Nekoma High School, used to have a rivalry with Karasuno, and although their interactions with each other decreased at one point, after Hinata and the others joined the club, they once again became good friends, working out together at training camps and practice games. The battle is called the "Battle at the Garbage Dump'' because of the "crow'' and "cat'' names in the school's name. Their play styles are completely opposite; Karasuno is super offensive, while Nekoma is a defensive team with a motto of "connection." They will finally face their first official match with the current members, and they will engage in a heated match on the stage of the national tournament.

As a fervent fan of the Haikyu anime and manga series, I approached the much-anticipated Haikyu movie with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. However, my concerns were quickly dispelled as the film unfolded, delivering an exhilarating experience that surpassed all expectations.

The animation quality of the Haikyu movie is nothing short of spectacular. The dynamic and fluid animation sequences capture the intensity of the volleyball matches with a level of detail that is truly impressive. The characters' movements, facial expressions, and the sheer energy on the court are brought to life in a way that enhances the overall viewing experience. The animation team deserves commendation for their meticulous attention to detail, creating a visually stunning masterpiece.

One of the movie's greatest strengths lies in its ability to condense the essence of the Haikyu story into a cohesive and engaging narrative. The pacing is expertly crafted, allowing both dedicated fans and newcomers to immerse themselves in the world of Karasuno High School's volleyball team. The filmmakers skillfully balance character development, intense match sequences, and moments of humor, creating a well-rounded and captivating storyline.

The Haikyu movie pays homage to the beloved characters that fans have grown to adore. The film not only brings back the familiar faces of Hinata, Kageyama, and the rest of the team but also introduces new and compelling characters. Each character's personality is expertly portrayed, with their individual growth and struggles taking center stage. The movie delves deeper into the personal journeys of the players, making them even more relatable and endearing.

The soundtrack complements the movie's energy perfectly. The uplifting and heart-pounding music enhances the emotional impact of pivotal moments, creating a sensory experience that resonates with the audience. The well-chosen soundtrack contributes to the film's overall atmosphere, drawing viewers into the intensity of the matches and the camaraderie of the team.

In summary, the Haikyu movie is a triumphant celebration of the beloved series. It successfully captures the essence of the anime and manga while delivering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the world of Haikyu, this movie is a must-watch for anyone seeking a thrilling and heartwarming sports anime adventure.

2024film-008(2/24/2024) I've finally reached "The Dumpster Battle". Having been produced as a movie, the animation was filled with spirit and was incredibly captivating. It felt more like a continuation of the anime rather than a standalone film, so it was appreciated that they inserted flashbacks at key moments without excessive explanation. Since I haven't read the original manga, I'm not sure if these flashbacks also exist in it. I've been a big fan of Yaku from Nekoma High School since just before watching this movie, so I was delighted to see him shine in this installment as well. I'm really looking forward to the continuation, but I wonder if they'll continue it as a movie or an anime?

Animation:

The animation of this movie can't exactly be compared to many other animes out there. This movie was likely strongly limited by thejr lack of locations. With 90% of the movie showing a single place, a stadium. But even with that, each scene looks great. Many animes suffer from deadlines hindering how much detail they can add. But since it came out as an movie, they had more time to work on those things. Most of the scenes look great, and the animation absolutely adds to the emotions of each scene.

Plot:

I was on the edge of my seat for the whole show. I even had to sit up from the theatre's reclined seating. There's plenty of tension in the story, and the stakes feel high. While I did safely expect the protagonists to win, the story keeps you engaged. Every moment I was wanting more! There was so much symbolism and scenes with figurative language that I would love to spoil, but I want more people to see this review and watch the movie with zero spoilers. However, both me and my friend were locked in. I was afraid to blink. The pacing was excellent and there wasn't a moment where I was going 'hurry up and get back to the good stuff'.

Music:

It was hard for me to judge the music throughout the movie without distracting myself from the action, but they do use it well. There is one scene in particular, where the music is used so amazingly to drive the stakes up.

Characters:

If there are any characters you already love from Haikyuu, especially if they're from Karasuno (Hinata) or Nekoma (Kenma), you will love them even more. I do think they could've given a little more time to some of the other characters.

Other:

I wish I could rewatch it again for the first time, and it's great to go with friends.

You ABSOLUTELY will enjoy it a thousand times better if you have prior knowledge (atleast watch the anime first) before seeing this movie. I can imagine that it would be difficult to enjoy if you have no prior experience.

As a big fan of Haikyu!!, I approached "The Dumpster Battle" with high expectations and a strange, almost personal connection to the series. The movie delivered in many aspects with great scenes and compelling storytelling, capturing the essence of what makes Haikyu!! So special.

The animation quality was top-notch, and the intense volleyball matches were as exhilarating as ever. The character dynamics and emotional moments were handled beautifully, and surprisingly, the flashbacks integrated well without feeling disruptive.

However, despite these strengths, I couldn't shake off a feeling of unfulfillment. While the movie did an admirable job of compiling the story, it felt like there wasn't enough time to dive deeply into the intricacies and character developments that a full anime season could have provided. The depth and nuance that come with episodic storytelling were missed, leaving me wishing for more.

In conclusion, "Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle" is a great watch and a satisfying experience for fans who have waited so long for this installment. Yet, it left me yearning for the richer, more detailed exploration that only an anime season can offer.