FOLLOWING a four-year hiatus, the beloved sports anime Haikyuu!! makes a triumphant return with Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle, a feature film that delivers high-stakes showdown between Karasuno and Nekoma, capturing the essence of Haruichi Furudate’s acclaimed manga series.
Directed by Susumu Mitsunaka and produced by Production I.G., the film stays true to its source material, focusing on a single, pivotal match: Karasuno High School’s third match in the Spring Nationals against their longtime rivals, Nekoma High School. Following their thrilling victory over Inarizaki High School in the preliminary rounds, Karasuno faces an even greater challenge in this climactic battle.
The movie becomes the epicentre of a clash of ideals and personalities as Karasuno faces Nekoma High School in their first official match after many practice games over the past year. It is a game with considerable stakes, as whoever loses is cut from the national tournament. They carry their team’s long standing rivalry of being the battle between the crows and the wildcats – hence the dumpster battle name.
A clash of ideals and styles
Both teams have distinct styles and tactics of play, Karasuno is known for its aggressive offense, while Nekoma prides itself on a defensive strategy. With their current team members, they finally meet in their first official match on the grand stage of the national tournament, promising an intense and heated showdown.
Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle digs deep into the relationships that drive the story, particularly the bond between protagonist Shoyo Hinata (voiced by Ayumu Murase) and Kenma Kozume (voiced by Yuki Kaji). Their friendship, established in Season 1, evolves as Hinata becomes a source of inspiration for Kozume, who initially views volleyball with indifference.
For Hinata, the match is not just a step toward victory; it is a mission to help Kozume find joy in volleyball, leading to numerous emotional moments. Their dynamic is refreshingly devoid of typical drama, with both characters constantly challenging and uplifting each other. Hinata’s goal is to ignite a competitive spirit in Kozume, transforming his usual apathy into genuine excitement.
Adrenaline pumping action
The film broadens its scope beyond Hinata, offering a deeper look at other key characters. Kozume’s backstory, including his journey into volleyball with the help of his childhood friend Tetsurou Kuroo, provides valuable insight into his evolution. Similarly, Kei Tsukishima’s growth is highlighted as his perspective on volleyball shifts, showcasing his development since the series began.
The core themes of Haikyuu!! is obviously love for the sport, acceptance of new experiences, and the discovery of passion – are vividly portrayed. While the spotlight is on Karasuno’s players, Kozume stands out with flashbacks that detail his volleyball journey.
The volleyball match in Dumpster Battle transforms the cinema into a lively sports arena, filled with cheers, chants, and playful insults to the referee. The film blends humour, suspense, and adrenaline, making it an ideal transition from anime to the big screen. However, some viewers might feel the match is rushed, too short, and lacking in context, which could affect the overall experience.
The movie frequently revisits scenes from previous seasons, almost every minute, which could be for two reasons: to help longtime fans recall specific moments and details, and to bring newcomers up to speed with the story. While these flashbacks might be helpful, their abundance in a short span can be distracting and may disrupt the overall enjoyment of the movie.
The metaphorical use of crows and cats effectively captures the rivalry and highlights each team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle delivers enough volleyball excitement to satisfy long-time fans who have eagerly awaited Karasuno’s return. However, the decision to condense a significant part of the story into an 85-minute film, adapting 33 manga chapters compared to the anime’s usual five chapters per episode, results in a narrative that feels rushed. Unlike series such as Attack on Titan, which stretched its final arc over several years, Haikyuu!! compresses this crucial moment, potentially leaving fans wanting more.
Due to its fast pacing and dense storyline, the film is not recommended for newcomers. But for devoted followers, Haikyuu!! The Dumpster Battle is a nostalgic revisit to a cherished story, blending new and familiar elements seamlessly. The show picks up exactly where it left off, providing a satisfying, if brisk, continuation for fans who have waited years for this moment.
The movie is now screening in cinema nationwide.
-> Cast: Ayumu Murase, Kaito Ishikawa, Yuki Kaji, and Yuichi Nakamura
-> Director: Susumu Mitsunaka
E-VALUE: 7
ACTING: 8
PLOT: 8
