I’ve read a couple of self-help and management books in my time, but if I had to name the best literary source for getting through life, I will have to point to the manga (and anime) Haikyuu!!. It’s that good.
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Haruichi Furudate created a grounded, thoughtful and aspirational 45-volume manga which has also inspired four anime seasons, five OVAs, four compilation movies, two spin-off mangas, several light novels, a whole series of stage play adaptations (which I’ll have to watch), a couple of Nintendo games, and now, a made-for-theater movie. It has certainly inspired me.
Thank you Furudate-sensei. And thank you to the community that’s keeping the story going, even four years after the manga series officially ended. ♡♡♡
Synopsis: After numerous practice matches and a long history of being rivals, Karasuno High School and Nekoma High School finally meet each other in an official match in the third round of the Spring Nationals. A direct sequel to the anime adaptation series, and the first of a two-part film finale, the 1 hour and 25 minute film follows the game and reflects the growth of Hinata Shoyo, Kozume Kenma, and the other players in a match that cannot be replayed.
Rating: ★★★★☆
4 out of 5 stars. One star right off the bat for not making this into an entire anime season instead, or at the very least, giving us a reasonable 2.5-hour movie. As a fan of the manga, I was disappointed that they had to cut so many meaningful moments for the other players, even the coaches, supporting cast, and spectators. But condensing the plot was the sensible and only choice.
The screenwriters masterfully adapted roughly thirty chapters into a movie with good pacing and storytelling. With Director Susumu Mitsunaka at the helm, they framed the movie in a way that could make sense for casual viewers or non-fans coming in with no background knowledge.
The decision to focus on Kenma Kozume created a compelling and refreshing narrative. Exploring his relationships with Shoyo Hinata, his captain Kuroo Tetsurou, the Nekoma team, and volleyball itself in the same film provides a unique perspective that’s different from the source material. But despite the changes, the movie didn’t neglect the heart of the series –becoming stronger and more free with the help of others. Everyone had their little moments, internal monologues, and even flashbacks to showcase their personalities and to get you more invested in their growth. You can’t help but cheer everyone on.
It was a cinematic experience that did justice to years of anticipation.
And even if you’re not a big fan of character-driven storylines or even the general plot of a manga series, you’d still be swept away by the voice acting, the quick dialogue, the amazing score, and the cinematography. The angles for the volleyball game were so sick; it gives you the thrill of watching a real game. Whoever drew the storyboard and edited the music should really be sleeping well every night. I’m kind of regretting that I never had the chance to watch this film in IMAX.
This was a movie I never wanted to end, but reality eventually sets in. It’s a fun experience for casual viewers, and a truly satisfying chapter for the fans. Fly high, Haikyuu!
I can’t wait for the sequel!
*Very limited tickets are still available on sale via SM Cinema. Catch it on its last few days!
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I first watched the movie with J. The Director’s Club in S Maison is so nice.
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Related: My anime picks!!!
I might be writing more blog posts soon –I’ve been to several museums, caught up with some friends, gone through another six or so months of residency since my last work-related post, and I’ll be watching Japan in a Volleyball Nations League game next week– but first, the weekend.
Until next time! ♥
jari m 
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