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The first of the two final Haikyuu movies is just around the corner. And while we still stand beside the fact that Haikyuu deserves a full adaptation and not a rushed job of two movies for all the remaining content of over a hundred chapters, it doesn’t mean that we should not watch it–in fact, we all should watch it, because it is only through our support that we may actually get more content.
Here are five reasons why you should watch Haikyuu The Final Movie: The Decisive Battle at the Garbage Dump:
1. More Haikyuu Content
The official poster of the movie.
Nekoma High School Volleyball Team meets Karasuno High School Volleyball Team.
Isn’t this the most obvious reason? We may not like how the adaptation turned out, especially to such an important match like the Battle at the Garbage Dump, something that has been hyped by the series since the very beginning. But at the end of the day, we are all Haikyuu fans and we all need more Haikyuu content. Yes, even if they’re crumbs. After all, not every sports anime attains a flawless and comprehensive adaptation; even iconic series like Slam Dunk waited nearly three decades to witness the Nationals animated.
2.) Return of the Previous Seasons’ Director
Haikyuu has consistently stood out as one of the most visually stunning sports anime, complemented by an outstanding soundtrack. The first three seasons garnered high praise for their direction. However, the fourth season, while visually appealing, faced criticism for an art change that rendered characters more muscular, aligning closely with their manga designs. The pandemic significantly contributed to a decline in the fourth season's quality, particularly evident in episodes during the Inarizaki match. Some fans expressed a preference for Mitsunaka, the director of the earlier seasons, over the fourth season's director.
The difference between the fourth season (bottom) versus the character designs in the previous seasons (top) is apparent.
A beloved aspect of previous Haikyuu seasons was the intense volleyball scenes, artistically depicted with strong brush-like strokes. However, fans observed the absence of such scenes in the fourth season, possibly linked to the directorial change. Financial constraints due to the pandemic may have also led to corners being cut in certain match episodes.
#4 Haikyuu!! // First Killer Serve from Oikawa agaist Karasuno //
Setting aside time constraints, the upcoming movie promises animation that is not only clean and crisp but also a return to the captivating Haikyuu magic witnessed in earlier seasons. With the reinstatement of the original director, fans can anticipate a visual spectacle reminiscent of the series' glory days.
3.) More Heart-wrenching Soundtracks
Haikyuu has garnered a reputation for its outstanding soundtracks, credited to the brilliant composition of Yuki Hayashi. The emotional depth of the music was so palpable that even voice actor Kaji Yuki witnessed Hayashi getting moved to tears during a sound check. Hayashi himself humorously suggests bringing bath towels to the cinema, hinting at the emotional intensity that might lead to an overflow of tears.
The cover of the movie’s official soundtrack.
As anticipation builds for the forthcoming Nekoma match, the emotional resonance in the soundtrack is expected to be nothing short of breathtaking. The heightened excitement, coupled with the emotional depth of the storyline, guarantees a musical experience that has the power to evoke spontaneous tears.
The cover of SPYAIR’s newest single, “Orange.”
Adding to this emotional journey is the rock band SPYAIR, presenting their latest single, "Orange." Known for their previous contributions to the series' opening and ending themes, SPYAIR, now with a new vocalist, promises yet another masterpiece. However, unlike the energetic "Imagination," the director's request for a song that tugs at the heartstrings ensures a fitting musical accompaniment to a movie marked as the "final" chapter. Brace yourselves for a soundtrack that will resonate and linger in the hearts of fans for years to come.
4.) Favorite Scenes Animated on the Big Screen
While Haikyuu has previously featured theatrical reruns of its past story arcs, the absence of an original movie was notable. The earlier movie releases comprised edited compilations of preceding seasons, utilizing the same animation from the TV series. This time, however, the audience can anticipate a film with animation crafted explicitly for the cinematic experience. If one regarded the quality of past Haikyuu seasons as superb, the prospect of witnessing beautiful animation in a movie-quality format is even more enticing.
One of the series’ standout scenes in the Nekoma match.
The Nekoma match, recognized as one of the series' most eagerly anticipated and pivotal moments, is brimming with intense sequences that fans will undoubtedly yearn to see animated. Throughout the match, numerous metaphors depict Karasuno, symbolized by crows, as being confined. The scene where Hinata and Kageyama break through Nekoma's defenses, liberating themselves from this symbolic cage, is a visually striking spread in the manga. Undoubtedly, this moment is poised to become one of the standout highlights in the upcoming movie.
5.) Limited Edition Haikyuu!! 33.5
The primary incentive to watch the movie is the promise of more Haikyuu content, isn't it? Beyond the film itself, viewers can expect additional canonical material from the creator, Furudate Haruichi. For those watching the movie in Japan, a unique opportunity awaits to acquire the limited edition Haikyuu!! 33.5, exclusively available onsite. With only two million copies in circulation, Japanese audiences stand a chance to obtain this new manga content by attending the movie.
This 128-page Haikyuu 33.5 edition features:
- 16 pages of a new Chapter 322
- 32 illustrations showcasing characters in their daily lives
- 40 Q&A sessions with Furudate Haruichi
Undoubtedly, this edition serves as an exclusive treat for dedicated Haikyuu fans. While there's hope that international fans might also enjoy these exclusive perks, the alternative route might involve resorting to proxies or exploring secondhand shops to secure these coveted items.
『劇場版ハイキュー!! ゴミ捨て場の決戦』予告／2024年2月16日(金)公開
『劇場版ハイキュー!! ゴミ捨て場の決戦』予告②【新予告解禁!!】2024年2月16日(金)公開！
Haikyuu unquestionably stands among the most popular and successful sports series in history, and its widespread acclaim is easily understandable. The series wears its heart on its sleeve, offering viewers a compelling blend of outstanding volleyball action and well-crafted character development. Each match unfolds with a wealth of backstories crucial for character growth. However, it's regrettable that time constraints imposed by the movie format necessitate cutting corners.
If the final movies prove successful, there's a significant likelihood that Haikyuu may follow in the footsteps of Mugen Train, delivering another season with a well-paced and thoroughly engaging match. It's a calculated gamble worth considering, isn't it?
To gear up for the eagerly anticipated Battle at the Trash Heap, revisiting the manga is a must. You can conveniently purchase it here at ZenPlus, alongside a plethora of other Haikyuu merchandise, all delivered directly from Japan!
What do you think?
Will Karasuno be able to defeat Nekoma?
Will Hinata be able to do the “Boom Jump” that Kageyama has been teaching him after the training camp?
Will a miracle even happen and they’ll end up announcing a fifth season or a third final movie in the future?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)! We’d love to hear from you!
ZenPlus is your one-stop shop for all things Japanese. Check out our marketplace for manga volumes, cosplay, figures, and other merch from the Haikyuu franchise!
You can watch Haikyuu!! on Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll, Bilibili and Netflix.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
