Four years have gone by since the premiere of Haikyu!!‘s fourth season. Since then, the final chapter of Haikyu!! released in Weekly Shonen Jump in July 2020 and fans have waited impatiently for the fifth and final season.

When the announcement that the final chapters of Haikyu!! would be turned into two movies, there was some speculation. After all, 100 chapters of Karasuno’s journey from forgotten underdog to infamous crow packs a lot of plot. But, I am here to report that while I could have happily settled in for one more season of 20+ episodes, I am pleased with the movie we received.

Warning: I will discuss spoilers from the film as well as an end credits scene.

Synopsis

Many years ago, Karasuno High School and Nekoma High School developed a spirited and honorable rivalry. Coaches Ukai of Karasuno and Nekomata of Nekoma fueled the fierce competition with their masterful banter, pushing their enthusiastic volleyball teams to new heights. Their legendary matches showcased each team’s drive to outperform the other. That cat versus the crow, a battle forged among the concrete and dumps because, compared to other schools in a higher tax bracket, they were made of the same stuff — but one operated on the air, the other operated in the sky.

When Coach Ukai fell ill, the dynamic changed. Karasuno’s team struggled to maintain its excellence, and eventually, Coach Nekomata had to accept that their thrilling encounters might never resume. The rivalry seemed destined to fade into history as both teams moved on.

But then, the Tokyo Nationals reignites the rivalry.

Karasuno earns a coveted spot, battling numerous unforgettable teams, and finally faces Nekoma again. Leading Karasuno is Coach Ukai’s grandson, Keishin, who brought the team to the long-awaited Dumpster Battle in Tokyo. Meanwhile, the elder Coach Ukai, confined to a hospital bed, watches the match live, surrounded by nurses and the kids he coaches for little league volleyball.

Among Karasuno’s key players, Hinata Shoyo, an energetic decoy and fervent admirer of the Little Giant, aims to make Kozume Kenma, Nekoma’s seemingly indifferent setter, find joy in volleyball. Since their first meeting on the way to volleyball camp, Kenma’s lack of enthusiasm for the sport has puzzled Hinata.

With these two contrasting characters taking center stage at Nationals, they’re poised to clash and rekindle the old rivalry. The first two sets showcase why Karasuno and Nekoma have always been fierce competitors. Each point is hard-fought, with the teams remaining neck and neck. Long rallies test their endurance as both sides refuse to yield.

Nekoma wins the first set, Karasuno the second, and by the time the third set begins, both teams are exhausted. The match reveals the backstory of Kenma and Kuroo’s friendship. Kuroo, who had moved in next door to Kenma when they were children, had coaxed the solitary video game enthusiast into playing volleyball. Though Kenma’s interest in the sport was never as intense as Kuroo’s, his friend’s passion influenced him over time.

As the third set progresses, Kenma’s teammates see a new side of him. He genuinely enjoys the game, a transformation Hinata’s relentless enthusiasm sparked. Despite their best efforts, Nekoma ultimately loses. Kenma, though tired and disappointed, experiences a newfound appreciation for volleyball, realizing he is glad to have played. Hinata, elated by his impact on Kenma, celebrates Karasuno’s victory and advances to the next round.

Analysis

I’ve been a Haikyu!! fan since 2015, and from the very first episode, its themes of hope and sportsmanship captivated me. The latest movie, Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle, carries that same spirit throughout, delivering an inspiring and engaging story.

I deeply relate to Kenma, one of the key characters. He’s quiet, prefers isolation, and finds joy in video games over continuous, exhausting exercise. Left to his own devices, he might become a complete shut-in, living his life from game to game. But thanks to his friends like Kuroo, his teammates, and even Hinata, Kenma discovers his place in a community that accepts him for who he is.

Coach Nekomata gives Kenma the space to reflect and figure out how to play to the best of his ability. Kuroo understands that when Kenma enjoys something, he pours his heart into it. Conversely, if Kenma isn’t interested, he moves on quickly. This trait, which some see as a flaw, is simply a part of Kenma’s personality. In a flashback, Kuroo reassures Kenma’s father about this very aspect of his personality.

As the match unfolds, we see Kenma’s strategic mind at work. He’s not lazy — he’s observant, constantly assessing his chances of victory. Against Karasuno, he knows there’s a 50/50 chance, with Hinata being the wildcard that could tip the scales. Kenma’s mission is to shut Hinata down, and after keen analysis, he succeeds in the first set.

But when Kenma succeeds, he gets bored. A poignant flashback shows a younger Kenma, distraught on his bed. Kuroo enters puzzled, and Kenma reveals, “I hate the end of a game more than I hate a game over.” He loathes the end of a challenge more than losing to a tough boss. And now, as Hinata seems to slow down and break under pressure, Kenma is upset.

As Hinata seems to falter under Kenma’s mind games, it feels like the ultimate decoy has been played out. Yet, just when all hope seems lost, Hinata surprises everyone. Kageyama, Hinata’s former rival and now setter, tosses the ball high, reminding everyone that Hinata was made to fly. Hinata leaps higher than ever and sends the ball soaring.

Watching Kenma’s face light up as Hinata once again shatters his expectations is pure delight. Hinata Shoyo, the unstoppable force, continues to rock Kenma’s world, reminding us all of the relentless spirit that defines Haikyu!!.

Final Score (4.5 out of 5 Stars)

I truly appreciate how the animators elevated their design for this movie, seamlessly incorporating beautiful and haunting symbolism. One striking image that stands out is Kenma’s cat-like eyes locking Hinata in a cage, rendering him a bird without wings. This visual powerfully underscores Haikyu!!’s creator, Haruichi Furudate’s roots in horror manga.

Despite wishing there was more to watch, I appreciate the end credit scene. It cleverly references the Nohebi team Nekoma previously fought and introduces us to the next and final part of the series. Here,Kamomedai’s shortest member Korai confronts Hinata and Kageyama.

One of my favorite moments comes at the climax of the match. With Nekoma at 21 points and Karasuno at 24, Karasuno needs just one more point to secure victory. Kenma — exhilarated by the prospect of continuing to play, analyze, and strive to win — does not want this battle to end.

We see Kenma’s desperation through his eyes as he scans the court, and suddenly we’re transported back to the season 2 summer camp. The sound of cicadas, the frozen images of friends from various teams in the middle of a practice game, evoke a profound sense of nostalgia. It’s a longing to hold onto this moment, this time, this game, just a little longer.

Reality snaps back as Kenma has to react quickly to a flying ball. We watch as he reaches to set it, but it slips from his fingers, slick with the collective sweat of all the players on the court, including his own.

This match ending is both bittersweet and poignant. Kenma wasn’t the only one fighting to stay on the court a little longer.

Another unforgettable moment occurs after the match. Coach Nekomata and the younger Coach Ukai cross the court to shake hands. In a touching scene, the elder Coach Ukai sits up in his hospital room, extends his hand, and symbolically shakes the air, honoring their lifelong friendship and rivalry. This moment encapsulates the spirit of Haikyu!! and its deep, emotional ties.

At the heart of this movie is the tender friendship and rivalry between Kenma and Hinata, built on the long-standing feud between Karasuno and Nekoma. But beyond this, it’s a story that gives each team member a moment to shine and connect with one another.

Because after all, volleyball is all about connection.

Featured Image: Haikyu!!‘s Official Site

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