HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle makes a simple volleyball game seem like the most important and intense thing in the world.
You know a sports movie does it right when it makes the game feel like the most important thing in the world, and that is exactly what HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle does. Volleyball has never been this exciting before. Audiences will suddenly feel as if they are a part of the game, rooting for whichever team is their favorite, and sitting on the edge of their seat until the final point is scored.
In this franchise, Shoyo Hinata is the shortest volleyball player, earning him the nickname “Little Giant”. When his club, Karasuno High, takes on their rival, Nekoma High, during the national tournament, crowds gather to watch the two underdogs compete. What follows is an intense, heart-pounding, game as every player gives it their all.
You’ve Never Seen Volleyball Like This
I have to admit, volleyball has never been at the top of my list of favorite sports. I am more drawn to football and baseball, but somehow this movie had me enthralled by volleyball. Switching between POVs of the players, and regular shots of the game, made them not only feel intense, but it caused me to feel like I was a part of it all.
Of course, this movie is so much more than just the volleyball game. It takes the time to dive into certain events from these characters’ lives, showcasing how they got to this point in their volleyball careers, and this game specifically. It makes it hard for the audience to choose which team they would rather take home the win, as it is easy to relate to, and fall in love with, players on both sides of the net.
The story being told here is one of perserverance as well as being sure to have fun, even in intense situations like this game. HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle is brilliantly written and animated. It never slows down. The pacing is kept on track by switching back and forth between the game and the players’ life events at just the right spots. We never feel like we are with something for too long, causing it to dull or drag.
This movie is also funny. Like, really funny. The main characters are teenagers after all, so they do just the right amount of poking fun at one another and snapping back with snarky responses. But they also truly care about one another, even if they are considered rival teams. This delivers great messages for the younger audience watching (and some adults as well).
Do You Need To Have Seen The Series?
HAIKYU!! may have four season of anime and a lot of mangas behind it, but to be completely honest, I haven’t seen or read any of it. However, I was able to understand exactly what was happening, as well as piece together the relationships of certain characters.
The short answer is no, you do not need to have seen the HAIKYU!! series or read the HAIKYU!! mangas in order to enjoy HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle. That being said, there are likely some things that will be enjoyed more by the fans. This movie plays like a standalone and serves as a great entry point for new fans to jump in.
Overall Thoughts
HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle will have viewers surprised by how much they care about volleyball while watching. It doesn’t take long to become completely invested in the outcome of the game. The movie is intense and captivating. It is filled with stunning visuals, a very talented voice cast, and even some important life lessons.
HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle is hilarious, and truly a fun watch. If you can see it on the big screen, do so, you won’t regret it. Don’t miss the end credit scene which sets up for what is to come next!
HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle comes to theaters on May 31st.
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About HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle
Shoyo Hinata joins Karasuno High’s volleyball club to be like his idol, a former Karasuno player known as the “Little Giant.” But, Hinata soon finds that he must team up with his middle school nemesis, Tobio Kageyama. Their clashing styles turn into a surprising weapon, but can they beat their rival Nekoma High in the highly anticipated “Dumpster Battle,” the long awaited ultimate showdown between two opposing underdog teams?
About the franchise: Based on the original Weekly Shonen Jump manga series from Haruichi Furudate, HAIKYU!! is a slice-of-life sports anime revolving around Shoyo Hinata’s love of volleyball. Inspired by a small-statured player known as the “Little Giant,” Hinata creates a team in his last year of middle school. His team is unfortunately matched up against “King of the Court” Tobio Kageyama’s team in their first tournament, inevitably losing.
After the crushing defeat, Hinata vows to surpass Kageyama. Entering high school, he joins the volleyball team only to find that Tobio has also joined, making his once rival his new teammate. The anime series HAIKYU!! is produced by TOHO animation. The first four seasons of HAIKYU!! are currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.
HAIKYU!! The Dumpster Battle makes volleyball more exciting and thrilling than ever before. This movie is hilarious, intense, and a whole lot of fun!
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.