Is Haikyu!! the Movie: The End and the Beginning Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2015, Haikyu!! the Movie: The End and the Beginning represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Animation, Drama category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Shouyou Hinata, after losing to Kitagawa Daiichi Junior High's setter Tobio Kageyama in his first official volleyball match, transfers to Karasuno High, intent on finally having a proper volleyball team and getting his revenge on Kageyama. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Animation, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Shouyou Hinata, after losing to Kitagawa Daiichi Junior High's setter Tobio Kageyama in his first official volleyball match, transfers to Karasuno High, intent on finally having a proper volleyball team and getting his revenge on Kageyama. Upon arrival at Karasuno, however, Hinata finds out Kageyama has also gone to Karasuno. Initially at odds with each other, the two form an oddball combination and fight together with the other members of the volleyball club. Karasuno reunites with a former rival school, Nekoma High, in a practice match and reignites their school rivalry."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Ayumu Murase is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Ayumu Murase captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Susumu Mitsunaka is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 89 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Haikyu!! the Movie: The End and the Beginning truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Animation, Drama, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8.4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Haikyu!! the Movie: The End and the Beginning explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Susumu Mitsunaka respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Haikyu!! the Movie: The End and the Beginning is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Ayumu Murase or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Haikyu!! the Movie: The End and the Beginning is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.