After watching a volleyball match on TV where the "Little Giant" of Karasuno High School helps his team secure a hard-fought victory, young and impressionable Shouyou Hinata begins to play the sport in hopes that he too can soar high one day. Now enrolled at the same school as his idol, he attempts to join the volleyball team despite his short stature. Unfortunately, upon his arrival, Hinata locks eyes with "King of the Court" Tobio Kageyama—a genius setter whom he had once suffered a bitter defeat to in middle school.
Their unfriendly introduction and subsequent rivalry forces the rest of the Karasuno team to bar both of them from joining the club until they can learn to work together as teammates. Though reluctant to cooperate, their desire to play volleyball causes them to return with a proposal that will show the other members that they are capable of teamwork. As the two freshmen form an odd setter-and-ace relationship, an old rival school invites Karasuno for practice matches, reigniting competition between the two schools once more.
The Anime Critic Review: Haikyuu!! Movie 1: Owari to Hajimari
In the first paragraph before we begin the review, let’s take a brief look into the story synopsis of Haikyuu!! Movie 1: Owari to Hajimari (The End and the Beginning). Set in the backdrop of Karasuno High School, the story primarily revolves around the enthusiastic and energetic Shoyo Hinata with dreams as high as the sky. Despite his short stature, he shares a blissful fascination for volleyball and intends to become an unrivaled volleyball player. After a devastating defeat in his first and last match in middle school, Hinata vows to surpass Kageyama – the ‘King of the Court’, as he steps into high school.
Entering the battleground of Karasuno High, destiny plays its cards, bringing Hinata and Kageyama onto the same team! What follows is the classic tale of foes turning into teammates, their constant volatility and gradual acceptance of each other, and the exploration of team dynamics. Now, these two, along with the rest of the Karasuno team, embark on an exhilarating journey to climb to the top of the high school volleyball world.
Storytelling
Haikyuu!! Movie 1: Owari to Hajimari encapsulates the essence of the original series and compacts it into a thrilling and gripping stand-alone movie. The storyline is tightly packed, ensuring it does not release its grip on the viewers while maintaining the original essence. The exploration of high school dynamics and the complexities of teamwork is something literally everyone can relate to, not just sports anime fans.
Animation and Music
The movie is undoubtedly a visual delight. The animation is fluid and vibrant, with an attention to detail that’s truly commendable. Every spike, block, and receive is shown in painstaking detail, making you feel like you are right there in the game. And what is an intense sports movie without equally gripping music? The vibrant soundtrack perfectly complements the energetic atmosphere of the movie and aids in heightening the emotional rollercoaster.
Characters
Perhaps the most heart-pulling aspect of this movie is its characters. Hinata’s infectious enthusiasm and Kageyama’s rigorous discipline strike a perfect balance, and it’s genuinely intriguing to see their transformation. The supporting characters are not just mere fillers but bring equal flavour to the storyline, each carrying their unique personality quirks and skills.
Final Verdict
Haikyuu!! Movie 1: Owari to Hajimari delivers with its dynamic storytelling, exceptional character development, and aesthetically pleasing animation laced with mesmerizing music. With its exciting blend of high school drama, intense sports matches, and a cast of characters that grows on you, this movie is absolutely worth a watch. Whether you’re buying, renting or streaming, make sure to add this title to your must-watch list!
So, folks that’s it from this Anime Critic for today! Remember, you can’t “set” the world on fire if you’re too scared of getting “burnt”! Stay awesome and keep an adventuring into the anime world!
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