REVIEW: ‘ Haikyu The Dumpster Battle’ Is A Thrilling New Chapter

Bursting with adrenaline that plants us firmly in the world of these characters and the sheer thrill of the game, Haikyu The Dumpster Battle is an exemplary extension of an already tremendous series. It’s been four years since the season four finale of the series, with Karasuno High moving onto their third match in the Spring Nationals. The effect is immediate, pushing us fully into the action as we quickly reacclimate with this ensemble of loveable, distinct characters. There’s a reason why this series is so beloved, and the film wastes little time in reminding us why.

Directed by Susumu Mitsunaka and produced by Production I.G. based on the manga series by Haruichi Furudate, the film takes place immediately following the events of the season four finale. After many practice matches across the past year, Karasuno High School and Nekoma High School face each other in their first official match.

It is a game with considerable stakes, as whoever loses is cut from the national tournament. They carry their team’s longstanding legacy rivalry of being the battle between the crows and the wildcats — hence the dumpster battle name.

But the real drama or thrill of Haikyu The Dumpster Battle is the relationships anchoring it. Namely, the relationship between protagonist Shoyo Hinata (Ayumu Murase) and Kenma Kozume (Yuki Kaji). The two quickly bonded upon their first meeting in Season 1 of the series, with Hinata proving a significant inspiration to Kenma.

Hinata and Kenma’s friendship is refreshingly free of drama. Instead, despite being on opposing sides, the two constantly challenge and lift the other up. Hinata’s great ambition is to play against Kenma, and the latter enjoys it or feels some sort of competitive rush instead of his requisite apathy. There’s a funny moment where others look from the outside and see two players lunging for the other’s neck. But, when asked in flashback what Kenma’s relationship is with Hinata, he replies simply — they’re friends.

Perhaps one of the best, longstanding elements of Haikyu!! is its ability to thrust us fully into the encompassing feeling of what it means to love anything at all. To love something that moves us entirely and lines our childhoods with memories of matches or late nights and fatigue that settles into our bones. Love for something that carves out a space in us beyond adolescence.

It’s what makes these characters so engaging because we get caught up in their exuberance. While Haikyu The Dumpster Battle focuses primarily on one battle, it maintains the series’ messaging. Hinata and his rival/friend Tobio Kageyama (Kaito Ishikawa) love volleyball, and through their passion, they seek to grow and become better athletes and people.

The film also opens up to Kenma’s point of view, mainly his friendship with Nekoma captain Kuroo (Yuichi Nakamura). Haikyu The Dumpster Battle sweetly explores their backstory and how they came to the sport. It’s an exercise in gentle filmmaking as the slow passage of time demonstrates their mounting commitment. It beautifully captures the characters’ different mentalities and social abilities but shows where they come together in the middle through their love of the game. How they love it might be different, but it never dampens their spirit.

The only real though significant shortcoming is the length. At only 80 minutes, it’s tough not to wonder just how much the series might’ve accomplished had they had an entire season to detail the ins and outs of this game. Considering the longstanding rivalry between Karasuno and Nekoma High School and the friendships at the center, there’s plenty of worthwhile material to mine from. There are two separate relationships alone worthy of their singular focus.

Still, even with that time constraint, the entire roster is given ample spotlight moments due to the longstanding rivalry. Kageyama is still a force to be reckoned with and Tsukishima (Koki Uchiyama) demonstrates his growth due to the help of those like Kuroo. Haikyu The Dumpster Battle expertly balances these subtle character-driven moments with humor and dramatic stakes. Kenma’s facial reactions are superb, his sly defiance towards Hinata’s attacks speaking to his understated personality. Meanwhile, any chance Hinata faces a real roadblock possesses necessary stress.

And these moments are amplified due to the movie quality budget. The series shines during matches, and Haikyu The Dumpster Battle is no different. Instead, the animation gets a greater level of slick finish in subtle movements that make for a cleaner, more engaging watch. Yes, Hinata’s spikes are still animated to express their sheer power within an inch of their life, but the subtler moments make the film and its animators shine. Scenes such as the movement of bodies across the court, feet shuffling and squeaking against the gym floors.

Haikyu!! has always been a series committed to capturing the sheer athleticism of its characters. The film presents that musculature as we watch the mounting fatigue these characters face. The lines of their bodies move slower, and they gather shadows under their eyes. But how they press through that mental and physical exhaustion is just as exciting. Even those who know the final outcome will hold their breath in the final moments as the camera shifts perspectives in an adrenaline-inducing move.

One of the best moments of Haikyu The Dumpster Battle is a long-awaited moment of payoff, prompting a euphoric exclamation of battered glee. That joy of the game gives the film and the series its triumph. Because even when characters we love falter, we know that there’s considerable passion pushing them forward and pushing them towards being able to scale whatever new impenetrable wall they’re faced with. In its brief 80-minute runtime, the film maintains that feeling as the camera settles us in the center of the court to feel the rush of the sport.

Directed with dexterous grace that amplifies the game’s adrenaline, Haikyu The Dumpster Battle is an undeniable triumph. While it would’ve been nice to get an entire season dedicated to the match, what the writers and filmmakers manage to do with the runtime and new budget is extraordinary. The motion and athleticism are captured with kinetic, energized friction so that each push, each volley, and each spike is felt with the necessary level of impact.

For fans of the series, Haikyu The Dumpster Battle feels like returning to a familiar story, something comfortable, and arriving at something new. It’s a credit to the series based on that; despite the years of waiting for it, it feels like they haven’t been gone long at all.

Haikyu The Dumpster Battle is out in theaters on May 31st.