It is mid-December, and SOS Brigade chief Haruhi Suzumiya announces that the Brigade is going to hold
a Christmas party in their clubroom, with Japanese hotpot for dinner. The brigade members Kyon, Yuki
Nagato, Mikuru Asahina and Itsuki Koizumi start preparing everything for the party, such as costumes
and decorations. But a couple of days later, Kyon arrives at school only to find that Haruhi is
missing. Not only that, but Mikuru claims she has never known Kyon before, Koizumi is also missing,
and Yuki has become the sole member of the literature club. The SOS Brigade seems to have never
existed, nor has Haruhi Suzumiya. No one in the school has ever heard about her... except for
Kyon.
(Source: Anime News Network)
*Spoilers for Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu* Imagine you hang out with this certain group every day. Each member has their own eccentricities, but there’s that one in particular that manages to really grind your gears at times. She harasses everyone in one way or another, she’s loud-mouthed, she’s obnoxious, and sometimes you really wanna showcase true gender equality by giving the same slap she might sometimes give you. However, what do you do when she’s gone; how would you feel? Given the title of this movie, that seems like the appropriate question to ask, but, in reality, it isn't. What you should be asking is: “What would happen if you were the one who suddenly disappeared?” “How would you feel?” “How would the other group members feel?” Two of these questions happen to be the ones that main character Kyon is forced to answer. That begs the questions: “Does the movie hold up in comparison to the praise people give it?” and “Is it better than the first season of Haruhi, or at least the second?” There have been a lot of questions here, and I can only really answer the last two right now with the rest of this review. If you wanna answer the rest (or all of them), then go ahead: tell me after reading this review. So, in regards to those final two questions, let’s find out, shall we? It's almost Winter Break for the SOS brigade and it's your typical day with them, as typical as it going to get for Haruhi standards anyway. However, as Kyon wakes up, not only does the day repeat, and not only is Haruhi not in this school, but no one recognizes him, except for a much more expressive and timid Yuki Nagato. Kyon is now in an alternate reality, and the bulk of this movie is him developing a stronger connection with Yuki Nagato while also trying to find a way back to his reality, and there are lots of incredibly handled moments here, like when Kyon tries to walk out but Yuki Nagano silently and nervously grabs his sleeve without anyone saying a word, which ends up convincing him to stay with her longer. For most part, the plot is really well handled and interesting, of unsettlingly alienating at the 10-20 minute mark (intentionally). The problem lies with the final act, more specifically the resolution. Ryouko Asakura, who is alive here, is once again, a crazed lunatic who stabs Kyon, and all of this is after some time travel that ends up connecting to the events of second season’s first episode. He then chooses between the new reality with the more tolerable Haruhi that he doesn't really know yet is a better person altogether, and the one of both that he is familiar with. He ultimately chooses the latter, and then the former gets erased, which, should basically erase 95% of this movie’s events, and ultimately, this raises paradox after paradox but for the sake of plot, it's how the conflict of the film is resolved. There are probably more logical ways to arrive at the same conclusion than “and then that reality got erased”, like, for instance, “both have their proper Kyon back after they ended up getting swapped by that thing Yuki Nagato did”. Needless to say, this was an instant breaker of my suspension of disbelief. Whatever, the gang is all happy and relieved to see him since he manages to recover from that nasty knife wound; the end. I must stress that for the most part, the film executes its premise rather well, and up until the falling actions, there really isn't anything wrong with the plot, but that one moment basically wrecked the plot of the movie since it in all logic should basically erase all of the events of most of the movie from ever happening yet Kyon still remembers them. Nonetheless, I do still appreciate what the film does up until that point since it manages to really flesh out its characters and make them even better than they were before. Let's discuss them while the segue is still natural. Kyon is as we love him, a snarky and tired man lost. However, not only is he every lost and confused at this scenario, but he almost becomes timid. It's nice to see him in a more isolated situation without having to put up with Haruhi all the time, that way we actively see him in more typical scenarios. However, the real star is Yuki Nagato, or rather her new self in this alternate reality. We get to see just how timid and lonely she really is under that stoic and badass exterior, and it's genuinely charming to see that, partly due to the film’s impressive directing. Haruhi’s presence is as unwelcome as ever, but the alternate Haruhi is infinitely superior. Not only does she have a better hairstyle and clothes, but her attitude is much better and calmer. I found it especially funny when she effectively called our Haruhi an idiot. Alternate Itsuki and Ryouko are the same as ever, and it's still cool to see them here. Mikuru is somehow the same in both realities, and as beautiful and adorkable (look it up) as ever. As for Tsuruya, we don't see her usual self this time. Instead, we see the alternate reality version, who is rather protective of Mikuru to the point of hurting anyone who scares her, which Kyon learned the hard way. Well, with that, we covered all of the characters important to this movie whatsoever aside from Kyon’s sister (who we still don't know the name of), and they're mostly good. Again, the real stars of the film are Kyon and Yuki Nagato, and again, it's touching to see their chemistry blossom in the way that it did. Given that this film was animated by Kyoto Animation, it's no surprise that this film looks as impressive as it does, even by KyoAni standards. The movements feel even more natural and methodical than before, as it really helps the more grounded, emotional, and quiet tone of this film. I also like how the film’s color palette is much whiter and more washed out than with the rest of the series, to really sell the aforementioned tones as well. It's hard to really do this film’s impressive direction and animation justice, really. Even pointing out scenes like the aforementioned scene of Yuki Nagato getting Kyon to stay, or even the iconic moment of Kyon making the decision to go back to his reality while glass snowflakes fall, can't do it enough justice, as those scenes deserve to be talked about in greater lengths than what I can provide. Unfortunately, there really isn't much that I can remotely remember from the OST. While it has been over a year since I've seen it, that's no excuse given that I can vividly remember and celebrate scores from anime that I hadn't seen in less than or over a year, such as the OST for Fate Zero and the songs from Macross Frontier. At the very least, it was really joyful to hear the first Haruhi OP return as the OP of this film, as it is a great song. The ED doesn't stack up, unfortunately. The dub is as good as ever, and some of the weaker voices don't have as much of a role here. It's still nice to hear Crispin Freeman as Kyon and Johnny Yong Bosch as Itsuki, and it's nice to hear Michelle Ruff give a heartfelt and fragile performance as Yuki Nagato. It's the best dub of the franchise, even though they all have the exact same actors each time, probably due to the more emotional material here, but hey, it's still great, and that's what matters. This is certainly a well-written and impressively directed film and a great sendoff to the main series (since nothing got adapted past this until a few spin-offs). I'm sure that many of you enjoy this film more than I did, but ultimately, it's still an impressive film and a charming one at that. It's certainly a breath of fresh air after the abomination that was the second season, endless 8 included. Well, with all that said, I bid you adieu.
Alright so this is the first time writing a review of a show (or anything for that matter) so cut me some slack. Also, my opinion doesn't mean shit, so remember that. Here we go boys. This isn't a generic review of the movie. This is more of me venting about the inconsistencies of the all things Suzuyima Haruhi (2 tv shows and this movie). I know full well that were paradoxs and such, but thats now what I got out of the movie so I don't really care. Animation: As per usual, Kyoto Animation does great work and this is no exception. I have no problems with it. Their animation style is perfect for the Haruhi series in general. The score is beautiful This isn't really wanna talk about so we move on. Don't worry guys, I get. You looked at the top movies on anilist and found this movie, like we all did. You had no idea there even was a tv show, so you went and watched the movie on its own, and you probably loved it. That's ok! But when deciding how you feel about this movie, you should divide yourself into 2 categories. The first category is people who have not seen the original 2 seasons of _The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi_, the second category are those who have. My review is pointed to the latter. For starters, I love this movie. I really do. __But only this movie__. The other 2 seasons of _The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi_ do NOT stack up to this movie. That is why I get mixed feelings while watching _The Disappearance of Suzumiya Haruhi_. Before this movie, I thought the first 2 seasons of were just ok. The ops and eds were nice and season one specifically was really funny (I'd rather not talk about season 2). After this movie, I really lowered my opinion of the 2007/2009 TV shows. I had so many questions for after finished the movie like: "Why couldn't the first 2 seasons be this good? and ~!"Why did they make me watch the same episode for 2 and a half hours straight for the big reveal to be: "Lets do homework!"?!~ Why does the tv series pale in comparison? It painted such a negative picture of the first 2 seasons it enraged me to no end. My entire problem: Suzumiya Haruhi and her "redemption" The depiction of Suzumiya Haruhi between this movie and the 2 seasons is absolutely night and day. I went into this movie thinking: "Hell yea, The bitch is gone! Now I get to see some actual true character development and some decent plot instead of follow the leader as ~!she sexually harasses and drugs her ~~friends~~!~. And that is exactly what we got! Diving deep into the mindset of Nagato and Kyon was exactly what I wanted in the first place, and it was pulled off wonderfully. it was great that I didn't have to put up with much of her. However, in _The Disappearence of Haruhi Suzumiya_ Haruhi is portrayed as a bit aloof, a tsundere, and a little bossy. For people who have never seen Haruhi stuff, she is an hard-headed but adorable leader of a group friends. For me, that's __ heresy__. I watched the first 2 seasons and jumped into the movie all within a week, so my opinion of her was really low. Like, _some of the worst character traits I've ever seen low_. So this movie shocked me in that aspect. It pissed me off that most people will only see this side of her, and not get the entire picture. I rate this movie based just off the movie, and not the rest of the Haruhi series, thats why it's rated so high. To summarize: An amazing movie shackled by my the previous portrayals of a certain main character. Loved the rest of the movie though. This is 70% rant and 30% review and 100% my opinion.
#~~~__This review contains spoilers The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya.__ ~~~ Never have I seen something that has had such an emotional impact on me like The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. I broke down crying into tears multiple times while watching this. This film also accomplished a feat that I don't think that any other piece of media that I have ever seen has done. A few hours after I finished watching this film, I was lying down in my bed thinking about the movie that I had just finished, and I just started to break down into tears thinking about the film. Name any other piece of media that can do something to a person like that. ~~~img1000(https://ultimatemegax.files.wordpress.com/2015/12/shoubd0001.png)~~~ When Kyoto Animation made this movie, they must have knew how media can have an impact on your mind. If you watch some people's lives for a long enough time, you can start to become attached to them. When you are binging a really long series, you may find yourself crying at the very end. Saying goodbye to these people that you know so very well can be a hard thing to do. The act of saying goodbye can have such a large impact on a person. Kyoto Animation did the impossible by making you cry in this very certain way, before even the halfway point of the film. ~~~img1000(https://infinitemirai.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/suzumiya-haruhi-no-shoushitsu-large-189.jpg)~~~ The 28 episodes of the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was a very up and down show. While I really loved the 2006 season, the 2009 season wasn't very good. However, in those 28 episodes, you got to know every member of the SOS Brigade extremely well, like they were your very own friends. While not every adventure they went on was the most enjoyable one, you start to have a deeper emotional connection with these characters as you watched the series. That is the reason why as soon as they are taken away from you, it feels so heartbreaking. ~~~ img1000(https://infinitemirai.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/suzumiya-haruhi-no-shoushitsu-large-183.jpg) ~~~ 15 minutes into the movie, Kyon is put into a world without the SOS Brigade. All of the adventures that have taken place throughout the anime series are now just gone. Vanished into nothing, with the only remnants of their existence in Kyon's memories. Throughout the film, he gradually starts to find more clues as to how he can get back to his old world's existence. There is this point around 50 minutes into the movie where Kyon walks the alternate reality Nagato back home. It was a scene that felt like a scene familiar to me from the anime series. I was feeling something that I couldn't exactly put my finger on. At that point in the film, I started to cry. ~~~ img1000(https://formeinfullbloom.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/humanyukinagato.png)~~~ There has never been a film that somehow connected to me on this deep of an emotional level before. Part of the reason for this is how Kyon's journey in this film hits it right at home for me, is that it is similar to a journey that I can personally feel after finishing a series. You can either still stick around with the mystical fantasy of the world of the series or go back to the reality where you can be done with what you just finished. Kyon can go back to his old world of adventures, or stick around in a world more comparable to the real world. There is no right choice to pick, after all Nagato did leave both options available to Kyon. However, what Disappearance tells us is that it is okay to go back to the fantastical world of fiction. If that is what you enjoy doing, it is all okay. Kyon chose to go back to his old world, and the viewer of the film can go into the fandom of anything, even of the Haruhi Suzumiya series. There are probably so many more deeper layers of themes and symbolism to unpack in this film. Just talking about the themes of fandom only scratches the surface of this movie. You can probably write an infinite amount of essays about how this film tackles so many more deeper human emotions. I just have a lot of trouble putting into words of what this film did to me. I know that Nagato's character arc made me feel some deeper emotions, but I can't put into words how it did. You can't exactly make a complete review for this movie, because even if you talk about its themes for over thirty pages, there is still probably something left to talk about. ~~~img1000(https://lzerbnaiva.files.wordpress.com/2015/02/the-disappearance-2.jpg)~~~ Kyoto Animation brought the big guns for this movie. They somehow made an animated film longer than Infinity War, which by itself is an impressive feat. The film also didn't feel like it's length. When I finished this movie, it didn't feel like two and a half hours had passed, like any good movie that has a long movie should do. This is also one of the best scores for an anime film that I have seen. Most of the movie is very quiet, and music is only used for the most emotional scenes. When the classical music does come though it hits way too hard. The classical pieces chosen for this film are so good, that you are surprised that they weren't made specifically made for this film. This film is also very visually stunning. A lot of the animation goes into the smaller actions of the characters. While it may seem like that there isn't much impressive animation of this film, there is, you just have to look for it. The shot composition in this movie is also phenomenal. ~~~img1000(https://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/39500000/The-Disappearance-of-Haruhi-Suzumiya-haruhi-suzumiya-character-39543719-1280-720.jpg) ~~~ The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is a league above anything else I have ever seen in my life. This movie will change your life in some way after you have watched it. This movie provided me emotions of the deepest pit of despair, and the comfort of a hug from a loved one. I know my life will be different from now on, just because of this movie. Bravo, Kyoto Animation, Bravo. ~~~img1000(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bX_iBWYfq64/maxresdefault.jpg)~~~ I am rating this a perfect 100 out of 100, and I am still kind of mad that I can't give it an Infinity out of 100.
# ~~~My Thoughts on "The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya"~~~ --- If you were to ask me, would I live in the world where I can live peacefully, or live in a world where I have to be brought upon these superstitions with friends who have gain interest in it, then my answer to you would be the world with superstitions. Take it right here in Disappearance and you have one hell of an experience to ride. A movie where a choice lies upon you. --- # ~~~Quick Synopsis~~~ Day 16, mid December. It would be a time for the SOS Brigade to plan out a party in the clubroom for Christmas. Or... so you thought. Fast forward a few days later, and some felt off. Haruhi is missing. Mikuru claims that she never knew Kyon before, Itsuki is also gone, and Nagoto is the sole member of the literature club, with Ryouko also returning. Almost as if, the SOS Brigade never existed. No one has a clear memory of who Haruhi is... all but Kyon. --- Let me go ahead and ask you a question. If you were to live in a world where no one knows who your friends are, your friends don't know you, and only you have a clear memory of them, how would you feel? To me, it would be like a grave pain that stroke your heart, experiencing the sadness of how your friends have no memory. Simply put it into two words: ___It's painful___ What Disappearance has for you is a film where Kyon only has the memory of what the SOS Brigade is, who Haruhi is, and what had happened during the events of Melancholy, where as everyone else, do not remember who she is, at all. The feeling that Kyon had was something that I would also have as well. I would be going crazy if no one knew about my friends, and my friends don't know about me. ~~Before I start breaking down, let me go ahead and rate how I feel about the movie in different aspects~~ --- # ~~~Story~~~ I honestly wish I had the light novel and read Disappearance. The film's story is REAL good. I'm one of those people that likes the Supernatual kind of anime, and as to how Supernatual this anime is, I was flown away with how the story would unfold itself and flip it's pages to open to us an experience that could never be forgotten. How Kyon portrays as the one who is making all of the decisions here, and how the antagonist left him a choice to decide what world you would live in. Kyon didn't knew at first, but then later did a few hours in the movie. Spoilers: ~!See as to how he rejected the new one and continued to live with the old. It proves how much fun it was for him to live in that world. He had forgotten, he was interested in aliens, time travelers, and espurs back then, and how he bonds with the SOS Brigade, it shows how much he had fun in it. Drinking tea Mikuru gives, playing games that Itsuki brings, and having to listen all the delusions that Haruhi has. It was breathtaking.!~ --- # ~~~Characters~~~ I can't express how much I appreciate Kyon as a character. Kyon is basically just us when (or if) we meet a person who has an insane delusion. Filled with complaints, having to just kill his time by listening to them, only to just go with the flow of it. And he's technically the main highlight of the movie. Like I said, he was left a choice. Either live in the new, or return to the old. And simply put it, he went with the old. If he even would go ahead and live with the new, he would've been bored anyway, cause in Melancholy, he kills the time after school in the SOS Brigade. Now if he would go ahead and live with the new, what would he do? Watch TV? Spend time playing Video Games? Do Homework? Go out for a bike? Can you clearly not understand how easy it is to get bored by just doing the most simple things? Sure, we do them too, but even we have friends that can keep us company, and more-so, hang out with them. It's more fun to do it with your friends other than doing it yourself. --- #~~~Visuals~~~ I've said this before, and I'll say it again. It's a f%#!ing Kyoto Animation film. Of course the visuals would look absolutely astonishing. If you were to want to go ahead and watch a movie where the atmosphere is completely absent, then the movie would not feel atmospherical. Not saying that it's a bad thing, there can sometimes be a movie with bad visuals, but everything else can turn out great. But, if you would want an anime that feels breath-taking the first time you watch it, the visuals would need to take the atmosphere and turn it into something special. KyoAni has done it multiple times with it's anime, and it simply just works. There's nothing more that I can do other than just appreciating it. --- #~~~Enjoyment~~~ Not much needs to be said as to how I enjoyed this movie. It's simply there. I enjoyed it a whole lot. It's a breath-taking experience and it was just enough to satisfy me. --- Overall, y'all are missing out if you have not seen this film. If you have seen Melancholy ~~(Most especially after surviving Endless Eight)~~, then you'll mostly be certain to enjoy this movie. Now, is this my favorite movie of all time? Sadly, no. ~~(I still have another certain KyoAni film that just impacted me much more than this one)~~ But it is one of my favorites. You'll mostly feel either happy or disappointed with this movie, and ya know what? Whatever you give it, I'll respect you for it. > Hey, world... You can wait just a little longer, right? You're okay staying on standby for a bit before I go restore you, right? At least... if I try some of Haruhi's special hot pot first, it won't be too late yet, right? -Kyon
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is the perfect example of an anime movie and what any sequel film can accomplish in a considerably smaller run time compared to the anime. In an hour shorter of the runtime of the Endless Eight arc, Disappearance tells the most compelling story of the entire franchise, isolating Kyon and “separating” him from the fantastical and extraordinary life style he has come accustomed to being surrounded by time travellers, aliens, esters (psychics) and the god like entity of Haruhi. In this review, I will run through each major factor of the film (Narrative, Animation, OST, Characters and the themes it tackles within the movie) and attempt to convey why this movie is, in at least my eyes, as close to perfection as a movie can get within its limited run time. __Animation__ I think that before I dive into the inner workings of the characters, the intriguing themes and plot and its relationship to and impact on the series, the production side of the movie should be addressed and gotten out of the way. Quite simply, the movie is beautifully animated. The character designs are the same as in the show and continue to portray the Kyoto animation essence which seems to radiate off every character they produce. The settings and backgrounds in the movie are brilliantly created, harbouring a realistic vibe while never becoming out of place or too realistic compared to the traditional Kyoto feel of the character designs, making a perfect balance to the visuals. There are stunning moments in the movie which are elevated by the attention to detail and care that Kyoto animation put into this movie, as well as all their other productions, such as the Kyon scene in the final act (which we'll talk about more later), the computer and Kyon scene (Won't spoil) and of course __THE__ Yuki ending scene to the movie. The colour pallet of the movie is incredible, constantly jumping between different background colours and shades and lighting depending on the character's emotions at the time, or when a key moment is about to occur. Overall, unsurprisingly Kyoto did not miss on the animation front, bringing their lively character designs and masterful use of backgrounds and colours to elevate what is currently happening on the screen. However, and i can't quite believe I’m saying this, the animation was __NOT__ the best productive quality of this movie because Kyoto __completely__ out done themselves with the OST, which we will promptly analyse. __OST__ Incredible. This is gonna be a short segment because there is literally no debate, it’s amazing. The use of classical music is masterful, the music for Kyon’s inner monologue as he reaches the climax of the movie really built up the tension and anticipation for his moment of realisation/clarification and the closing music really calmed you down and allowed you to ruminate on the masterpiece you have just watched. It always contributes to the tone of the current scene and not once did any of the soundtrack decisions not hit their mark, feel out of place or not add anything to what you are watching. Overall, the production of this movie is a clear 9 or 10 out of 10, being essentially perfect in every element. If, somehow, you doubt Kyoto animations ability to produce a good anime or movie, which you objectively shouldn’t, then this movie will instantly change your mind. __Narrative/plot__ I am a swear believer in not spoiling a show or movie for someone. Although I acknowledge that being spoilt of an anime does not necessarily ruin it, I cannot help but feel that my best experiences have been when I was taken by surprise or the feeling of sheer shock by a late plot twist that no one could see coming such as in code geass or evangelion. Therefore, I won’t go into huge detail about the story of the movie, as I believe that this is the best sequel movie to an anime I’ve ever watched because of the brilliant story, character arcs and plot twists which were all hinted at during the show, and watching this for the first time, I could not believe that a plot twist that seems to come out of nowhere could in hindsight become such a carefully built, long term development of a character. I was truly taken aback. Again, I won’t go into plot specifics, but on a general level, Kyon is “separated” from the main cast and the world he had come to know full of the supernatural etc and tries to find his way back. The mystery of the movie is how and why he was “separated” and how to get back. He eventually does get back after multiple attempts. This is the most understated overview ever created, as they address multiple heavy topics, bring back old conflicts and psychoanalyse Kyon and his own personal desire (more on this later). Without spoiling the movie, that’s the best I got unfortunately. I just believe that me taking away any of the shock value from the many twists and turns in this movie would be a disservice to you all, and that giving you one detail of the plot could ruin the whole movie, that’s how intertwined and connected every piece of information you get is, which contributes to why the final reveals and denouements of the movie and their twists hit so hard. Overall, great story with amazing twists and a great mystery which reveals new sides to the characters you love from the show, 9/10. __Themes__ Disappearance deals with multiple different themes and topics which help to develop the characters and add much more depth to their already well-built characters. Again, without stepping to far into spoiler territory (which is _DIFFICULT_), they analyse the theme of sentience extremely well and potentially the best I’ve seen in anime. This adds a world of depth to a certain character and plays the centre role of the movie (still not spoiling ?). Another key theme is around Kyon’s motivations. During the series, the idea of Kyon wanting to return to an ordinary life and questioning whether the chaotic life he lives is worth the hassle. Overall, the theme of sentience is the main focus of the film at points and is analysed thoroughly. It is also a key element of the twist and conclusion of the film. Meanwhile, Kyon’s evaluation of his life while separated from it and can see what his regular and ordinary life would have looked like without the input of the supernatural and mysterious beings of his normal life also adds more depth to his character and his convictions. __Characters__ This, for me at least, is the key pull factor of not just the movie, but the series. Throughout the anime, we are introduced and exposed to some of the most enjoyable and entertaining characters of all time (IMO) with one of the most, if not the most, unique and interesting group dynamics in the history of media. During the series, it is a very happy-go-lucky tone where every episode and arc is a different shenanigan caused by Haruhi and is put in a very happy, comedic light (with the exception of the endless eight arc). The movie, however, completely turns this upside down and “the characters we loved” (different but not, wont spoil) are exposed to a completely different tone, allowing us to see different sides to these seemingly enjoyable and cheery characters. Kyon is taken away from the life he felt that he had no choice in living and one where he felt that he had to constantly change to Haruhi’s whim. He felt obligated to stay apart of the SOS brigade and at times questioned whether this was what he truly wanted. After all, he’s an ordinary teenager surrounded by Esper’s, a God like being and the like. However, the movie/a certain character offers Kyon an out. He has a chance to stay in this “world” where the SOS Brigade was never formed and Haruhi never reeled him in. The movie really plays with this all throughout the run time, as each time he edges one step closer back to returning to the world he at one time hated, he can’t help but wonder if it would be better to stay here and live an ordinary life. This builds up and bubble’s over in the climax to the movie where Kyon has to come to a decision, in a scene which is to this day one of the most brilliantly produced monologues and overall scenes in anime. Kyon has an amazing character arc in this movie and elevates this movie to new heights, yet I can’t help but wonder if another character takes the limelight of the movie. I won’t say who or why as it is basically the entire mystery, twist and in some ways the cause and origin of the movie, so you’ll have to watch it for yourself. But, take my word, the character’s in this movie, their developments, their struggles, their convictions and realisations accumulate to make the finest casts an anime has to offer. __Closing Segment__ Wow, what a trip! Thinking back on the movie to write this review was so nostalgic and almost a surreal experience for me (considering I have realised can unironically remember every scene of this movie, despite me watching it over 6 months ago). I’ve never written a review in a formal layout such as this other than as a joke with my friends writing jokey SAO 2 reviews and the like, but this was certainly a way to start. This movie will forever hold a deep place in my heart as one of the best mysteries in anime, one of the best plot twists in anime and certainly in my mind (at the time of writing this) the best cast of characters in anime, all while being further elevated by the might and masterful production quality of Kyoto animation. Truly a masterpiece which unfortunately doesn’t get the recognition of Kyoto’s other works like Clannad and a silent voice (which I too value extremely highly) or even works such as your name despite offering some of the best that anime has to offer. I truly could not recommend an anime movie as highly as The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya.
I always enjoy anime sequel movies (such as End of Evangelion, Madoka Magica Rebellion and Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul), so when I found out that the Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya had one of them, I knew I was going to like it, and it didn’t disappoint. From the title of the movie, I knew that Haruhi would be disappearing, and it felt a bit like the movie was teasing the viewers by making them feel like Haruhi was gone and then having her make her appearance, until suddenly she doesn’t appear. ~~~img220(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/48/Suzumiya_Haruhi.jpg)~~~ The gradually increasing tension and Kyon’s growing despair were done very well and the desperation he felt as his world disappeared and only he knew. *Let’s say there is a very unfortunate person somewhere.* *But he wakes up one day to a world that has completely changed.* Throughout the series Kyon’s attitude has clearly been outwardly shown to be one of being tired of Haruhi and wishing for a normal world, but once he apparently gets what he wanted, he grasps for anything that remains from the world he left behind. *Let’s say the world has turned into an indescribable utopia, and he encounters absolutely no misfortune anymore.* *In the space of one night, someone whisked him away from hell and brought him to heaven.* *However, this person did not wish for that to happen.* The way that the tone of the movie at this point contrasts the happy and more joyful tone of the start of the movie and majority of the series makes Kyon’s despair all the more impactful in this section. After spending so much time in the summer during the Endless Eight and similarly hot days of the Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya arc, the freezing cold of Disappearance’s setting sets in the less fun tone and tells you that this isn’t the same world that we know from the upbeat parts of the series. Kyoto Animations prove here that they are some of the best in the industry because their use of more dull colours and less contrast to make the viewer *feel* the cold and bitter world that Kyon has been thrown into. *He was taken by someone he doesn't know, whose identity remains a mystery.* *He doesn't know who did it or why, and no one ever figures it out, either.* *In this case, should this person be happy?* The next big chunk of the movie brings the tone slowly back up as Kyon tries to settle into this new world. You could call this section the build-up of hope and recapturing the world that Kyon left behind, but it isn’t exactly the same. The first instance of this in the midst of Kyon’s despair is Nagato’s note inside the book. This moment gives the viewer a thread of hope that makes them think that Kyon really can get back to the world that we grew to love throughout the 28 episodes of the series. The next thread is the discovery that Taniguchi still remembers Haruhi and knows where she is, and then the next thread is when Kyon meets Haruhi and Koizumi and talks with them. These parts are very rewarding for viewers who remember small details from early on in the series such as knowing that Taniguchi was the person who first talked about Haruhi back in episode 1 and remembering that Kyon called himself “John Smith” when he went back in time with Mikuru in season 2, and it made me feel even more involved and invested in the movie. ~~~img220(https://cdn.archonia.com/images/1-25376409-1-1-original1/the-disappearance-of-haruhi-suzumiya-dvd-uk.jpg)~~~ Kyon grabs onto these threads of hope and brings together the keys that Nagato mentioned in her note, but even when Kyon has remade the same world as what he left behind: one in which the SOS Brigade with all of its members exists, but the only major difference that there are no aliens, future people or espers. However, what this world does have is a version of Nagato who is fully human and has full emotional freedom, so Kyon has to make the choice between the new Nagato and the old world with all of the supernatural phenomena …but first we have some time travel shenanigans to reach the point of climax in the movie and the moment that Kyon really is forced to choose. ~~~img220(https://miro.medium.com/max/3840/1*1LUS0c0NixtWt4VjzLk1qg.jpeg)~~~ The scene where Kyon affirms his choice is a very powerful scene for many reasons and was probably my favourite scene of the series. The visuals in this scene are fantastic and the metaphors of Kyon’s attitude that he shows towards Haruhi and the original world manifesting itself as another Kyon pushing him down and working against him, and the visual of the gate that Kyon goes through and leaving the human Nagato behind. From the very first scene of the series, it is established that Kyon has decided to move on from his silly delusions of supernatural people, and he frequently thinks about how much of a pain it is that he can’t just live normally, but when he is brought to the world he seemed to want and is faced with the choice between staying there or going back, he makes the decision to go back. I think one of the messages of the movie that comes through in this scene is about escapism. Where End of Evangelion is about the choice to live in reality and not rely on escapism, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is saying that it’s ok to immerse yourself in fiction. Where human instrumentality in Evangelion is a euphemism for the negative side of escapism, the world that The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya takes place in is a euphemism for the fun and enjoyment that comes from fiction and escapism, and this movie tells us that it’s alright for us to go back to the absurd worlds and supernatural situations that we find in entertainment. ~~~ img220(https://i0.wp.com/www.animefeminist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/5.jpg?fit=1024%2C576&ssl=1)~~~ After Kyon is back in the original world, we get another nice moment of Haruhi waiting for him, but despite the title, this movie is really about Nagato. Despite the main character of the movie clearly being Kyon, Nagato is the most important character in the movie and acts as the driving force behind the plot, but we don’t know this until late in the movie. The reason her character works in this movie is because of the Endless Eight, which effectively put us in the shoes of Nagato and shows us her perspective as she lives through the same 2 weeks for almost 600 years of time, and this is also the event that gave her the time for anomalies called emotions to begin to surface and made her choose to rewrite the world, which is why I feel that it is worth watching at least most of the Endless Eight, but I enjoyed it anyway so I’d say it’s worth watching because it’s fun to watch. She makes a choice for the world, but leaves Kyon an escape plan of sorts, and Kyon makes the choice to revert that choice because he preferred the world how it was, despite everything that Nagato gave him, including the ideal human version of her with all her feelings and emotions without restriction. Finally, Kyon gives her a new world in which she can have emotions without being “corrected” by the Thought Entity, and I thought this was an amazing ending to the movie and the series, but I’ll probably read the novels at some point because I love the series.One moment I loved a lot in this scene was when it started snowing and Kyon says “Yuki”, which simultaneously is Nagato’s first name and also means “snow” in Japanese. ~~~img220(https://izzystarsblog.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/suzumiya-haruhi-no-shoushitsu-large-192.jpg)~~~ If you’ve read this whole thing then thanks. I spent ages writing it because I felt that there was a lot to talk about that this series and the movie in particular did well.
#~~~What if there was a time where everyone you knew and were close to, suddenly forgot who you are?~~~ ---- Haruhi Suzumiya is a series that I had a very shaky past with, initially I had an indifference towards the first season and look at disgust to the second season. But the movie enamored me with such surprise and approval that I gave the other two seasons another try and it turned out my taste simply evolved and what I initially disliked about the franchise suddenly became one of my most beloved and after my 3rd rewatch for a Christmas groupwatch with my friends I wonder. How did that come to be? Enter, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. Disclaimer: Obviously there will be heavy spoilers about the movie as well as both seasons in this review you've been warned! ---- #~~~Story~~~ ~~~img(https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/7d15ba71-4c85-4573-a87f-9d3ba6c78c78/d56anc0-b41e300a-9e13-44a9-a0c1-d47ac7f762c3.gif?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzdkMTViYTcxLTRjODUtNDU3My1hODdmLTlkM2JhNmM3OGM3OFwvZDU2YW5jMC1iNDFlMzAwYS05ZTEzLTQ0YTktYTBjMS1kNDdhYzdmNzYyYzMuZ2lmIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.hO2Nqs2CgXk_F2noP8Z3LbtWq4w0zZK_QVbAwWERqdg)~~~ The movie begins in usual Haruhi fashion on December 16th with the whole SOS Brigade preparing for their Christmas party for the 24th. We are given scenes of Kyon meeting the cast for this movie, Taniguchi, Itsuki Koizumi, Tsuruya and Mikuru Asahina and finally Yuki Nagato followed by Haruhi Suzumiya. He is walking up the stairs on a snowy morning to enter the clubroom, remember that. After the SOS Brigade united for their meeting Haruhi Suzumiya spreads her charisma as she lists all her Christmas plans for the party, to Kyon's discontent. Whilst the girls are changing Kyon and Koizumi have their talk about Haruhi's growth and how despite all her power she is changing for the better along with the ones around her including them, this is a callback to the previous two seasons and will come back later in this movie. We continue onto December 17th with Taniguchi bragging about his upcoming date and Kyon starting the Christmas preparations whilst breaking the forth wall about prologues. Then we come to December 18th where the movie actually starts, Kyon wakes up strangely similar to Endless Eight and he goes to school where he bumps into Taniguchi. Kyon talked to him about his upcoming date but he has no idea what he was talking about, this starts of chain of events where Kyon asks around about the events of the past 3 days until he comes to the grueling conclusion. He ended up at a world where there is no supernatural shenanigans going on and no one in the school knows who Haruhi Suzumiya is and by extension due to the absence of Haruhi, his connections with everyone else baring Nagato Yuki and Taniguchi have been dissolved! The movie began the usual with the unordinary element being introduced but the way the segments were handled along with the pacing within this 2 hour and 42 minute movie was spectacular.We gently tip toed to the reveal that Nagato was the one who created this faux universe instead of Haruhi and Kyon is given the choice of what reality he prefers to which he ultimately rejected Nagato's projection for the original reality with Haruhi's bizarre antiques. The meta-inducing execution was stellar leading all the way to the most unique and original ending in pure Kyon fashion. Screwing his past self over just because he wanted some hot pot. ------ #~~~Characters ~~~ ~~~img(https://i.imgur.com/R0H1u8z.gif)~~~ The movie did an excellent job of bring the spotlight to otherwise forgotten characters like Taniguchi, Kunikida, Tsuruya and Ryouko Asakura. It was fun seeing more about the side characters and their interactions with the main cast, but it was also an interesting change to see Asakura not acting like a death machine unlike her original iteration. On the flip side, we are given new sides to the existing main cast and it was interesting to see how despite the alternate reality, some characters still acted in a way where we could still easily identify them. Kyon acted the same initially but he grew to acknowledge and admit that he doesn't mind all the daily nonsense Haruhi brings him through and in fact, he enjoys them deep down. Haruhi despite not being literal god this time, still acted as hyperactive as her original self and acting more tsundere than ever. Her roasting Kyon's name over his supposed alias John Smith was entertaining and her attire featuring long hair was something I didn't think I wanted so much in life. Asakura and Koizumi acted more or less the same despite not being as close to Kyon, but the biggest difference was Nagato who suddenly became this precious cinnamon roll we had to protect. Throughout the story Kyon learns more and more of her despair over her simply existing in this universe and how her expressions died down so much over the adventures the SOS Brigade shared, especially over the events of the Endless Eight because she experienced every single loop and remembered them, I would also lose a piece of me if I had to go through that. But Kyon ultimately persuaded and saved her and she finally returns to normal. And despite returning she shows new traits like being more showing of expression like for example her secretly bringing out a smile seeing the kids in front of her in the post credit buying a library card reminding her of her first interactions with Kyon. ----- #~~~Art~~~ ~~~img(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ee/b4/28/eeb428d33b205701d7e93c9cd79aa95f.gif)~~~ The art, both visually and animated were a huge upgrade compared to the original two seasons and despite being a 2010 movie it still compares to the animation and art of now. Kyoto Animation really stepped up their game for this movie and you could tell through the fluidity of the animation and the extensive usage of detail and backgrounds to really bring some scenes to life. The movie had this "glossy filter" I would call that made the art present in the movie feel that much more unique even compared to other Kyoani works. Of course the action scenes were simply average at best but that wasn't that important for the movie and in return we got much better scenery for the idle talk that happens all the time in this movie which felt more vivid and alive than ever. ----- #~~~Music~~~ ~~~img(https://i.imgur.com/9AUH1EV.gif)~~~ The music of Haruhi was always a strength of the series even during the time I didn't like the series that much and Disappearance, like everything else in this movie, brought it back with a bigger bang than ever. Sadly we didn't get any new vocal inserts like how we got some in the original seasons with God Knows and Lost My Music but instead we get remasters of OST used in the original series along with some welcome new additions that fit their role perfectly. Track 19 AKA Nagato Yuuki no Kokoro ni Aru mono was a perfect piece for the scene it wanted to enhance. The track further enhances Nagato's pleas to Kyon to make the scene much more emotional and the eventual rejection powerful thanks to the assistance of the piece. Track 20 AKA Jiko Ishiki no Kakunin was an all new neverbefore scene tone for Haruhi OST and a damn good one at that. With the steady and suspenseful buildup to accompany Kyon rushing to finally confront Yuki and persuade her to not let go of herself and grow to love herself and the adventures they held together like how he came to accept the company of Haruhi and the obscure supernatural events that surrounded him thanks to her. The piece finally diverges into this super sinister tone all of the sudden......... AND THEN COMES TRACK 21 Rikishi no Tenkan Ten. __HOLY SHIT__. The piece starts with the most instant start ever starting the sudden arrival of a knife stabbing through Kyon's chest and who do we see? Asakura back to being a killing machine. This piece escalates the suspense to a jaw dropping degree and then the piece eventually dwindles down just in time for the future Kyon rescue scene. Overall the returning pieces being remastered were a pleasure for nostalgia whilst the new pieces all did their jobs __perfectly__ ---- #~~~Enjoyment~~~ ~~~img(https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/8d8aa80d-a00f-4ca5-817d-30fbc6bf33be/d9lr1my-feb07aab-f1b3-4c01-899c-faeccdcd21fb.gif?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzhkOGFhODBkLWEwMGYtNGNhNS04MTdkLTMwZmJjNmJmMzNiZVwvZDlscjFteS1mZWIwN2FhYi1mMWIzLTRjMDEtODk5Yy1mYWVjY2RjZDIxZmIuZ2lmIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.DxwTFXeaRGaFkZ8XLUE9-8xXVgb4bPJgnyDWltHe-tE)~~~ Initially my enjoyment was weird to describe as I wasn't big on Haruhi back then but I remember liking the movie more and more as it progressed and nowadays, I thoroughly enjoy this film the more I rewatch it. Constantly finding more references and callbacks to the previous iterations of the series and even other medias. The fact that we're doing quantum theory in a HARUHI MOVIE of all things is hilarious and this was such a fun watch with my friends. Even my first watcher friends adored this movie as that is the magic of this movie, a joyful ride to send off the Haruhi series ~~or until we ever get the other arcs adapted~~. --------- #~~~Conclusion/Wrap-up~~~ ~~~img(https://c.tenor.com/Km5fQJDyYMcAAAAC/yuki-nagato-crying.gif)~~~ This movie is my single favorite thing to ever happen in anime for me and I cannot recommend this movie enough. Even if you didn't enjoy the initial seasons and heck, even if you didn't watch anything Haruhi related to begin with, this is a movie that everyone will enjoy and alas I grant this movie a 10/10 and if I could I would give it an 100/10, I doubt anything anime will ever blow my mind as much as this movie. And with that I wish you guys all a Merry Belated Christmas and a Happy New Year and don't forget to join the religion of Haruhism. ~~~img(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/221331429919948801/924935693120200764/2000.png)~~~
img(https://i.postimg.cc/QNB5CBkL/Line-v4-1.gif)
#~~~Welcome, Let's talk About An Amazing Movie~~~
img(https://preview.redd.it/kjqlb33eu9761.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=95f77d3a006f25c3b1345708fbec6b6bc13a6a7e)
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is a movie that comes under the top 10 anime movies of all time
in Anilist and is considered a masterpiece by many people. It does not have any ***amazing, intense &
adrenaline pumping*** action scene, it does not have a director recognized by many people around the
world ( like Hayao Miyazaki or Makoto Shinkai ) and it does not have an
insane budget to support it ( for example, the budget of the movie your name was 750,000,000 Yen, *fucking hell* )
.
Apart from these factors the movie is 2 hours 47 mins long, making it the third longest anime movie
ever and in today's world where everyone's attention span is fucked keeping the audience's
attention for nearly 3 hours is no easy task. Lastly, Season 2 of the show was kinda hit or miss. Many
people hated the series after it, so the movie had to turn that hate into love.
Despite all of these obstacles, Kyoto Animations FUCKING CRUSHED IT and made a masterpiece
loved by both people who loved and hated the show.
So, how did they do it?
In my opinion, the sincere effort put in the 2.5 years of making this movie by the amazing people
working at Kyoto Animations made it possible. Let's further discuss this point and see what makes this
movie as good as it is. I will be including spoilers, if you don't want them just skip to the
conclusion. The movie will be broken down and discussed in three parts i.e The Search, The Climax and
Yuki Nagato.
img(https://i.postimg.cc/QNB5CBkL/Line-v4-1.gif)
The movie takes a slow paced approach overall, it goes above and beyond including scenes of stillness
and slow shots which you would normally see skipped or avoided by other media. The directors of the
movie, Tatsuya Ishihara ( also the
director for "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya") and Yasuhiro Takemoto had both decided
that they didn't care how long the movie got, they wanted to remain faithful to the light novel and
didn't wanna skip out on anything. Obviously such an approach comes with it's problems. Some people
complained that the movie felt "dragged out" and too slow, you also have to consider that some people
just don't enjoy slow paced media.
img(https://i.postimg.cc/QNB5CBkL/Line-v4-1.gif)
#~~~The Search ~~~
This is the part of the movie where this slow paced nature is felt the most and I **fucking love it**.
I would like to describe this part of the movie as watching ***a confused man in an everyday world***.
A good half of the movie is basically just Kyou trying to figure what the fuck is going on and what he
should do next. The direction of this part of the movie is sooo fucking good.
The directors decided to employ little camera movement to emphasise the atmosphere of the scenes and
Kyon's loneliness, the animators throughout the movie put the most care into addressing the posing,
gestures, and facial expressions and the
voice actor of Kyon and everyone else do a really good job throughout the movie, combine these
three aspects and you get a feeling of absolute confusion and desperation felt by Kyon.
img(https://preview.redd.it/t2a6n13jmgk51.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=021992ad48bbf32f0a9a9bacd22a0ea9e1795c4f)
Another important part of the movie was world-building . Kyon meeting the other SOS club members is
what sells this world and gives you the feeling that the world is not the weird one here, *it is
Kyon*. The storyboards ( how each scene of the movie looks ) is made by the directors and Noriko Takao , **a female** staff who
**requested** to draw them too.
**Now you why did I mention **female**? and who tf talks about storyboards in a review?**
You might have noticed that the girls play a major part in this movie. The confrontations between each
girl and Kyon are perfect, the girls getting freaked and weirded out by Kyon. Meeting this weird boy
who seems to know something important about them but they have no clue who he is, they feel like the
same character but in a different world. The reason this was possible and heck, the reason the movie's
characters feel as real as do is because of
Miss. Takao. The directors said that having a female's perspective helped them out a lot. Honestly,
who can draw girls meeting a crazy guy better than an experienced artist who also has had & heard
similar experiences in her life.
img(https://files.catbox.moe/4wmsok.png)
img(https://ghostlightning.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/anonsubs-suzumiya-haruhi-no-shoushitsu-1080p-h-264-aac-mkv_snapshot_01-20-49_2010-12-24_11-14-54.jpg)
It's easy to make a world different from our real world. Just look at any Isekai anime ever, they
don't have to follow logic or reason, just put in some magic or some fantasy stuff and there you have
it **different world**. Making a common place seem unusual is not something that can be achieved so
easily without some fantasy. "Disappearance" manages to make a school which the audience have long
known for 28 episodes and turn it into a completely new place with the same people, all in less than
1.5 hours in a **slow paced manner**. It is incredible how the staff gave this much attention to
detail, it shows that they really cared about what they were making. Beautiful people, those Kyoto
Animation guys.
img(https://i.postimg.cc/QNB5CBkL/Line-v4-1.gif)
#~~~The Climax~~~
**Haruhi Hater 69420** says
"God I hate that anime 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya', There is no character development in that
anime whatsoever"
img(https://files.catbox.moe/0cqszb.png)
**Haruhi Hater 69420** says
" OH MY GAH!!!!! is that Osaka from azumanga
daioh? Why yes, that does sound interesting Osaka. It could improve that series for me. BTW when
is the next season of azumanga daioh coming Osaka? It's been 20 years. Please come back, I really miss
you :( "
*starts crying*
>On a side note, god please give us another season of azumanga daioh. I beg.
Even though the show managed to explain the characters and the bonds between them really well, the
lack of character development was one of the reasons that the show was criticised. Well well well not
anymore buckaroo, the movie has some epic **character development** that you longed for.
The people in "Disappearance" feel very fresh because the world is new. Imagine I took Naruto and put
him in the world of "Demon slayer". Did Naruto change? not necessarily. Did demon slayer change? Not
necessarily. But if I combine the two then it feels completely new and fresh. In the movie, the same
characters who we knew in the show are placed in a new world so their reactions, interactions and
dialogue become interesting again.
Apart from these benefits of solid world-building, There is also good character development of our boi
Kyon ( or our mc ) and we are blessed with a new cute Nagato.
I wanna go on a tangent and talk about "The cute Nagato" because well, I am a big Nagato fanboy ngl
(my favourite character in the series) and OH MY GOD!!! the Nagato with expressions and emotions is so
**DAMN CUTE BRO**. Imagine Komi-san but a hundred times cuter. Nagato has the personality of a
'computer program' throughout the show and seeing an expressive Nagato is a special feeling. By
focusing on minute details, they were able to nail her cuteness of a shy, timid and bashful literacy
girl down to a T. It was so good that they even made a spin-off lol.
img(https://i.pinimg.com/564x/0d/28/8a/0d288aa9770b2712175544c6ab3bbe49.jpg)
I love this movie. It is a sci-fi adventure time travel story. From start to end, there is always something interesting happening and no scene is ever boring. You either love him or hate him; the protagonist, Kyon, is a moody and complicated young high school student with a peculiar train of thoughts. He is entertaining to listen to and his perspective is relatable, though sometimes cringey, but someone who never does anything embarrassing simply isn't human. Kyon is very human and humanity happens to be a major theme in this film. If you have not watched the source material, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, you may not understand the significance in the changes that happen after the beginning of the film. However, you can still watch this movie and gain something from it without watching the source material first. Anyone who likes the "they annoy me, but I need them" trope, will enjoy this film. The visuals are amazing, but fortunately, they aren't a mask to compensate for poor writing and direction like other anime films. This movie looks good and it's story is good too. There are some unsightly CG choices, but they don't last long enough to be a major issue. The best part of this movie is the energy Kyon gives to his friends. He acts tough, but he cares a lot and it's shown throughout the entire film by his interactions with and personal thoughts about his friends. I'll confess, I have a crush on Kyon and it's entirely because of the surprising ways he shows he cares; it's because when he does you never see it coming. There are very few problems with this movie. I thought the music direction in some places was too enthusiastic for a story lead by such a bitter protagonist. In other places, specifically the scenes with Kyon's friend, Yuki, the music was perfect. I watched this film in English and I thought the voices sounded too old for the characters, but they were otherwise OK and the acting was decent enough. One glaring issue that I have with all episodic series like The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is that the characters don't evolve, and that applied to this movie as well. Kyon experiences a lot, but none of the experiences really change him. They basically reaffirm who we already knew he was, but this movie likes to tease you with a big "What if?". Kyon doesn't need to change, however, because he's already a great character and his friends (mostly) are too. This movie didn't do anything wrong so I gave it a perfect score for this review. Your enjoyment is entirely connected to how much you like Kyon because he's talking (yes, TALKING) you through everything. I love Kyon, I have always loved Kyon, I loved him when I first watched this movie almost 10 years ago, and he is a character that stands the test of time. I would recommend this movie to anyone. You're guaranteed to like something.
Keep in mind, I'm approaching all of this as someone who only watched this and the series. I have no familiarity with things like the light novels whatsoever. Didn't think it was a masterpiece (outside of one scene, which was so good I have to talk about it in length), but if it's any consolation, out of the gate, _Disappearance_ is a movie I can see myself revisiting. __Oh yeah, and spoilers. __ The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, the highly acclaimed 2010 anime film, closes off the series on an unsurprisingly offbeat note, which brings back more of the supernatural elements that were more present in the show's earlier episodes. Though the thing to keep in mind is this film didn't offer as many plot-based payoffs as much as I would've expected (any more of closed space, the shinjin celestials, the origins of Haruhi's abilities, Itsuki's organization, etc.). But the thing is, kinda like EVA, I think there's something still profound to be admired in how all of that isn't AS end-all, be-all important as you'd think it is. By the end of it, none of that truly matters that much. And that's a compliment. Because once more: Kyon is the single most important character throughout all of this. Haruhi Suzumiya wouldn't be Haruhi Suzumiya without him, and this movie fully embraces it. Because goddamn, if that introspection scene with him towards the end isn't anything short of moving. It's _the_ single best scene in the entire film, even somehow in spite of the fact I couldn't fully relate to it (I'll explain in a bit). If he couldn't stand the old world so much, why the hell did he still press that enter key? All signs, at the obvious level, point to him resenting it. Who does he have to kid? Haruhi is a pushy, smug, obnoxious, annoying little brat. Everyone knows that, and the dumb SOS Brigade club had him watch her push everyone around, all with a forced halo on her head at all times that you can't do anything about. It was as if all my feelings towards her were finally being lashed out in a way not seen since the Sigh arc. It's so simple. And so effectively well conveyed. And yet...as he digs deeper and deeper into himself, against all odds, he can't let go of that little spark inside him that admits that, well...he didn't fully hate it. He still had some fun. All the crazy, out-of-the-ordinary shenanigans he experienced, for someone who's always been content with his average, normal life, is something even he can't deny as something to look back on and embrace a little. This isn't resenting contentedness, it's simply learning to celebrate the extraordinary. It's the world he calls home, no matter what. Warts and all, it'll always fit him like a glove when the feeling hits. As messy and undoubtedly imperfect as his old life so obviously was...it's also so obvious to him that that doesn't mean it was 100% bad either. That inner voice in him that simply can't hate it, no matter what. That voice that's always there, that just needed to be heard and loved more. By the time it was taken away from him, sure he could adapt and get used to it, but you found that golden opportunity lying there, awaiting a response. And so, mustering up his final ounces of confidence that grow stronger and stronger: he fully accepts and embraces himself. This is his choice, and he's not going to beat himself up over it anymore. He'll take it, and that's more than OK for him. The simple choice to return home: and he's gonna damn well take that shot. And as corny as it sounds, the more I type this down, the more I realize this is simply, truly, about accepting home. And it's reminding me of this Butch Walker song I love: "I finally found the difference between going back and going home." It's more than simply returning to the old world as it is in a literal, physical sense; it's the feeling and honest sense of self that comes with it. And I gotta say, I didn't expect to hear that message in an anime like this, let alone on first few impressions. God if this scene doesn't get more profound the more I think on it! I had to rewatch it just for this review, and like with any great rewatch, you pick up on the neat new details you didn't catch or think too much on the first time around. An appreciation that only grows. However, this otherwise masterful scene has a little downside (keyword: little. Don't get it twisted). Which is I can't help but feel the overall series could've greatly benefited by making Haruhi at least somewhat more overtly likable. I mentioned this before in my review of the series, but sadly, I straight-up couldn't stand Haruhi for a good 80% of the time. And given how this scene, the arguable climax of the film, hinges on him embracing Haruhi as a part of his life...idk, but just imagine how much more powerful it would be if she was simply a loud, still eccentric girl who didn't constantly dick Mikuru around, act all snobby, high, mighty, and self-centered. This ultimately comes down to personal taste, but Haruhi makes me want to flick her hard on the forehead whenever her stupid face shows up. Yet with that being said, what I deeply respect as always is that the writers know. No shish she's supposed to be a grade-A nag. And it takes real guts for a guy like Kyon to find some inherent good qualities in her. Her unbreakable spirit, her dashes of energy, the whole outgoing, "who cares" attitude you can't help but respect a little. I guess an easier solution would've been to give Haruhi more sympathetic moments akin to her baseball flashback, and grass scene from "Live Again," so there's a more even mix of the intentionally annoying, and fleshed out enough to sympathize with, to ensure audiences like me can grasp Kyon's decision as the every-man even powerfully. Still, this is Kyon's moment. You believe every last word that comes out of his mouth when he's declaring his acceptance of himself and his true life. Yeah, this review turned into more of a "one ____ scene" type of essay, didn't it? I couldn't help it. Maybe someday I'll do a more thorough review, (hell, I barely mentioned Yuki, who's arguably the 2nd most important character in this. Let the record show, she's beautiful here), but at the moment, I feel pretty confident in this being me laying out my, I guess, "preliminary" thoughts. Overall, Disappearance was a satisfying final chapter to the Haruhi Suzumiya series, and was consistently engaging, offering enough stakes and fun character dynamics that leave you fulfilled. It's also paced damn effortlessly, with nearly every slower-paced scene never creeping on overstaying its welcome. 2 hours and 40 minutes never felt like a breeze, nor very well spent, even as I paused it one or two times to get my head together. Closing off with a hauntingly beautiful acapella song. I'll be revisiting that scene whenever I need it. Future Mikuru shows up. Me and Kyon's wishes were granted! Song of the day: "Chapter 13" by +44.
لا اقدر ان اصف قدر امالي عالية على هذه فلم قد ابالغ واقول انه سبب رئيسي لمتابعة للعمل ولكنه مخيب للأمال كان انمي هاروهي سوزوميا عبارة عن خيبة امل بطبيعته مع كثير من غموض وعنصار خيال علمي مثيرة مع شريحة من حياة قد تكون هذه اكثر تصانيف استهلكتها ولكن بنهاية جزء شريحة من حياة هو اساس الذي يقف فيه خيال علمي بهذه عمل وللاسف هو ليس افضل حاجة وشيئ محزن ادركي ان كاتب يدرك هذه مع وجود شخصيات مثل ازاهي سان كانت شيئ مزعج بحق انت حضرت كاتب تدرك مدى ازعاج هذه شخصيات وكل ما تفعله هو اعادة خطا من سبقك شخصية صوت محزن يتم تحرش بها و تستعمل كادات جنسية بشكل محزن لا اعرف حقا كيف وصلت الى مراكز عالية وما هو عمل مجهد الذيي بذلته هل كان تحمل تحرش من رؤسائها ام ماذا امر كان مزعج في انمي لدرجة ان من افضل لقطتات كان عندما سأل كيون كون ان يشوف وشمة صدرها وما حصل انها لم تخجل وتقول احمق! او لم تضربه مع جو كرتوني عشان كوميديا لقد ضربته بشكل جدي بلا اي ضحك بنت انمي عندما يتم تحرش بها تضرب متحرش.. كانت مشاعري مزيج من هذه فيديو youtube(https://youtu.be/s7b5r6PhpG0?si=vYEMy501i_APYh_t) وايضا https://youtu.be/PHgc8Q6qTjc?si=edN4BrqgM_w8XVMP بعيدا عن هذه حبكة كان جزء منها متوقعة وجزء منها كان يعتبر هبد جزء متوقع هو مفاتيح عبارة عن تجميعهم وجزء هبد هو ظهور ساكورا قاتلة وانقاذ نسخته ماضية اعني حقا هذه امرعبارة عن حدث صادم غير مبني مع حبكة سفر عبر زمن غير مشروحة وبلا قواعد (عشانها معلومات سرية) حرفيا مهما يواجه الخطر فهو يقدران يعود بزمن لا يوجد اي خطر او مشاكل حرفيا كان هدفه صناعة صدمة للمتابعين ويعني اوكي لو انت تريد تتجنب تعمق زائد مثل ايفا(رغم ان ايفا شرحك لك اغلب اشياء وكل ما كنت تحتاجه هو تفاصيل تم حكيها بلعبة) وعدى ان ايفا مع وقت بدا بتركيز اكثر على مشاعر بقسمه ثاني ولكنك اذا تريد ان تقدم حبكة لست امانع وان تطور لي شخصيات وتبهرني برسالة عملك تعمل الغير متوقع لا يوجد حقا اي شيئ اعني بالله عليك... يا كيون هل تعتقد ان مشهد فهمه انه يجب هاروهي يعتبر تطور او شيئ مبهر؟ نحن على دراية بهذه منذ ارك مهرجان ونحن ندرك انه يستمتع بامر هو يذكر باسمرار استمتاعه بكل شيئ لا يتعلق باهارورهو ولكن حتى هاروهو فهو يتودد لها باستمرار خصوصا بارك مهرجان ثقافي وما بعده فلماذا فلسفة زائدة؟ واما ناغاتو على اعترفا انها كانت افضل شيئ بفلم نسختها بشرية كيوت جدا وفكرة حصولها على مشاعر واعطاء كيون خيار لحقا شيئ جميل بس وش بيصير بعدها للشخصية؟ لا شيئ تعود زي ماهي اعني هذه مشكلة انمي مستمرة هو يكره خروج من دائرة راحته ولا يريد ان يخرج شخصياته حتى لو فعل فهو سوف يبذل كل جده ليعودهم خخخخخخ اعرف اني ابدو سلبي ولكنه حبيت فلم هو افضل ما قد تقدمه سلسلة لقطة تمهيدية كانت مضحكة واجواء وطريقة اضائة وظلال جميلة انميشن شديد الجمال ولكنه لا يقدم كثير لحبكته ومثل لا يهتم بتعمق بخيال علمي كثيرا وبعوامل محتملة وهنا ندرك ان هاروهي ليست اله استغفر الله انما هى كائن زي الين اكس وفقط فلم راح يكون تحفة لم حب انمي ولكن لست منهم وللاسف لم يستحق اضاعة الوقت لا شخصيات تطورت ولا اضاف لرسالة عمل ولا قدم شيئ مبهر لدرجة كبيرة انه عرض لم يتحمل مرور الزمن