Review of The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
**SPOILER FREE REVIEW** The Haruhi Suzumiya series has taken its fan base through quite a few emotional twists and turns over the years. It all started with the absurd first episode (episode 0), followed by a fantastic first season, followed by the dreaded "endless eight" of the second season, followed by the great conclusion to the second season. When the movie was announced, the only question on everyone's mind was: "Are they going to screw this up like they screwed up season two, or will this be just like season 1?" The answer was "neither". The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is an absolute masterpiece that notonly surpasses its original episodic version, it blows it out of the water. With unparalleled character development, an intriguing and emotionally investing plot, and a PERFECT soundtrack, this movie is without a doubt one of the greatest anime films of all time. Even if you hated the original Haruhi series, I can't see anyone of any age finding a reason to dislike this amazing film.
Plot: 10/10
As you probably could have guessed from the title, this movie is about The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. One day, Kyon wakes up and is shocked to discover that Haruhi Suzumiya is nowhere to be found. Nobody at school has any idea who she is, and even the members of the SOS Brigade have never heard of her. In fact, the SOS Brigade no longer exists. Nagato and Asahina no longer know who Kyon is and Koizumi is nowhere to be found either. Kyon has to figure out what is going on and how to fix this mess, but more importantly, he must discover if he actually wants to fix this mess. He finally has a chance at a normal life; so is his life better or worse without Haruhi Suzumiya?
I don't see any possible way that the plot of this movie could have been written better. It's a film that is almost three hours long and it still never lost my attention. The pacing? Perfect. The content? Outstanding. The concept? Genius.
Make no mistake; this movie is an entirely different animal then the original Haruhi series. Whereas the original series was centered around fun, comedy, and absurdity, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya focusses almost entirely on emotion and character development. There are really powerful moments in the film; I even got goosebumps a few times, which is something I thought the Haruhi series was incapable of delivering. I won't say anything more for the sake of not spoiling anything, but long-story short: the plot blew me away.
Art: 9/10
The animation, which was way ahead of its time during the airing of the original series, is noticeably improved upon and it looks absolutely stunning. Truly breathe-taking artwork.
Sound: 10/10
An amazing mix of classical and orchestral music that creates a fantastic, unique, and engrossing atmosphere that adds a lot to the film. Top the amazing soundtrack off with stellar voice-acting in both the sub and the dub and you have yourself a 10/10 rating for sound.
Characters: 9/10
The characters of the SOS Brigade have always been know as Kyon, Haruhi, and 3 generic stereotypes. This film completely changed all of that. In addition to Haruhi, a fantastic character, remaining intact, the movie provides amazing character development for Kyon, Nagato, Asahina, and Koizumi, but particularly Kyon and Nagato.
Kyon already had an amusing and humorous personality to begin with, but this is the first time we really get to see him go through serious change; his emotional struggle throughout the journey is arguably the most engrossing part of the entire experience. The audience really connects and sympathizes with him. I liked Kyon to begin with, but this film really propelled him into the elite category of anime characters.
Kyon is certainly not the only one to receive development though, particularly when you consider the transformation of Yuki Nagato. Throughout the series, she has been the stereotypical quiet bookworm, but with no emotions what so ever. I won't spoil what happens, but lets just say that all of that changes in this film, and it's a change for the better. Asahina and Koizumi's development isn't quite as thorough as Kyon and Nagato's, but it's not like every character was going to get outstanding development; that is simply impossible.
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya takes the already strong and/or lovable character from the original series and takes the time to develop them into truly unique and relatable characters. Haruhi isn't in the film very much, but when she is, she just as awesome as usual.
Overall: 10/10
I do NOT give 10/10 ratings lightly, but The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya more then deserves it. There is little doubt in my mind that this is one of the greatest anime films of all time. With a masterfully written plot, amazing characters, breathe-taking animation, and a stellar soundtrack, this movie has everything you could ever want out of an anime. This movie makes watching the Haruhi series more then worth it (not that it isn't awesome on its own) and I would recommend the series to everyone if for no other reason then for the chance to see this film. It truly is a masterpiece, and those only come around every so often.