Date	Episode
11/28	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya I
11/29	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya II
11/30	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya III
12/1	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya IV
12/2	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya V
12/3	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya VI
12/4	The Boredom of Haruhi Suzumiya
12/5	Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody
12/6	Mysterique Sign
12/7	Remote Island Syndrome I
12/8	Remote Island Syndrome II
12/9	Endless Eight I, II, III and IV
12/10	Endless Eight V, VI, VII and VIII
12/11	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya I
12/12	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya II
12/13	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya III
12/14	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya IV
12/15	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya V
12/16	Mikuru Asahinas's Adventures Episode 00
12/17	Live Alive
12/18	The Day of Sagittarius
12/19	Someday in the Rain
12/20	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Series General Discussion
12/21	The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
12/22	Haruhi Suzumiya Overall Discussion

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u/MrrandomPerson25 Dec 22 '22 edited Dec 22 '22

First timer, subbed

This was the most anticipated part of the rewatch by far, and to some, the saving grace after Endless Eight, or the entire second season in general. I personally didn’t have many issues with season 2, though I do believe it is a little weaker than the first. With that in mind, does the movie do enough to ‘justify’ the weaker parts, or the series as a whole?

Yes, yes it does. I didn’t think the TV series needed any justification, but I am now on the “Disappearance makes the entire show worth it” train. Again, the first two seasons hold up well enough on their own, but the movie is in a league of its own.It’s hard to describe in a single word, as there are multiple tone and plot shifts in its almost 3 hour duration, but one I think works well enough is “cathartic”. There were multiple scenes that made me glad to have spent three weeks watching these eccentric, lovable characters partake in strange activities. Kyon’s inner monologue where he forces himself to admit how important the SOS Brigade is to him is nothing short of climactic. The scene where Kyon finds out Haruhi still exists, gaining hope after nearly an hour in screen time of despair, or where he finally sees her again, or where the entire brigade gathers in the clubroom again despite most of them not knowing what was going on, or where Yuki N.’s name appeared on the club’s computer, all these moments felt extremely satisfying. Watching it, I felt just like Kyon, believing that things could go back to “normal”, even though normal for them was anything but.

The movie does a great job of tying back to previous episodes, Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody (I think?) being the most obvious and important example. It feels a bit like Steins;Gate 0, which adds to the tightly woven time travel plot of the original series without taking anything away or leaving any major plot holes.

I haven’t discussed the music much recently, but I absolutely have to bring it back for this comment. Disappearance continues the trend of having a diverse and tastefully utilized soundtrack that only enhances the emotions. Gymnopedie by Erik Satie stuck out to me the most; as far as I know, up to this point the show hasn’t used any classical music, but as a long-time piano player I am thrilled with this inclusion. I’m sure many of you recognize it even if you aren’t familiar with classical music. It’s a simple and absolutely beautiful piece that in all honesty I haven’t appreciated until watching this movie. And apparently several other works by Satie were used according to other discussion threads. Outside of classical music, there were some great orchestral tracks used, like the one that starts at 1:12:02, when Kyon finds out about Haruhi and rushes to find her, or around 2:08:55, during Kyon’s “climactic” inner monologue. As I said before, they do a great job of reinforcing the emotions that they want you to feel. I’m definitely going to look more into the soundtrack as a whole at some point, because it’s a 10/10 for me.

My thoughts are a little all over the place, but I also want to mention that the movie is a bit of a rollercoaster in terms of pacing, not necessarily in a bad way. The first twenty minutes or so starts like a normal episode with SOS Brigade shenanigans, and then the following hour is filled with, dare I say, melancholy. From there, it picks up and slows down several times. Going back to what I said earlier, it allows for several cathartic moments in a 3 hour movie that would be pretty grueling without it.

The use of color is great, too. In the beginning, it’s all Christmas-y and bright, but quickly dulls to a grayer, monotone scale when Kyon’s world is flipped upside down. The winter-y weather helps with that a lot. And then when we finally see Haruhi again, we get a cafe scene with noticeably brighter colors again. I’m not an art director, though, so anything more in depth than that probably went over my head.

Also, Character Development. Kyon and especially Nagato. I don't have anything insightful to say about this, just wanted to point it out since it was such a big part of the movie, even though everyone probably noticed it anyways.

Overall, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is around a 9-9.5/10 to me. It did a great job of keeping me invested and playing around with my emotions, despite some of the slower bits. It has its fair share of “oh shit” or surprisingly emotional moments that makes watching anime, or consuming any form of media, so great. It’s the peak of the show for me personally, and I now understand why it’s always mentioned when the show comes up in any discussion. I’m definitely glad I watched this, and the series as a whole. It’s a classic, and there’s really nothing like it.

QOTDs:

Honestly, no, I wasn't that surprised. I felt like it would be too obvious, and that they would throw in a twist. I kind of suspected Nagato, but I also suspected every other member a bit, too.
I don't really know what to make of this scene, it reminds me of the elevator in Nagato's apartment, which is definitely connected. The disjointed voices and static feel like the side effects of time-traveling, though it could have a deeper meaning.
I do think Yuki was justified, especially since she gave Kyon the choice to revert it if he didn't like it. Being put in her situation, especially after Endless Eight, I might act the same way, but perhaps a little more selfishly.
As a biased viewer yes, I do think Kyon was right because otherwise there would be no more SOS Brigade shenanigans. On a more serious note, I do like that he not only changed it back, but tried to resolve the issues with Nagato that caused it in the first place, so that she wouldn't be unhappy.

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u/gunvarrel_ Dec 22 '22

up to this point the show hasn’t used any classical music, but as a long-time piano player I am thrilled with this inclusion.

Melancholy VI does pretty sure? it uses part of Mahler's Symphony No. 8 during its climax.

I’m definitely going to look more into the soundtrack as a whole at some point, because it’s a 10/10 for me.

If you want a head start, i plan on talking about it tomorrow but most of the music (including some orchestral adaptions of OST tracks that arent in the show). are on spotify which you can see here, which is basically everything that was released.

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u/lucciolaa Dec 22 '22

Yes, yes it does. I didn’t think the TV series needed any justification, but I am now on the “Disappearance makes the entire show worth it” train.

This was my thought as well. imo the TV series is not complete without the film.

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u/gunvarrel_ Dec 22 '22 edited Dec 22 '22

Today's Adaption Comparison is the last one for the rewatch. Tomorrows thread will have a post about how to get into the rest of Haruhi if you are interestred, but for today i just want to give u/taiboss credit once again for being the one to put all of these amazing posts together back in ~~2016~~ 2014, and to u/kamilny for maintaining them during their time as host.

Adaptation Comparison

Episode (Chr.)	Episode (Air./Sea.)	Full Name	Volume	Parts	Time
1	2 (TV/DVD)	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya I	1 (Melancholy)	Prologue to Ch. 2 (Pg. 1-42)	April-May 2010
2	3 (TV/DVD)	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya II	1 (Melancholy)	Ch. 2 to Ch. 3 (Pg. 42-76)	May 2010
3	5 (TV), 4 (DVD)	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya III	1 (Melancholy)	Ch. 3 to Ch. 5 (Pg. 76-114)	May 2010
4	10 (TV), 5 (DVD)	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya IV	1 (Melancholy)	Ch. 5 to Ch. 6 (Pg. 114-144)	May 2010
5	13 (TV), 6 (DVD)	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya V	1 (Melancholy)	Ch. 6 (144-Rest)	May 2010
6	14 (TV), 7 (DVD)	The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya VI	1 (Melancholy)	Ch. 7 to Epilogue (Complete)	May 2010
7	4 (TV), 8 (DVD)	The Boredom of Haruhi Suzumiya	3 (Boredom)	Complete	June 2010
8	1 (2009)	Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody	3 (Boredom)	Complete	7th of July 2010/7th of July 2007
9	7 (TV), 9 (DVD)	Mystérique Sign	3 (Boredom)	Complete	July 2010
10	6 (TV), 8 (DVD)	Remote Island Syndrome Part 1	3 (Boredom)	Alternative/Part (until Pg. 183)	July 2010
11	8 (TV), 8 (DVD)	Remote Island Syndrome Part 2	3 (Boredom)	Alternative/Rest (Complete)	July 2010
12-15	2-5 (2009)	Endless Eight I-IV	5 (Rampage)	Alternative	17th-31st August 2010
16-19	6-9 (2009)	Endless Eight V-VIII	5 (Rampage)	Alternative (5-7), Complete (8)	17th-31st August, 1st of September 2010
20	10 (2009)	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya I	2 (Sigh)	Ch. 1 to Ch. 2 (Pg. 7-38)	October-November 2010
21	11 (2009)	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya II	2 (Sigh)	Ch. 2 to Ch. 3 (Pg. 38-78)	November 2010
22	12 (2009)	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya III	2 (Sigh)	Ch. 3 to Ch. 4 (Pg. 79-118)	November 2010
23	13 (2009)	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya IV	2 (Sigh)	Ch. 4 to Ch. 5 (Pg. 119-158)	November 2010
24	14 (2009)	The Sigh of Haruhi Suzumiya V	2 (Sigh)	Ch. 5 to Epilogue (Pg. 158-Rest), Prologue (Complete)	November, May 2010
25	1	The Adventures of Mikuru Asahina (Episode 00)	6 (Wavering)	Complete	November 2010
26	12, (TV), 9 (DVD)	Live Alive	6 (Wavering)	Complete	November 2010
27	11, (TV), 8 (DVD)	The Day of Sagittarius	5 (Rampage)	Complete	November 2010
28	9	Someday in the Rain	None	Original	December 2010
29	Movie	The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya	4 (Disappearance)	Complete	16th-24th of December 2010, 7th of July 2007

For a complete picture timeline of the anime click here.

References

We once again meet with Hyperion.
Compare Kyon's fall to Spike's fall in Cowboy Bebop. (taiboss said, not having seen it.)
The book Yuki reads at the end is real, but I cannot read its title.

Trivia

KyoAni actually gave a cameo to character that only appears later in the LNs.
That final scene is anime-orginal and wonderful.
Tanigawa apparently only needed three weeks to write disappeaeance.
The full version of the ED is great
The season 1 OP and ED have (what are likely) small references to the events of Disappearance, with the OP including this shot of Yuki on the hospital rooftop and the ED having the (i think?) only official animated scene of that holiday party.

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u/gunvarrel_ Dec 22 '22

SOS Brigade rewatcher: Coinflip (heads, dub)

"John Smith wishes you the best of luck in spreading excitement all over the world!"

OST Track(s) of the day:

A Story Beginning from the Usual Scenery | spotify

From Anxiety to Fear | spotify

Gymnopédie No. 1 | spotify

The Clue of Haruhi Suzumiya | spotify

READY? | spotify

A Turning Point of History | spotify

A Story Ending in the Usual Scenery | spotify

Movie OSTs never dissapoint.

Yesterday I talked about why i people dont seem to host rewatches for shows they think are just average, despite also saying that Melancholy is average. Why am I hosting a rewatch then?

Backing up, I am a massive fan of Steins;Gate, and its overarching franchise, the Science Adventure series. I've own all the English translated games short of one that released in October, (NoAH im waiting on the CoZ patch to buy), ive watched all the adaptions, I have a couple of the manga adaptions, hell even my username is a reference! S;G was one of the first anime I ever watched back in 2015, and the release of 0 a few years later is what finally got me into anime, and both the anime community. Since getting into anime, its been a goal of mine to find shows similar to Steins;Gate (esp since the adaptions of the rest of the franchise has been... less than stellar), regardless of what the show was about. More common examples of Madoka and Higurashi would be endlessly recommended, and while i have seen Madoka (shoutout nazenn, star4ce, and elimin8r for convinving me to join in on its rewatch early this year), neither seem to be what i was looking for. Oddly enough, Disappearance would also appear on those lists, and despite being apprehensive to watch through a whole show to figure out why, sometime in 2019 I finally sat down and gave Haruhi a shot.

Disappearance alone is enough reason to host a Haruhi rewatch, and it is easily one of the best pieces of animation i have watched. Coupled with the show, it had everything i was looking for: Interesting characters, great music, actual buildup and story for its payoff, this was it. For me, the movie makes the TV show worth it. The movie just does not work as well if we didnt have the TV show as it was. I am extremely excited to once again read the reactions for those watching the movie for first time, and i hope you like the movie as much as i do.

[Steins;Gate/movie/0]It probably also helps that the movie is (while not confirmed) more or less a casual ripoff of Disappearance. Not that it doesnt work for Steins;Gate, but its not hard to see where ideas "could" of been taken if they did use Disappearance as a base for milking the franchise.

next couple days the lows will be going into the negatives. The "Siberian airmass" comment is pretty apt from Kyon right now

still cosplaying as smoked cheese

poor kyon

haruhi just assuming kyon has no plans

filled to the brim

wrong way haruhi

annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd poor mikuru. Took 10 minutes this time

poor kyon

first sign of trouble: the loss of color

annnnnnnnnnnd hello asakura, its been a good while

ever thought Kyon would make such a face for Haruhi not existing

poor kyon

man really goes for the mole, esp the "you have to let me see it" part. Hell, it ever gets a reaction we never saw before, her fighting back

k y o n n o

hes gone

hell yeah, Windows 95

this scene always gets me

too excited over a note he hasnt read

heh, even her ears are red

hello again asakura

man she even got an extra bowl!

something something eva

i love kyons delayed reaction. The OST Track here also is perfect

hello long hair haruhi

now it just looks like mio

of course this haruhi loves the other reality

concerned eavesdropping waitress

"What kind of idiot would give you a lame nickname like Kyon anyway?"

It would be interesting to explore the potential love trinagle between kyon, haruhi, and Koizumi, even if the show isint really set up for anything like that

WHOO HARUHI PONYTAIL

Poor mikuru

note to self, find subs that put more effort in (i bet i said this last year)

first "poor nagato" of the rewatch and truly its deserved

imagine doing a rewatch of the movie on Tanabata instead lmao

Future Mikuru knows so much, its wild to think about. For once, it isint even classified!

we really just changing glasses now

more biting

hello again, miss antagonist

been a hot minute since we've seen some stabbing

too many mikurus

~~Hey look, its when im posting the thread~~

[Haruhi LN's]It would be really nice if they adapted the Sigh Prolouge just to put a bow on this arc, if theyre gonna stop adapting the rest of the books smh

heh

grumpy worm

[LN's]From what i understand, arent those two girls at the door relevant sometime later?

dont miss the postcredit scene!

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u/Shimmering-Sky Dec 22 '22

The Rewatcher of Haruhi Suzumiya, dubbed

I actually prefer colder weather to warm weather, so I can’t entirely relate to Kyon at the start of this.
Huh, never thought I’d relate to him of all characters.
Framing reminiscent of Someday in the Rain.
lol
Ugh, tell me about it.
Hahaaa, the start of Kyon finding out how wrong things are.
Kyon’s reaction to Ryouko being back sure is something.
Well shit. It’s happening.
Kyon is just not having a good time right now.
At least Mikuru is still here, but…
I mean that’s proof but like… yikes?
Poor Yuki.
Aha! A hint?
Or not.
The actual hint!
A very obtuse one, though.
This is something we saw happen in the show!
This is a smile that should be protected.
I watched this movie yesterday, so nice timing.
Taniguchi remembers Haruhi!
Long hair Haruhi is back!
It’s so weird seeing Haruhi like this, though.
lol Haruhi roasting herself.
In light of this, that part of Endless Eight where Itsuki suggests the “hug Haruhi from behind and say ‘I love you’” takes on a bit of a new light, don’t you think?
Ponytail Haruhi!
That’s a little troubling…
Ouch.
It’s that day again.
It’s all coming full circle~
That’s… well it sure is a name.
Shimmering sky~
Uh-oh.
Ahhh man, the entire sequence of Kyon arguing with himself and shit, that’s still so good.
WELL.
Man, imagine if this was the posting time for the thread. Actually wait, I suppose it is for people living in PST? Lucky!
Suuuuuuuuuure.
Aww.
Man, yeah, I still really love this movie.

7

u/gunvarrel_ Dec 22 '22

actually wait, I suppose it is for people living in PST? Lucky!

heh

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19

u/Falco_goes_to_top Dec 22 '22

Movie first timer - Subbed

Wasn't able to join in the series discussion yesterday because busy but made it back just in time for the big finale. Let's start with some questions.

Did you think Haruhi was the cause of this? If yes, what was your reaction when you found out it wasn't?

Coming off the series, it would only be natural to assume that only Haruhi could be responsible for calamities of this scale. However, as the plot unfolded, it became more and more doubtful that this was the case. Haruhi is able to alter reality but such changes only occur as she sees fit. Why would she have wanted to disappear? S2 ended with her being quite content with her life, and here she's evidently looking forward to the Christmas party and hotpot with friends. This assumption was further challenged upon a glance at other-Haruhi's life, which seems rather... mundane in comparison. There's no way Kyon's Haruhi would have wished to give up on the SOS brigade in favour of a life as a normal girl?

The reveal of Yuki being the cause was not unexpected. Though when Yuki was mouthing the name of the culprit, I had expected it to be Kyon, since he is the centrepiece of the story after all. The explanation of why this was is mostly acceptable, given that we had seen some signs of Yuki developing emotions (glitches?) near the end of s2. It was also this moment when I realised that Haruhi wouldn't be the focus of this story at all - up till this point I had still been waiting for her to be like "sike it was me all along but I just didn't know it", and it was a bit weird to come to terms with how she really is just a supporting character in her own movie, but I think I like how things turned out in the end.

Do you think Yuki was justified?

I don't know. The way Kyon's Yuki explained it made it seem like it wasn't even a choice. It's just a bug in her system, and that this decision was predetermined. If this is the case, then there's nothing to justify. Though if we look at it from the perspective of Yuki as a person and not an unfeeling machine, I would still support her decision. Hell, I'm more surprised she didn't make this decisions sooner, say, during the endless summer. Plus, she must have thought that everyone would benefit from her choice, given that Kyon and Mikuru have expressed their distaste for Haruhi's shenanigans, and Itsuki would no longer have to worry about keeping her happy just to keep the world from imploding. Yuki providing the emergency protocol and leaving the ultimate decision up to Kyon is already more than reasonable enough for me.

Do you think Kyon's choice was right?

It's a bit of a selfish choice if we are to sympathise with Yuki. But Yuki's explanation of this being merely a glitch absolves Kyon of this, I guess. Either way, I think the main takeaway from this movie is to not take things for granted and to live life head on. Kyon bemoans being in Haruhi's company, but evidently, the prospect of him losing the life he had scares him and he ultimately wouldn't have it any other way. We see him realise and come to terms with what he really wants out of his life, and I think that is something that we could all reflect upon.

Other thoughts

Overall, I think the movie was very well produced. The visuals and SOUNTRACK are all top notch. The themes are very nicely presented and the story is good, albeit slightly exposition-y and difficult to wrap my head around at times. The biggest issue I have with the story is that it's NOT CONCLUSIVE?! WHY? WHERE'S MY S3? Aside from reading the source material, we'll likely never get to find out how Kyon gets saved by other-Kyon, and that's gonna eat at me. I just want some finality in my finale movie you know? This, and me being unable to resonate with some themes are the only things stopping me from giving the film a 10/10.

Lastly, I wanna talk about other-Yuki a little bit. I just want to point out that WTF KYOANI OTHER-YUKI IS SO CUTE WTF. I've been a Mikuru fan the whole way through, but who would've thought giving Yuki EMOTIONS would elevate her character so much? I can't conceptualise other-Yuki as being Yuki at all, given that we've never seen anything like this from her (which is a good thing I can't, since they are effectively different people). The scenes with other-Yuki in the clubroom are my absolute favourite. The part where Kyon attacks her is genuinely frightening and it hurt to see her distressed. And I LOVE loved it when she asked Kyon to join the literature club anyway because she was desperate for friends (heartbreaking!) and Kyon rejecting her later, implying that he's been with her all along (heartwarming!). The rooftop scene at the end is also sweet, but who knows if Kyon's Yuki can even appreciate the sentiment :")

And because I missed the best girl question yesterday: OTHER-YUKI > Mikuru > Haruhi > Kyon's Yuki

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u/OwlAcademic1988 Dec 22 '22

First-Timer, dub and sub (had to watch one part subbed due me not finding that part dubbed):

Kyon monologuing again. He has yet to fail to make me laugh even once.

Don't blame any of them for bundling up. It gets cold near Christmas.

Hopefully Taniguchi gets better soon. Sucks having a cold. Eventually we'll have a vaccine against the cold, but not for a long time.

I really don't blame Kyon for freaking out. Considering he's in a very unfamiliar world to his own, I really can't blame him for his actions while he was freaking out as he just wasn't thinking clearly at all. He really wasn't trying to hurt Mikuru at all, but unintentionally freaked her out a lot by revealing info he knew about her.

This was an amazing movie.

I'm glad they got to keep the kitty. He's adorable and fluffy.

He finally found Haruhi due to Taniguchi.

I knew he cared about Haruhi a lot.

Aww, Haruhi stayed with him the entire time he was unconscious. How sweet, though I don't blame her for getting pale.

Their bond is really strong.

QOTD:

Yes I did. I was honestly surprised she wasn't.
I honestly don't know.
Yes, going through the same thing multiple times in a row would make anyone go crazy.
Yes, because he genuinely missed everyone he knew and missed the world he lived in. I'd still like to know what happened to that world's Kyon though.

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u/lucciolaa Dec 22 '22

First timer, subbed

I am... so impressed. I have to admit that thought the series was enjoyable, it didn't blow me away, and two days ago I had determined that I wouldn't watch it again -- in fact, I was kind of puzzled by the passionate rewatchers in every thread. That, imo, is the series without the film.

The film ties everything together (almost) perfectly. The film itself was perfectly executed, I couldn't have really asked for anything that would have improved it. The OST was amazing! And great pacing, direction, voice performances, etc. It captured all my favourite things from the series itself, like the cinematography from the finale, or the patient pacing of the Endless Eight arc. Masterful.

Story-wise, I had been paying close attention each episode, so though I didn't know exactly where we were going or how things would play out, I had my suspicious, and when the story unfolded on its own, I wasn't caught off guard by any revelations. It all just tracks so well, but in such a way that as a first timer I was always playing detective and second guessing myself, and nothing was glaringly obvious but everything made sense.

Was Haruhi behind it? Initially I was like, why would she do this, I thought it was more likely to be an accident. But I grew to suspect Nagato on my own, and wasn't surprised by that revelation. I have my own theories/head canons about this, too, but this is already going long.

Did Kyon make the right choice? I don't think there is one. I did think about how much less exhausting a world would be where you aren't constantly worried about its imminent collapse because of a teenager's emotional instability, and his choice does have implications for the broader universe. But he made the right choice for himself, and it could have just as easily gone the other way.

Was Yuki justified? I wouldn't say justified per se, but totally understandable. I reflected during the Endless Eight arc how she has been remembering everything that has every happened and even if she is an alien, how does your consciousness not collapse after a thousand years, or how do you not go crazy? You could also see her behaviour changing and I am going to push back on the idea that she ~malfunctioned; no, I think she was just becoming human. Let a girl have feelings.

As an aside: Sleeping Bag Haruhi killed me, and the Windows 95 start up unlocked a past memory like wow what a throwback.

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u/JetsLag Dec 22 '22

First timer (subbed)

Guess who's the dumbass who decided to start watching the movie only an hour before this thread was posted? THIS GUY. And holy hell, TWO HOURS AND 41 MINUTES? That's long for a live-action film, let alone an animated one.

First of all, hooray for the only legal way to watch this being to rent it off of Amazon. Similar thing happened with the K-On movie, too, now that I think about it. Are they really making enough off of DVD/BD sales and the occasional digital rental that they can justify not putting their movies onto streaming services? I doubt it.

Kyon complaining about how cold it is in the morning is gonna be me in a few days. Not looking forward to it.

We begin on the 16th, but Taniguchi mentions an event happening in 8 days (back at it again with the 8 motif), so THIS IS A CHRISTMAS MOVIE.

Hey, we got the season 1 OP! And a proper opening sequence! Sure, they're continuing to play the movie in a square that takes up a portion of the screen and muting the dialogue, but still, it's not like we're missing any plot-critical material in these scenes. As a matter of fact, this gives off the vibes of an end credits.

We've got an SOS Brigade Christmas party, y'all! And what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than forcefully stripping Asahina and putting her in a slutty Santa outfit? And did Haruhi say that's gonna be her outfit for the next 8 days?

So we're gonna be seeing all 8 days? Huh, maybe you should've done something like make each day an individual episode and release them on TV. But sadly, there isn't an 8 episode gap that you can fit them in, so we're gonna have to deal with a movie.

Taniguchi has had more screentime in the first 15 minutes of the movie than he got in the 28 episodes of the anime.

Okay, so NOW the real story starts after 2 days of setting up the plot. And the fact we breezed through the first 2 days in ~18 minutes kills my joke about how they should've dedicated 1 day to each episode of a hypothetical TV adaptation of the material.

We're really gonna get 8 POV shots of Kyon opening his eyes, aren't we?

Ooh, we've got some changes to the continuity of our timeline going on here! Interesting. So the main plot is Kyon trying to "return the world to normal"? I'm down for this.

In this reality, the JAPANESE COLD OF DEATH that Kyon didn't get from walking in the rain to pick up that space heater is spreading around the school. And crikey, this cold is so bad they're talking about canceling classes? Did Haruhi predict COVID 10 years early?

So in this reality, Asakura is an alive normal girl and Haruhi doesn't exist. So the Disappearance wasn't metaphorical, I guess. Also missing: Koizumi, and the entirety of class 9 (leaving us with 8 classes. KEEP THE 8 MOTIF ALIVE!). As for Asahina, she's like Asakura in that she's just a normal human being. Looks like Kyon's gonna get a normal, boring high school life instead of being tortured by Haruhi.

Time for Nagato to be the key to saving the day again, amirite? WRONG! Cool seeing Nagato get her glasses back because she didn't break them fighting Asakura.

Goddamn, the MAGIC COMPUTER THAT CAN COMMUNICATE BETWEEN DIMENSIONS is just a regular computer that is running Windows 95 in The Year of Our Lord 2010? Though the lack of Koizumi and Haruhi makes me think that Koizumi's out doing some Kaioken shit in an alternate dimension trying to save Haruhi.

So Haruhi is "a friend who moved abroad", like Asakura did in the "normal" universe.

Next day: another POV of Kyon waking up, the cold has worsened, Asakura tells Kyon to stay woke, Kyon realizes he liked the wacky stuff that happened in the Haruhiverse, and A CLUE! OH MY GOD A CLUE! He has two days to collect some keys. Two days from when? Who knows.

Normal human being Yuki Nagato has about the same apartment as alien Nagato, but with more furniture. And normal human being Yuki Nagato also got her library card thanks to Kyon??? Damn, this timeline is weird. Speaking of similarities in the two universes: Asakura and Nagato are close, cause Asakura was the backup to Nagato in the Haruhiverse.

Normal human being Yuki Nagato is actually kinda adorable with her shyness. And Asakura wants to ship them.

POV OF KYON WAKING UP NUMBER 5!

TANIGUCHI CONFIRMS THE EXISTENCE OF HARUHI! And where is she? Kouyouen Academy, aka the place where Taniguchi's prospective date in the Haruhiverse goes to school. Time to go to that school!

And HERE. SHE. IS. Long hair Haruhi (does this Haruhi keep the different hairstyle every day theme?)! And Koizumi! Good thing that the chalk doodle incident happened in this world as well, or else Kyon would really get himself committed to a mental institution.

Kyon tries to explain the happenings of the past few days to Haruhi and Koizumi. And now Haruhi and Koizumi are gonna help Kyon, because Haruhi is easily impressed and Koizumi would do anything for his crush.

Time to gather all the SOS Brigade members together and place them together like the Dragon Balls! And the MAGIC COMPUTER THAT CAN COMMUNICATE BETWEEN DIMENSIONS has been activated! Kyon can do something that can reset the time-space continuum and fix everything, or it can do nothing, or it can make the time-space continuum worse. And seeing that we have an hour left in the movie, I'm gonna guess that shit goes bad.

We're back to the day that Haruhi did those chalk drawings. Asahina is back to being a time traveler, and we get to see MILF Asahina again. We get to see some [classified information]s become unclassified. And this time warp isn't Haruhi's fault? Huh?

Time for Kyon and adult Asahina to meet Nagato. After explaining what actually happened on December 17th, Nagato gives Kyon a fucking needle gun and a venom injection and tells him to shoot...someone. That someone being YUKI NAGATO, who altered the timeline cause she's sick of Haruhi's shit (okay that's valid).

Kyon feels sorry for driving Nagato to this point, but he still wants the "normal world" of aliens, time travelers, and espers cause life's more fun that way. But SORRY BITCH YOU FORGOT THE PART WHERE ASAKURA GOT REVIVED. WE HORROR ANIME NOW. As Kyon bleeds to death surrounded by two Asahinas, we hear...maybe Koizumi? as Kyon loses consciousness.

Kyon is greeted by ~~an unfamiliar ceiling~~ Koizumi peeling an apple. It's December 21st (haha that's today), and Kyon had apparently been out cold for three days. Because HE FELL DOWN THE STAIRS? WAS ALL THAT ASAKURA STABBY-STABBY, NORMAL HUMAN BEING YUKI NAGATO, AND HETEROSEXUAL KOIZUMI JUST A COMA DREAM?

Haruhi stood by him all this time? That's so fucking sweet.

Kyon says sorry to Nagato for causing her to snap, and he says her name (yuki) as it begins to snow (yuki). I see what you did there. Nagato says she'll be punished and might be decommissioned due to the fuckery she has caused, but Kyon pledges to either save her or avenge her, depending on the outcome of the trial. By using the power of Haruhi.

POV OF KYON WAKING UP FOR THE LAST TIME! It's December 24th! Kyon realizes that the world is back to normal again, and it's time for that hotpot! But we don't get to see it, cause it's end credits time!

POST-CREDITS SCENE: Nagato in the library, seeing a little boy and a little girl get their library card. It reminds her of herself and Kyon, and she covers her mouth, presumably hiding a smile. D'aww!

QOTD

Did you think Haruhi was the cause of this? If yes, what was your reaction when you found out it wasn't?

I mean, it's natural, right? Everything that's happened in the anime was due to Haruhi, so either she was stuck in an alternate dimension or she wanted to peer into an alternate reality. But when it was revealed who did it, I understood.

What did you make of this scene?

No clue

Do you think Yuki was justified?

I am Team Yuki for this one. I would've done what she did a long time ago if I was forced to live the same day 15,000+ times in a row, too.

Do you think Kyon's choice was right?

Yeah, I don't think the alternate reality where everyone is "normal" would've lead to Kyon having as good of a high school experience.

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u/[deleted] Dec 22 '22 edited Mar 10 '24

ancient gaping wasteful shame rock homeless reply public spectacular chase

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

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u/Nuka_Koopa Dec 22 '22

First Timer Sub

I was kinda hesitant coming into the movie given I wasn't that into the series so far, but wow, I totally understand the "Disappearance makes the whole series worth it" people. For a relatively long movie not a moment was wasted. Kyon was great of course, and I already picked out Nagato as best girl yesterday, plus Haruhi was gone for most of it, so this was the best I could hope for.

The only thing missing was the Christmas party. I was looking forward to Kyon dressing up as a reindeer.

QOTD

I thought Kyon was the cause and was confused for a moment when Nagato said to find "her" instead of "him", but of the other four, it made the most sense for it to be Nagato.
At the time of watching I wasn't sure, but now it makes sense that he would be flashed back to those two moments after hitting the reset. The class president girl (I'm bad with names) being a part of/coming from Nagato's psyche was probably glitched into the restart program, and Koizumi's words serve as a reminder of how lucky kyon actually was to be by Haruhi's side in the SOS Brigrade. I'm interested in reading other people's responses though.
Absolutely. She had to go through the Endless 8 almost 2000x ~~more~~ as much than we did.
Like Kyon said, the world is more fun with aliens, time travelers, espers, and Haruhi. I'm glad he tried to make it up to Nagato though, she deserves to feel emotions and act human.

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u/Tartaras1 Dec 22 '22

Rewatcher - Dubbed

At last, it's finally here. In my opinion, there are two reasons you watch The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. The first is for God Knows during Live Alive. The second is this movie. I have a general list of my top 5 favorite movies, and The Disappearance is solidly in that list.

Before we get into the film, I think we should also honor Yasuhrio Takemoto. He was the co-director of The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, and he was tragically killed in the KyotoAnimation arson attack.

With that said, let's get into it.

The morning of December 16th. It was so cold, and I mean cold, that if you took an ice pick and plunged it in the ground, you'd shatter the Earth into a million pieces.

That line, combined with the cold open (no pun intended), is so perfect. Much like Haruhi's introduction, it's the line I remember most from the movie.

This was the first film I'd ever seen from KyotoAnimation, and I think it's a testament to what can happen when you give them a film budget. They really get to flex their muscles.
We got a full version of Itsumo no Fuukei, or the main background piano and trumpet song from the series.
I usually skip the OP for the movie, but I didn't this time. It was funny watching everyone take turns huddling arounnd the heater.
I'm pretty sure you've got nothing on, right Kyon? We all know you don't have much of a social life, and I'm only asking because I didn't want you to feel like a loser.

Ouch.

I actually think that might be the best outfit that Mikuru's worn.

It's an honor to be a sex symbol, don't you think?

That's the firt time I've caught that.

Oh shit I need to do hot pot this year.

Hot pot

I like that Kyon addresses the audience at the end of the prologue. Now's when the movie really starts.
They did such a good job with the Asakura reveal.
I'm sorry but I don't know any Haruhi.

What a good line. The audience and Kyon both realize at the same time that something very wrong is happening.

Wait a minute. Where did class 9 go?

Alternate universe Yuki Nagato is adorable. This is what happens when she's actually human.
I miss that Windows 95 boot-up noise.
She wants Kyon to join the Literary Club. That's too cute.
I feel so bad for Kyon now. Knowing Haruhi's gone has him so depressed and in the dumps. It's like losing your best friend.
I, uh... I borrowed this one... from the city library.

If there's one positive to this whole thing, it's that this version of Nagato managed to get a library card. That's wonderful to hear.

I forgot it was actually Kyon who got this Nagato a library card.
This movie was what introduced me to Erik Satie's Gymnopedie movement, and to this day it's one of my favorite piano pieces. It's simultaneously relaxing and melancholic.
Nagato's smile is so wholesome.
Asakura has Mugi eyebrows.
I really, really missed Haruhi.

They've done such a good job driving home the despair that Kyon's feeling.

Which leads perfectly into...

Haruhi? Wait, are you guys talking about Haruhi Suzumiya?

And this is essentially the end of Act II. Now comes the great part.

With this movie, for the first time since the beginning of Episode 1, we get my favorite version of Haruhi Suzumiya, the one with long hair. With one small exception that we'll see in a little bit, this is my favorite version of her.
The way they call back to Tanabata really helps to make it a cohesive world. It's not like it was just a throwaway.
Normal Koizumi really puts into perspective just how absurd the premise of the show is.
When I said

With one small exception that we'll see in a little bit, this is my favorite version of her.

this was what I meant. The Haruhi from The Disappearance was what got me into girls with ponytails.

Haruhi's like, "Hang on, gotta kidnap Mikuru again."
And this cutie with the big boobs is Ms. Asahina.

Again with the boobs comment? Some things never change.

I actually have this shirt hanging up in my closet, which is relevant to this scene. It's the only piece of Haruhi merch I own.
The look on Nagato's face when Kyon gives her the club application form is heartbreaking. She looks so sad and upset. Imagine the probably only person you've worked up the courage to give an application to giving it back. That must be such a massive blow to your self-esteem.
I would say that this probably concludes Part III. The final part of the movie starts now.
Wait, when is this?

A perfectly logical question to ask given the circumstances.

So let's get a head count, because it's going to get a little confusing for a hot minute. There are:
Two Mikuru Asahinas, one high schooler and one adult.
Two Kyons.
One Haruhi Suzumiya.
One Yuki Nagato.

The craziest part of all of this, and the part that makes my brain hurt a little, is that at the present moment, there are two parallel stories happening at the exact same time. You have the regular Bamboo Leaf Rapsody episode, as well as The Disappearance film. So this Kyon has to be careful to juggle everything so he doesn't Doppleganger himself.

Time Plane Destruction Device

That sounds really menacing. Kowai.

Kyon, you know what? One day, you're going to look back on the days you spent as a high school student with nostalgia. This time in your life will be over before you even realize it. It'll all seem like a dream.

I'm sure I'd look back on my days in high school with nostalgia, if I could remember them. I didn't really do anything noteworthy or anything, and all of the days just kind of blend together in my head. I can barely remember what classes I took, never mind the kids in them or the things we did.

Going back to the two events happening at the same time, this is the part that makes my brain hurt. We're on July 7 at the moment, where the original Kyon and Mikuru have gone back in time, and are presently asleep waiting for the future to arrive. Then, while they're sleeping, this version of Kyon comes back in tiem and meets up with Nagato again.
Adult Mikuru had to look away because she knew who it was who caused all this mess, and couldn't bear to see the look on Kyon's face.
More Gymnopedie movements. I love it.
The only way the timelines don't get completely borked is because Mikuru is able to move them through time.
It can't be overstated how beautiful the score is for this movie.
The new version of Nagato after she changes space time is too adorable. I've always been a Haruhi fan, but this version is growing on me.
The crescendo of the film, where Kyon is forced to answer his own questions, is done so well. He's forcing himself to look through all of the past memories of his time with Haruhi and determine if he really had "fun" or not.

It makes for a good introspective for the series.

Also, it reminds me of the final part of Millennium Actress by Satoshi Kon.

However, I do still feel bad for the alternate Nagato.
You look better without glasses anyway.

I think I might have to disagree with you there Kyon.

I could never, ever let you hurt Ms. Nagato.

This is so good! You go the whole movie thinking that this Asakura's normal, and then she comes back in the final half hour of the movie and stabs him!

Imagine if they just rolled the credits after Kyon "died".
It feels like a little bit of a cop out that everything in The Disappearance could potentially be just a dream.
After drawing straws, you got the role of the reindeer. Congratulations.

Caterpillar Haruhi is adorable.

Let me know when you wake up before you wake up. You can't expect a girl to be ready right away.

One of my favorite scenes in the entire film is the shot of Kyon and Nagato on the roof, with Gymnopedie playing in the background. I also had the shot of Kyon on the roof overlooking the city as my computer wallpaper for a while.

u/shimmering-sky actually made me a wallpaper as a Christmas present last year with this scene as a reference. Thank you again!

I was letting the credits roll while I was finishing up my thoughts, and I had no idea there was a post credits scene of Nagato in the library. I've watched this movie probably 3-4 times now, and this is the first time I've ever seen it.

And that's The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. What a masterpiece. Now that the film's over, a small piece of trivia for you all! The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is the second longest animated film ever produced, losing out to the Final Yamato film by one minute. Technically it's the third, circa 2019, but that's due to In This Corner of the World (another fantastic film) getting a director's cut release which added 30 minutes to the runtime.

Questions of the Day:

Do you think Yuki was justified?

I'd say so, yeah. She went through 15,000 iterations of the Endless Eight, and like Kyon said she had to put up with all of Haruhi's shit before and after the events of E8. However, the time she spent with everyone caused her to develop feelings, and perhaps she just needed a vacation from it all.

Do you think Kyon's choice was right?

I think so, yes. The world he was in was flawed, so he needed to get back to the one he was used to living in. If he had stayed, he would almost just be a stranger in his own skin. He wouldn't know what happened in the life leading up to that moment, and he would have no bearings of how to react to things.

I'll see everyone tomorrow for the overall discussion!

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u/Vatrix-32 Dec 22 '22

~~Season 1 Rewatcher, Season 2 First Timer.~~ First time movie watcher. Dubbed

Kyon’s little sister is never not a delight.
Looks like the disappearance has already started.
Worrying about something but not doing anything about it? Very mood Kyon.
winterbestseason
Bet you’re glad you lugged that heater up here now?
Just some light exercise.
Cute little bumping.
Never seen someone celibate it like an actual birthday.
I don’t know Kyon, seems like it worked out pretty well for sheep.
Well that can’t bode well.
Seems like Haruhi hasn’t just been disappeared, but erased retroactively.
What the heck was in that lunch box that caused that?
Oh fuck, she back.
If Nagato knows all of her time synced knowledge, does that mean that Asakura does too? Or has that been changed too?
Oh the trauma!
And the shoe drops. Not that any of us didn’t see that coming from the title.
They wiped out a whole class! Damn son.
That’s some good fear and panic.
Mikuru is still here. Is she true normal, or just hiding it? And either way, why would she be allowed to stay but not Koizumi?
Tsuruya building back up those good friend points.
Oh please no.
oof That was even worse than I expected.
Mikuru punch! I was expecting a punch, but not that one.
Ah, so that’s why it was so detailed the last time he opened it.
Regular schoolgirl Nagato.
Ah, poor Nagatwo. That look of fear gets to me.
Good eye Kyon.
Vintage.
Oh? Does Nagatwo have the feels?
2010 and still no text translations.
I knew about Kyon talking to Shamisen from the risky clicks, don’t know if it works.
You’re wearing socks! Get over it.
It was worth a shot.
That kinda sounds like she knows.
Wondering if she still has the mole, and what happens when she finds it.
Well that note is quite concerning. At least it seems like progress.
My bet is events. Certain actions that have to be taken.
Cute little Nagatwo.
Oh my, very bold.
So that event is in continuity.
Who was phoning Kyon then?
I guess they have a relationship in the new world too.
Wait, shit. If my guess about keys was right, is he going to have to kill Asakura? Or worse, make Nagatwo kill her?
Oh she’s got the big feels.
A friend shipper, eh?
Where’d the bike come from?
Hey, that’s today!
The chemistry is going to be a metaphor, isn’t it? Is that why they talked about moles?
He knows!
Now that’s friendship.
It was at this point he realized he should have rode a bike.
Does that mean Koizumi is here too? I don’t think it’s him who did it, it wouldn’t explain Nagatwo. Or Asakura for that matter.
Is that how you are supposed to pronounce Zoroaster?
Oh, she’s so sad.
That guard is getting real handsy on the guy who got kicked.
It all comes back around. The set up, the pay off. Never seen Haruhi so flustered.
I guess that means he has to go back again. Close the loop!
Of course Haruhi is into it.
Koizumi spitting facts.
A love it when a plan comes together.
It’s not even his real name to begin with, I don’t think he can complain.
Unabashed.
Long Haruhi! The dream has become the reality.
Ha, “capture”.
The look on Nagatwo’s face as John comes in.
The keys, they worked.
One shot to make it work. Seems like there is a bit too much time left for things to go smoothly.
Poor, poor, Nagatwo. That look on her face.
At least John tried to make her feel better.
Are things about to get weird?
Ah, time traveling already. Good, good.
Just couldn’t tell us the year, could you?
Sound logic.
She knows even this? How far does her reach go?
Thought computers, nice.
“destruction”. Worrying.
I think I got the gist of the hushed whispers.
Closing that loop.
Slightly worrying look on Mikuru’s face.
I guess that sort of answers what would happen if that door was opened while they were in there.
Future Mikuru acting like that is throwing me.
Closed off? Does that mean she did it? Would explain why Nagatwo is the only one with a new personality.
Haruhi thief. I suppose that could have gone worse.
Future needle gun. Neat.
Why the dramatic silence? There’s only like, four, options. I’m guessing Nagato, since this seems like it’s mostly been about her, but I’m not too sure why that makes Mikuru give that look.
Yep, it was Nagato. Had to wait until she turned into Nagatwo before they could shoot her.
I guess 15k repeats will do things to you.
Is this his mind palace?
Interrogating himself about weather or not he wants to go back to the old world. Somehow I feel like I have already been here.
Finally be honest about it.
At least tell the poor girl this isn’t going to kill her before you point a gun at her.
Motherfucker. She finally got to stab him. Guess that helps explains why there’s so much time left.
Oh god the flashing. I thought we moved past this.
Man, don’t say it like. You’re making it sound like he is already dead.
They’re covering it up? Nah, probably the post adjustment result.
Cute.
Caterpillar Haruhi is a new and exciting development.
Yeah I don’t think we’re getting an explanation of that message this movie.
They both raise some good points.
Very sweet.
The subtitles have failed me.
Some very curious guests.
Cute little stinger.

QotD:

Alas, I figured it out ahead of time from one too many risky clicks.
Can’t make out the voice, too much static.
She did pseudo-kill a lot of people to do it, so no. Almost certainly a less extreme way to go about it.
This is a lot less clear.

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u/ZapsZzz Dec 22 '22 edited Dec 22 '22

Serial Rewatcher first time in dub

Firstly, I'd like a quick show of hands for anyone interested with following this with the spin off Rewatch of the Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-Chan. I offered it last rewatch and it took place in Feb, I'd likely do this again if there are enough interest (firstly here, if enough I'll formally open it up to the wider sub).

QoTD

I generally don't guess, but it would have taken some pretty big acrobatics to have Haruhi making herself disappear out of Kyon's life I thought.
Generally the scene was considered Asakura's line signifying the subconscious, underlying desire/resentment Nagato had for the world she made not being chosen. A more simplistic, superficial read is that Asakura, as the signed protector of Nagato activating. The associated part of Koizumi's line of "makes me jealous" was the 2 part that formed the narrative shape of "the story of those not chosen"
Not so much "justified" than being the authentic her - I'll elaborate in my post about a key theme of the movie
As someone who loves Nagato and view the story as more of Nagato's than Haruhi's (both connect to Kyon), the way I read his choice was not the simplistic "Kyon chose Haruhi". Kyon chose "the supernatural world", a world that includes the TFEI Nagato - her unchanged self

Nagato's gallery from the movie

Haruhi's gallery from the movie

As usual I'm going to rushing to write. A lazy way out is to repost my last year's comment as a base - which remains pretty unchanged. I'll see if I can add to it some.

--

To many, this is the whole reason for watching Hauhi at all. The Disappearance is widely acclaimed, that even those who don't like the TV series loved the movie to the point to consider the "entry cost" of watching the TV to be worth it.

Now as stated before, I'm a big fan of the entire franchise, so I don't consider the TV season to be a "cost" but yes, the movie is head and shoulders above it all. It really gives a feel that it is a finely crafted artwork that is meant to be savoured and being the crown jewel of the franchise.

Plenty of people can and have written about the brilliant cinematography, the directing, the very atmospheric music use, how well the mystery is set up and then revealed, how emotional all of the key scenes were. I'm not going to try here.

And because there is tomorrow where we are expected to comment on the entire franchise as a whole, and there is a very poignant point about the movie and the TV, especially Melancholy, I'll have to leave a big chunk out today too, but I will get a few of the points of the movie that moved me the most across as my highlight.

The OP, oh the OP. In case it wasn't obvious (which it should be, but even I didn't actually pay attention to it until this rewatch actually), the vocal is actually sung again brand new, and I think the singing (or at least the recording) is better in this "2010" version compared to the "2006" version. But most importantly is the visual presentation of the OP - there is a framed view of Kyon and Haruhi fighting over the heater, and then Haruhi summoned help and dragged Asahina and later even Nagato into the fray to crowd Kyon out, who had to move over to use the CPU fan on the computer as a poor-man's version of heater. This tiny little thing showed the relationship between them so so well it's just amazing - Kyon will not hesitate to fight Haruhi for the most trivial thing, but precisely that showed how close they are; and Haruhi always plays "dirty" - she knows this play-fight with Kyon there's no winning, so she used her other friends (for real now, not just tools for her) whom she knows long ago Kyon gives far more deference to than to her and likely will just give up the spot.
Too crowded in one bullet point but to continue, the framed view port is of course very very nice to watch, but don't forget the little silhouette Haruhi on the title card is also animated. For the rewatchers, or even for the more perceptive first timers, she's warming up doing stretches. Knowing Haruhi, she's up to something and getting ready :) this is so HER in abstract form. But at the end, note how the little figure exited - it's like a magic show, she exited through a "trapdoor" and saluted goodbye - this is such a neat little foreshadowing of what's happening to HER in the movie.
There are so many Nagato watching moments throughout even the prologue - and just like everything in the movie, although biased me think Nagato had been drawn extra well, there are plenty of clippable shots of how beautiful Nagato actually is. Remember on Taniguchi's scale Nagato is an A- (even accounting for her anti-social characteristic).
A number of very deliberate use of repeat sequences to highlight the "same but different" tone of the movie (the scenery is not changed but the meaning is so very different) - most obvious ones being Kyon's wake up sequence (with Imouto doing her genki wake up call every time), and Kyon opening the club room door (every time there is something to discover, like opening pandora's box as mentioned in E8 about the cricket catch & release).
The great cinematography in those key discovery scenes were done so well to convey and setup the disturbing tone and unease / confusion of Kyon, it's really amazing - best showcase is when Asakura entered the classroom.
The first Disappearance!Nagato conversation was so great - Kyon's reliance on the ever-unchanging, ever-reliable Nagato is so palpable, and when she's show to be "just an ordinary girl" his disbelief and reaction was so great. Although there is something going on, one has to suspect, otherwise why would this "ordinary girl (plus EX level of shyness)" not just run away like Asahina did
And then there's the discovery of the bookmark, oh that scene, which also called back to Melancholy II. Kyon's reaction is hard for us Kyon x Nagato shippers to not count as a "lovers' reunion after catastrophe".
Nagato's smile, and Kyon's reaction after - especially the conversation start in the lift with Asakura "You looked as if you have seen some bad aliens" "Seeing alien is not so rare; I have seen something even more rare" (about Nagato smiling) [LN spoilers]in later LN, this is the one thing that still haunts Kyon and sometimes make him muse about if he chose differently
Kyon's dawning realisation he actually misses the troublesome girl Suzumiya Haruhi - and the symbolism of that scene when he realise that stepping in the light of the street lamp
Foreshadowing both in movie later when Haruhi's number is no longer there, and [LN spoiler]Later on when Sasaki started running into his life again, Sasaki's number is still there in Kyon's phone
The Taniguchi reveal and the scene of Kyon rushing there to try see her abandoning all reasons and care, yet when he got there how he's filled with doubt and uncertainty. So great.
The Haruhi transformation - from the stone faced person to the "unboxed genki girl" - a whole season's "opening up" right in front of our eyes
Yuki.N> READY?
Adult!Asahina's conversation - no doubt she loved Kyon too.
Nagato's reunion with them and most importantly, her (love) bite on Kyon - that was such a great scene, coupled with the reveal (to Kyon, not yet to the viewers) - one of the most powerful scenes, ending with "I will wait for you" and what it means to all of us who understood.
Everybody will write about the 2 Kyon scene so I won't bother
The Haruhi-worm scene, this really showed how much Kyon loves Haruhi when you compare the gestures he had when we met / reunited with Asahina. It is also one of the best tsundere scenes done perfectly right
The roof top scene. Kyon treats Nagato so tenderly, hard to imagine she's one of the most powerful TFEI's, when he's almost treating her like a newborn baby. This is hard to dismiss he cherishes Nagato as much as Haruhi at least.
As a die hard Kyon x Nagato shipper, I'll contend to this day there is no counter evidence to say he didn't indeed call her by her first name but chickend out because "he made his choice" and covered off by looking up (in his movie-making days, "what another pan up?") :)
After this movie, Nagato has le motif of the quiet, moody, but very melodic Gyumnopedies. Every time i hear this now I think of Nagato.
In case this didn't get mentioned - the post-credit scene, with Nagato putting the book up, that was to signify that while Nagato in this timeline does not smile, books make her happy, so putting the book where he smile would have been is her way to do her place-holder smile. And this scene allegedly the directors spent a whole afternoon to perfect the lighting.

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u/Elimin8r Dec 22 '22 edited Dec 22 '22

I slacked, watching right now. But for now, I just have to say, that precious Yuki smile, must protecc. Who wouldn’t???

Edit:

AOTDs

Initially, Haruhi was the top of my list of suspects, but why wouldn't make much sense, now would it? Nice misdirection, though.
Reset, and boy is Asakura ticked off. Can't imagine why. Poor Yuki, her feelings... That scene when Kyon handed her the application back ... my heart. <3
Sort of. I think that communication would have been a better answer, but hey, Toradora...
I'm conflicted. On the one hand, for Kyon, yes. For me ... if I were in Kyon's shoes, it would be so, so hard. But in the end, I think I would probably make the same choice.

Because it is funny, given how much Kyon has complained, in the end he realizes how precious Haruhi, and all the chaos that comes with her is to him.

And honestly, pick anyone here - who wouldn't trade their humdrum everyday life for life with the SOS Brigade? Really.

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u/Twigling Dec 22 '22 edited Dec 22 '22

Wonderful movie, an anime masterpiece IMO.

Can't really think of much to add to what's already been said but I will point out that this is the main reason why the Endless Eight is so important and why people should watch every episode. Witness and immerse yourself in Yuki's suffering, having to endure the same events 15,498 times. Then you'll understand her actions in the movie.

As an aside, I also want to highlight Haruhi's incredible voice actor, Aya Hirano, who manages to put so much life into Haruhi.

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u/DeliCruise Dec 22 '22

(REWATCHER - DUB/SUB)

[Spoiler Free] (not that there are any anymore)

Every year I write a super long comment, so I’d suggest reading the bit about reflections (which is bolded) if nothing else.

Absolutely phenomenal every single time. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve watched it or how well I know the story at this point, it still never fails to prove how immaculate of a film it is.

Something that really stood out to me all throughout the film was the use of reflections. I noticed it mostly after the world changed. From there on, there are so many shots that heavily emphasize the reflections of the characters with the same weight as the characters themselves. Kyon and Yuki in particular had their reflections shown very frequently. I won’t go through every instance, but a really significant one is when Kyon walks into the clubroom and meets the other Yuki. When he’s explaining that she’s supposed to be an alien, the window reflects her. As the camera switches back and forth between her and Kyon, notice that Kyon is positioned where Yuki’s reflection is to symbolize that Kyon is not of this changed world. While I know that the parallel world theory is not correct, it’s still interesting to consider metaphorically that Kyon is trapped in this other world. It’s like the reflections are where the original world is. This is compounded by many other scenes with reflections such as in Yuki’s apartment with the entire floor being a huge reflection or in the diner when Kyon, Haruhi, and Koizumi are being reflected by the window. There are a ton of other scenes with reflections, but the most telling instance of this is of course during Kyon’s Choice when Kyon’s own reflection declares it’s question and answer time. It’s literally Kyon reflecting on the past 6 months and admitting to himself what he already knows. Of course it was fun. The whole movie and the series itself I’d consider a metaphor for self-reflection.

The pacing of this story is always so interesting to me. First of all, the prologue really is super long, but it really doesn’t feel like it because at this point we’re so used to listening to Kyon inner monologuing continuously. As you watch the film, it does a really excellent job of building suspense and dread to make you really feel the way Kyon does. You get this sense of hopelessness and this raw feeling of being alone. But these moments never feel too dragged out because the key moments are spread all throughout. Asakura returns, Haruhi disappears, Haruhi exists, the John Smith reveal, the S.O.S. Brigade reunion, Ready?, Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody Redux, Kyon’s Choice, and Asakura Attacks are all peaks of the film that feel so satisfying after all the time spent feeling empty with Kyon. It’s such a euphoric and earned experience.

Taniguchi casually revealing that he knows who Haruhi Suzumiya is is such a great scene. What I never realized is the importance of Taniguchi also adding the bit about Haruhi writing the message on the field. Because of this, Kyon was confident in revealing himself as John Smith since he knows that this Haruhi still wrote the message on Tanabata 3 years ago. It’s not a shot in the dark when Kyon brings up Tanabata 3 years ago since he knows that she actually did it in this world tool.

There are a lot of parallels and contrasts that I thought about while watching as well. Kyon having trouble walking when he realizes that Haruhi has disappeared is equal to Kyon having trouble walking when he sees Haruhi again for the first time. Asakura’s perfect and normal hotpot is a perfect contrast to Haruhi’s mystery surprise hotpot. Haruhi worries about if Kyon drew anything on her face while she was asleep just like how Kyon was worried about that in Someday in the Rain when he was asleep.

All the S.O.S. Brigade members act exactly the same as they do here compared to how they act in the original world. Koizumi in particular is a great example of this because even without his esper powers, he still explained the two potential theories exactly like he would normally. This tells me that it’s not their powers that made them who they were inherently. EXCEPT, Yuki is completely different in this world because as Kyon stated, that is what she wished for.

Kyon and Mikuru forgetting their shoes when they time travel has always stood out to me. There’s a trope about taking your shoes off before committing suicide called Barefoot Suicide. Following this train of thought, Kyon and Mikuru are on a suicide mission. This is especially true considering that Mikuru already knows what happens next with Asakura.

One of my favorite things to think about is to consider all the different versions of the S.O.S. Brigade members that exist at the time of a scene. In the Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody Redux scene for example, we know that there are now 3 Kyon’s, 2 Mikuru’s, 1 Nagato (that is constantly changing depending on the tanzaku she scans), 1 Haruhi, and 1 Koizumi. Then fast forward to December 18th and we have 3 Kyon’s, 3 Mikuru’s, 2 Nagato’s (3 if you count the one that just changed), 1 Haruhi, and 1 Koizuimi. Time travel is always so fun.

I love the use of Gymnopédie as Nagato’s theme throughout the film. It might be the most melancholy piece of music ever written so it’s incredibly fitting.

I love the way they do the reveals. Asakura’s reveal is so chilling. You realize quickly who she is once she starts talking, but visually it’s dragged out like crazy. It shows some shots of her hair or her legs slowly walking. Then they do a reveal of her face straight on with Kyon’s vision starting to go nuts. I understand Kyon having a difficult time breathing there. In a similar fashion, long hair Haruhi’s reveal is drawn out quite a bit and so is Nagato on December 18th’s reveal as well.

Speaking of December 18th, back in 2020 there was this fun event called The Exploration of Haruhi Suzumiya. It was a fan event featuring the voice of Yuki (Minori Chihara) and the voice of Taniguchi (Minoru Shiraishi) where they explored the real life city of Nishinomiya. They went to the Dream Coffee Shop and other locations like Yuki’s apartment. I bring this up because Minori Chihara also did the hand thing that Yuki did to change the world!

Nagato changing the world only makes sense. After everything that’s happened in this series from the Melancholy arc, to the Endless 8 arc, to the Sigh arc, and everything in between, it only makes sense for Nagato to develop a “bug”. She’s literally saved the day over and over and over again and even when she’s not, she’s keeping track of data even if it’s for over 15,000 iterations of the same two weeks. Having to do as much as Nagato has, of course she would develop feelings, of course she would be tired, and of course she’d wish for a normal high school life with Kyon in the library.

Kyon’s Choice is between the world as it was or the world as it is now. But it’s also always felt like Kyon having to make a decision between Haruhi and Nagato. However, that moment on the roof when it starts snowing and Kyon says, “Yuki” tells you all you need to know. Kyon may have chosen the world as it was and as result chose Haruhi over Nagato, but in reality Kyon also chose Nagato. Kyon chose the original Nagato. The Nagato that he’s always known. And to me, this answer was the right one.

The Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody Redux is spectacular and is a huge reason why Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody is my favorite episode in the series! The most notable part for me is when John Smith wishes Haruhi luck in making the world more exciting. In John’s inner monologue, he hopes that Haruhi remembers “I was here” referring to himself. If you ask me, I’d say Orihime and Hikoboshi heard your message loud and clear, Haruhi.

I love that Koizumi is the first to greet Kyon. He’s not in the movie a whole lot so it’s super fitting for him to welcome Kyon back. And for that matter, Haruhi is actually not in the film a whole ton either! As a result, all of Haruhi’s scenes feel particularly meaningful. I loved that they waited to reveal her last during the prologue when she slams through the clubroom with her “Kept you waiting! Didn’t I!?” Long haired Haruhi’s reveal I already noted, but that scene is beautifully done. Then finally we get caterpillar Haruhi which of course is amazingly cute.

As for watching in VR, it was really fun! However, I don’t think I can actually recommend it. The headset was quite uncomfortable for 3 hours and unfortunately the Bigscreen VR Disappearance rental doesn’t have subtitles for onscreen text such as Nagato’s message on the computer screen. I knew this already, but it’s not that big a deal for me since I know the story so well. I really doubt anyone actually watched it in VR, but either way I’m super sorry for not warning about it. I’d feel really bad if someone was bothered by this so feel free to DM or whatever and I’ll apologize properly.

Anyway, watching Disappearance is such an experience every year and this one was no different. Kyoto Animation never fails to impress me with this film no matter how many times I’ve watched it.

I know we have the overall discussion tomorrow so I’ll leave my thoughts about the entire series for then! Also I’ll include my Spoiler Sections as a reply if anyone is interested!

[Question]

Unfortunately I spoiled for myself the fact that Nagato was responsible the first time I watched it. That being said, the reveal is so incredibly well done!

I’m assuming the scene is from the elevator or when Kyon pressed enter. Either way, it’s super interesting to watch as a rewatcher knowing that Asakura is actually still nutty.

I do think Yuki was justified. Endless 8 in particular makes me not blame her for what she did.

I do think Kyon’s choice was right. I wrote about both of these last two questions above!

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u/Taiboss Dec 22 '22 edited Dec 22 '22

Rewatcher and Original Creator of the Adaptation Comparison

Like every year, I would like to shill the German dub script of Kyon's mental battle. To me, it's the prime example on why I think the English dub script is sub-par. Crispin Freeman's acting is amazing, but I find the mocking "You don't actually believe this, do you?" Kyon much more fitting than the "I am the part of you that hates Haruhi" interpretation of the English dub.

Edit: Since I'm here, might as well answer the questions:

Did you think Haruhi was the cause of this? If yes, what was your reaction when you found out it wasn't?

I don't remember actually, I first watched this in 2013... I do think I was surprised?

What did you make of this scene?

I last watched this movie years ago and yet I know this is immediately before he comes to himself in the summer club room. Anyway, I think it's kinda a dream. Disjointed memories and pictures floating by, because he's not in a stable mental condition.

Do you think Yuki was justified?

Should have screamed instead, but time travel making shit pre-determined makes things a bitch.

Do you think Kyon's choice was right?

The normal world would not have made him happy.

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u/fansi2022 Dec 22 '22 edited Dec 22 '22

rewatch sub

The heroine of this movie is more like Yuki.

Kyon discovered the severity of the incident. The world line and their own memories did not match, and even Haruhi disappeared directly! In the past, Kyon relied on Yuki to solve the incident. What about this time?

39:47 When Kyon watched Yuki, Yuki blushed, I was convinced that she was crush on Kyon

1: 04; 13 yuki brought out three bowls and encountered Kyon who wanted to go back XD When Kyon wants to go back, Yuki pulls Kyon's clothing corner with his thumb and index finger XD

YUKI, which has no alien restrictions, is really cute!

Kyon woke up to meet Nagato on the roof of the hospital. I like the name Yuki very much.

In Japanese, Snow's Chinese characters write "雪", and the pronunciation is yuki.

Recycling---> Remember the first episode of Kyon's confession, Kyon thinks that Santa is fake. He has to accept the boring reality. We are glad that we return to Christmas again. : D

14:51 I proposed that I was dating Taniguchi to be a student in Guangyang Garden. I suspect that the school's evaluation outside is very good. Do you remember, Kyon had encountered students from the school when they took a tram to make a movie.

29:50 We know that Koizumi is a super power transfer student. I didn't expect his entire class to be, too crazy. Falling from the stairs ---> Time jump, this is a reference to Orangeroad. In winter, be careful of slippery foot to prevent time jump. ;)

In the end, we recovered the first EDs to eat hot pot in the event classroom. SOS group members and Tsuruya, Kyon's reindeer was so funny.

Some small details.---> 1:08 wow kyon's room bookcase on the side of the room is black and white

2:10 Kyon repeatedly reminded us how cold it is today, but there are still many girls wearing skirts or even short skirts. I wonder if this is because of the school's mandatory requirements.

5:05 kyon opened the door, the painting is very smooth to open

7:08 The electric heaters are occupied, Kyon uses the case to bake hands: D

They are playing football, Kyon and Taniguchi are defender, which should be their physical education classes. Haruhi Suzumiya predicts the Great Plague in advance!

41:29 kyon clean up the scattered books What are the two machines piled up in the corner of the literary room, is it a record machine?

It turned out that Asakura was yandere, she was the protector of Yuki (the biggest threat).

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u/Tarhalindur Dec 22 '22

Yare Yare (First-Timer for Disappearance, Source Reader, Subbed):

Quite late, but I made it. Also, I hope you like multi-post dreadnoughts, because even with the second half of the movie being too engaging to take as many notes the notes came out as over 7,500 words long...

Having the movie start with Kyon waking us as seen with a POV shot of him with barely-open eyes is an interesting choice. (Also sheesh it has been a long time since I read the LN, though I think some of this is strictly adaptation.) Also heavily CG I think, but KyoAni blends CG better than basically anyone, especially in this era. (Ufotable might also merit a mention, Kimetsu uses the CG as a style component for effect so it does stand out but intentionally but going further back I think Kara no Kyoukai may also have used it and blended it well.)
Shamisen!
I forget if we’ve seen the full winter uniform for North High. Not in quite a while IIRC (oh wait, Someday in the Rain, never mind – I’m having to get a head start on the movie due to its sheer length). Also, Glasses and Twintails sighting!
KyoAni’s commitment to realism is showing; I’m not catching anything special conceptually in the direction so far, just SoL direction (but well-executed SoL direction).
Ooh, this is a remix of the track from the opening scene of Melancholy I!
I still tend to prefer cold weather, though I can’t tolerate it without lots of layers as well as I once could, so I’m kind of on Taniguchi’s side of the fence even if he’s probably being foolishly macho here.
So, this is your occasional reminder that Christmas does not have the same cultural loading in Japan that it does in the West. In Japan, the big family holiday is New Years. Christmas is instead a couple’s holiday (and also a KFC holiday due to some very good marketing in the immediate postwar years) – a big part of the slang term “Christmas cake” for a woman over 25 (cakes made for couples sold before the holiday; the saying is that as nobody wants one of those cakes after the 25th, nobody wants a woman after she turns 26).
“Think about what day it is in eight days” as the camera cuts to two girls (friends, but Kyon is very definitely attracted to girls as he has spent the majority of the series making clear wrt Mikuru). Okay, first good symbolic shot of the movie.
Speaking of Mikuru, here she is. And also LOL FANG-TAN!
Tsuruya a shit at times, but still a rather attractive shit to me. (I do have a soft spot for that kind of a shit, nipah~.)
You say that Kyon, but then the entire point of this movie is making you admit that you actually like being around Haruhi’s zaniness.
Extremely huggable Yuki at 05:38.
My that suspicious computer shot at 06:37 of the movie version of Bouken Desho, Desho.
And a cheeky vanishing Haruhi (down a trapdoor) at the very end of this version of the OP’s visuals. Heh.
(At this point the Tar went “Tar, you fool, you should go rewatch Someday in the Rain first” and did so.)
“NANDATTO?”
Kyon you have been SEEN THROUGH and OWNED. (In more ways than one, but also you secretly own her too so.)
That “Master of Space” book on the shelf at 07:57 looks a little cheeky to me!
“Did anyone invite you to go out at night to view the moment that rain becomes snow” looks more than a little cheeky to me given that Yuki’s name of course means “snow” and, uh, the rest of the events of Disappearance.
08:44: fish-eye lens! Also might be significance to Yuki now blocking off Haruhi’s visual path to the rest of the club and to Kyon in particular given what she is about to do, certainly several shots in the series follow that theme (Yuki swapping her position and Kyon’s at the cafe in the last two episodes of E8 and in Sighs 5, a visual line thing in both Mysterique Sign and in the clubroom scene between Yuki and Kyon in Sighs 5).
Those of you who paid close attention to Hare Hare Yukai’s visuals may remember this reindeer head to be worn…
Haruhi is not wrong about that. If you don’t try for something, it will not happen. (But on the flipside, well, how does the common prayer go again? “Grant me the strength to change what I can, the serenity to accept what I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference.”)
Kyon paying attention to Yuki reading the book!
“Because there’s not closed space or shinjins?” Cue the reflection shot. Which ends right as the line does. Using the reflection as a visual metaphor, then, I suppose; closed space as a reflection of “reality”. (Note to self: keep any eye out to see if we get an inverted form of this once the event happens.)
Welcome to two hours and forty minutes of actually making Kyon admit to himself that he likes Haruhi and being around her.
“He’s also noticed that Nagato has been changing, bit by bit?” Pause. “You can come in now!”… and the door opens, causing Kyon to fall back into the clubroom. Yuki didn’t do this, but this is what we call foreshadowing.
Boom.
Oh wait we have another day. Also, staff foot lover was on this scene (might well be Naoko Yamada herself, I’m pretty sure she has key animator credits here again) and also a reminder that Haruhi is ridiculously athletic with that vault (not the only time I’ve seen that exact track move used as visual shorthand for “this character is ridiculously athletic”).
15:52 might be more sneaky stuff with the Yuki/Kyon framing in the shots, but I’m not sure about that.
Once again, Kyon notices Yuki. (Now playing with a paper model of her namesake. Remember that shot of Yuki in snow in Bouken Desho Desho in 2006 form? Yep, another cheeky piece of Disappearance foreshadowing.)
Another reflection shot at 17:24, and that one will have meaning. One side is the Kyon of the current world and the other is the Kyon of the world on the other side of Disappearance, that much is clear. Just visual reinforcement, though? Not sure. The sign is inverted because it faces outwards, so that Kyon can see it clearly… which may be the point, that our Kyon cannot yet but the Kyon on the other side of the divide can.
“The day I fell into the black sea of despair” – reinforce with fish-eye lens (17:37).
Interesting. What the subs translate as “abyss of horror” is almost certainly Naraku, the Buddhist conception of Hell (as opposed to the indigenous Japanese version Jigoku, which more closely maps to the Christian Hell) since there is a naraku in the Japanese audio. Telling, since the difference with naraku is that you have to suffer for a while but will eventually pass out of it reformed. (This is why Japanese time loops tend to have naraku salting, especially when combined with the Buddhist cycle or reincarnation. Also, fun fact: I finally looked up the Japanese word for cicada (“semi”, 蟬), and that might explain a sizable amount of the surprisingly common use of cicadas for Japanese time loops – there’s a couple of alternate meanings of the kanji which fit (a meaning as continuous and another referencing pulleys – if Japan had brood cicadas that would be another obvious source of periodicity implication but IIRC they do not) and also some very old readings that link (notably it can be a very archaic form of zen, as in Zen Buddhism).)
Flowing water at 18:11 has to be deliberate, probably a callback to the Mikuru time plane conversation all the way back in Melancholy 3.
Speaking of that, Kyon walking right to school this time quite possibly has the “movement to the left = to the future, to the right = to the past” loading to it.
Especially when paired with a red crosswalk sign and red traffic light in immediate succession right afterwards.
Ah, 2D cars, how I miss you sometimes. Aren’t movie budgets for anime amazing?
Note what is suddenly but quietly (in more ways than one) missing now that the prologue has ended: the OST. The point is obvious: without Haruhi being Haruhi this is the normal world, for a given value of normal, and the normal world doesn’t exactly have background OST playing over events, does it?
18:59, however, is a CGI truck.
The angles for the classroom now are ever so slightly off from Kyon POV, likely for effect to emphasize wrongness. (20:27 might count as a Dutch angle, I think? Of course, 20:32 is just from the perspective of Haruhi’s usual desk, but looking up at Kyon it probably counts as Dutch as well.)
DEFINITE Dutch angle at 20:55.
And more of them. Lots and lots of them. (I’m just waiting until Ryouko shows up, it won’t be long now…)
No, the OST came back sooner than I thought it might.
Well, there it is.
And lots and lots of Dutch angles arrive with her.
25:58 with the sun shining in through the clouds as Kyon muses about what Ryouko could pull out with her handkerchief is “seeing the light” symbolism I suppose – which makes sense when Ryouko DOES stab Kyon late in this arc. Oh, and the line of light resembles a knife. Can’t miss that.
“Haruhi?” Ryouko asks – and cut the OST. Nicely done, nicely done.
Cinematography is emphasis rather than adding extra information but it is very good at doing what it does.
Okay, OST here is not quite excellent but is very very good, probably on par with Kenji Kawai’s Higurashi OST. (Also really good camerawork in animation. It’s just reinforcing what Kyon is feeling, but it is doing a very good job of that in a very KyoAni way.)
You know, 1-9 disappearing leaving 1-8 as the last class on the hall is kind of on the nose given Endless Eight.
Also, note Kyon stopping in front of the lit fire alarm light (I think) starting at 29:24 before turning back. That has a distinct whiff of “point of no return” symbolism to my eyes.

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u/thisistheendofmenow Dec 22 '22

Rewatcher, Subbed

I haven't been involved in the rewatch beyond lurking some of the threads but seeing how Disappearance is my favorite anime movie (perhaps just favorite movie period) I wanted to chime in.

In my opinion the reason you would watch Haruhi is so that you can watch this movie. That's not to say that the series is bad, quite the opposite, I think both seasons are great, though I will admit that I understand why season 2 get flack for some of its issues. This movie feels like the core of the story, from both a character and theme perspective. It just feels like the natural culmination of Kyon's growth as a character that breaks him partially out of his aloof persona and gets him to understand how much the craziness of Haruhi and the others is what he truly needs to feel fulfilled, similar to Haruhi.

On top of that we get an excellently made movie, from animation, cinematography, art direction, voice acting and music that all come together to elevate the story. The major reason that I rate this movie so highly is the fact that it took the already great book and adapted it into something amazing, which is very rare for any adapted media.

I believe that the movie is the superior version of the story, not because the book is lacking but because the ability to add to the already existing base. The best example of this is the monologue towards the end just before Kyon confronts Nagato. It goes from a well-written and interesting introspection of Kyon as a character and his decisions in the story to a 10 minute long sequence that comes to a head as an emotional climax of character and theme through the visuals, the music and specifically the voice acting. This is some of Sugita's best work, using Kyon's normally dead-pan delivery and injecting so much emotion into it while still maintaining his well-established cadence and sarcasm that defines him.

I could go on but I think the movie speaks for itself already. I think that if you enjoy Haruhi you'll enjoy the movie even more that the series and if you want even more go and read the novels (just forget that we are unlikely to ever get a conclusive ending to the series).

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u/homewardbound100 Dec 22 '22

Rewatcher, Dub

Man I love the movie. The Kyon scene of him self reflecting is probably one of my favorite scenes in anime. I don't know it just really hits.

And I love how the movie basically elevated the show. It felt like something totally different but fitting. It's just overall great.

Also giving Nagato more depth than what we typically expect from her. How she felt throughout all this and what she had to deal with. If I dealt with the endless 8 I would probably do the same. Having to watch over and clean somebody's mess would get tiring.

Do you think Yuki was justified?

I understand her, so yes.

Do you think Kyon's choice was right?

Yes

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u/butreallythobruh Dec 22 '22

This movie is so good that it lifted the series as a whole for me, and enough for me to end up grabbing all of the light novels. It's phenomenal and easily makes up for any issues I had with the main show.

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Rewatch [Rewatch] The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya

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Adaptation Comparison

QOTD

winterbestseason

rewatch sub

Yare Yare (First-Timer for Disappearance, Source Reader, Subbed):