The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is the perfect example of an anime movie and what any sequel film can accomplish in a considerably smaller run time compared to the anime. In an hour shorter of the runtime of the Endless Eight arc, Disappearance tells the most compelling story of the entire franchise, isolating Kyon and “separating” him from the fantastical and extraordinary life style he has come accustomed to being surrounded by time travellers, aliens, esters (psychics) and the god like entity of Haruhi. In this review, I will run through each major factor of the film (Narrative, Animation, OST, Characters and the themes it tackles within the movie) and attempt to convey why this movie is, in at least my eyes, as close to perfection as a movie can get within its limited run time.

Animation

I think that before I dive into the inner workings of the characters, the intriguing themes and plot and its relationship to and impact on the series, the production side of the movie should be addressed and gotten out of the way. Quite simply, the movie is beautifully animated. The character designs are the same as in the show and continue to portray the Kyoto animation essence which seems to radiate off every character they produce. The settings and backgrounds in the movie are brilliantly created, harbouring a realistic vibe while never becoming out of place or too realistic compared to the traditional Kyoto feel of the character designs, making a perfect balance to the visuals. There are stunning moments in the movie which are elevated by the attention to detail and care that Kyoto animation put into this movie, as well as all their other productions, such as the Kyon scene in the final act (which we'll talk about more later), the computer and Kyon scene (Won't spoil) and of course THE Yuki ending scene to the movie. The colour pallet of the movie is incredible, constantly jumping between different background colours and shades and lighting depending on the character's emotions at the time, or when a key moment is about to occur. Overall, unsurprisingly Kyoto did not miss on the animation front, bringing their lively character designs and masterful use of backgrounds and colours to elevate what is currently happening on the screen. However, and i can't quite believe I’m saying this, the animation was NOT the best productive quality of this movie because Kyoto completely out done themselves with the OST, which we will promptly analyse.
OST
Incredible. This is gonna be a short segment because there is literally no debate, it’s amazing. The use of classical music is masterful, the music for Kyon’s inner monologue as he reaches the climax of the movie really built up the tension and anticipation for his moment of realisation/clarification and the closing music really calmed you down and allowed you to ruminate on the masterpiece you have just watched. It always contributes to the tone of the current scene and not once did any of the soundtrack decisions not hit their mark, feel out of place or not add anything to what you are watching. Overall, the production of this movie is a clear 9 or 10 out of 10, being essentially perfect in every element. If, somehow, you doubt Kyoto animations ability to produce a good anime or movie, which you objectively shouldn’t, then this movie will instantly change your mind.
Narrative/plot
I am a swear believer in not spoiling a show or movie for someone. Although I acknowledge that being spoilt of an anime does not necessarily ruin it, I cannot help but feel that my best experiences have been when I was taken by surprise or the feeling of sheer shock by a late plot twist that no one could see coming such as in code geass or evangelion. Therefore, I won’t go into huge detail about the story of the movie, as I believe that this is the best sequel movie to an anime I’ve ever watched because of the brilliant story, character arcs and plot twists which were all hinted at during the show, and watching this for the first time, I could not believe that a plot twist that seems to come out of nowhere could in hindsight become such a carefully built, long term development of a character. I was truly taken aback. Again, I won’t go into plot specifics, but on a general level, Kyon is “separated” from the main cast and the world he had come to know full of the supernatural etc and tries to find his way back. The mystery of the movie is how and why he was “separated” and how to get back. He eventually does get back after multiple attempts. This is the most understated overview ever created, as they address multiple heavy topics, bring back old conflicts and psychoanalyse Kyon and his own personal desire (more on this later). Without spoiling the movie, that’s the best I got unfortunately. I just believe that me taking away any of the shock value from the many twists and turns in this movie would be a disservice to you all, and that giving you one detail of the plot could ruin the whole movie, that’s how intertwined and connected every piece of information you get is, which contributes to why the final reveals and denouements of the movie and their twists hit so hard. Overall, great story with amazing twists and a great mystery which reveals new sides to the characters you love from the show, 9/10.
Themes
Disappearance deals with multiple different themes and topics which help to develop the characters and add much more depth to their already well-built characters. Again, without stepping to far into spoiler territory (which is DIFFICULT), they analyse the theme of sentience extremely well and potentially the best I’ve seen in anime. This adds a world of depth to a certain character and plays the centre role of the movie (still not spoiling ?). Another key theme is around Kyon’s motivations. During the series, the idea of Kyon wanting to return to an ordinary life and questioning whether the chaotic life he lives is worth the hassle. Overall, the theme of sentience is the main focus of the film at points and is analysed thoroughly. It is also a key element of the twist and conclusion of the film. Meanwhile, Kyon’s evaluation of his life while separated from it and can see what his regular and ordinary life would have looked like without the input of the supernatural and mysterious beings of his normal life also adds more depth to his character and his convictions.
Characters
This, for me at least, is the key pull factor of not just the movie, but the series. Throughout the anime, we are introduced and exposed to some of the most enjoyable and entertaining characters of all time (IMO) with one of the most, if not the most, unique and interesting group dynamics in the history of media. During the series, it is a very happy-go-lucky tone where every episode and arc is a different shenanigan caused by Haruhi and is put in a very happy, comedic light (with the exception of the endless eight arc). The movie, however, completely turns this upside down and “the characters we loved” (different but not, wont spoil) are exposed to a completely different tone, allowing us to see different sides to these seemingly enjoyable and cheery characters. Kyon is taken away from the life he felt that he had no choice in living and one where he felt that he had to constantly change to Haruhi’s whim. He felt obligated to stay apart of the SOS brigade and at times questioned whether this was what he truly wanted. After all, he’s an ordinary teenager surrounded by Esper’s, a God like being and the like. However, the movie/a certain character offers Kyon an out. He has a chance to stay in this “world” where the SOS Brigade was never formed and Haruhi never reeled him in. The movie really plays with this all throughout the run time, as each time he edges one step closer back to returning to the world he at one time hated, he can’t help but wonder if it would be better to stay here and live an ordinary life. This builds up and bubble’s over in the climax to the movie where Kyon has to come to a decision, in a scene which is to this day one of the most brilliantly produced monologues and overall scenes in anime. Kyon has an amazing character arc in this movie and elevates this movie to new heights, yet I can’t help but wonder if another character takes the limelight of the movie. I won’t say who or why as it is basically the entire mystery, twist and in some ways the cause and origin of the movie, so you’ll have to watch it for yourself. But, take my word, the character’s in this movie, their developments, their struggles, their convictions and realisations accumulate to make the finest casts an anime has to offer.
Closing Segment
Wow, what a trip! Thinking back on the movie to write this review was so nostalgic and almost a surreal experience for me (considering I have realised can unironically remember every scene of this movie, despite me watching it over 6 months ago). I’ve never written a review in a formal layout such as this other than as a joke with my friends writing jokey SAO 2 reviews and the like, but this was certainly a way to start. This movie will forever hold a deep place in my heart as one of the best mysteries in anime, one of the best plot twists in anime and certainly in my mind (at the time of writing this) the best cast of characters in anime, all while being further elevated by the might and masterful production quality of Kyoto animation. Truly a masterpiece which unfortunately doesn’t get the recognition of Kyoto’s other works like Clannad and a silent voice (which I too value extremely highly) or even works such as your name despite offering some of the best that anime has to offer. I truly could not recommend an anime movie as highly as The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya.