The Disappearance of Harushi Suzumiya is a movie based upon the light novel series. It adapts the fourth volume and is best to watch after you have finished the first two seasons of the anime. Why? This is because the movie cleverly integrates previous moments that happened in the anime into its plot. While the anime had already shown this type of foreshadowing, it’s a lot more obvious here and satisfying as everything clicks and you realize what had just happened. The plot starts off simple enough, it is Christmas and the SOS Brigade is preparing a Christmas party. However, before that day could come, Kyon wakes up and finds out that the world has changed and Haruhi has disappeared. Everyone else’s personalities have changed and it’s as if Haruhi had never existed in Kyon’s life. This is an interesting premise and you know just something is up, particularly since Haruhi is involved. As Kyon starts to unravel the mystery of how this happens, it defies your expectations again and again. When one part becomes clear, it throws a spanner in the works and completely redefines the situation, it’s really interesting and you are eager to see how it all unfolds. While there are slower moments, particularly in the first half, it is worth the patience (especially since this is an extremely long movie at 2 hrs and 40 minutes). The resolution of the problem is a huge turning point for Kyon. It is a critical moment for Kyon as he reflects on everything that has happened to him since going to high school and how he wants to continue. The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya has a great film that is a lot deeper and significant than at first glance.
