Brief Summary
This video is a review of the 2018 film Dragon Ball Super: Broly. The reviewer discusses the film's story, music, and visuals, and whether it lives up to the hype and nostalgia surrounding the Dragon Ball franchise. The review covers the film's efficient beginning, streamlined plot, and accessible nature for both longtime fans and newcomers. It also touches on the film's strengths, such as the motivations of the characters, the visuals, and the action sequences, as well as its flaws, such as the contrived plot points and the exclusion of fan-favorite characters.
- The film has excellent pacing, visuals, and music.
- The motivations established in the early scenes drive the subsequent ones in natural and believable ways.
- The fight sequences are visually impressive and well-choreographed.
Introduction
The reviewer expresses a reluctance to review Dragon Ball Super: Broly until enough time has passed to judge it on its own merits, rather than through rose-tinted glasses. The goal is to determine if the film is truly as great as remembered, peeling away nostalgia to find substance. The reviewer admits to not enjoying previous Dragon Ball movies, finding them rushed and unearned compared to the anime, despite cool visuals and action. Battle of Gods and Resurrection F changed this, offering standalone stories that worked as films. The reviewer was initially worried about a Broly-centric movie, given the character's history in the films, but was reassured by Akira Toriyama's involvement in rewriting Broly's character and handling the script.
Efficient Beginning and Visual Upgrade
The film's beginning is efficient, streamlined, and accessible, even for those unfamiliar with the franchise. It establishes key players and motivations, starting with a flashback 41 years in the past, showcasing Frieza's force in its prime. This scene marks the first look at the Saiyan society written by Toriyama in animation, creating a tremendous sense of scale and awe. The visuals have undergone a significant upgrade, with vibrant colors, lighting, and nostalgic character designs that feel more like Dragon Ball than recent releases.
Character Motivations and Broly's Origin
The opening scene acts as a passing of the torch to Frieza, setting a ruthless tone. King Vegeta's visit to his son in the nursery reveals his desire for revenge on Frieza. Broly is introduced as a lower-class warrior with high potential, leading King Vegeta to exile him to Planet Vampa, fearing he will upstage his own son. Broly's father, Paragus, follows him, breeding a lifelong grudge that drives the film's conflict. The visuals of Broly landing on Vampa are stunning, concluding with a satisfying title drop.
Goku's Origin and Dragon Balls Involvement
The film includes a controversial section covering events from Akira Toriyama's one-shot manga, Dragon Ball Minus. While initially worrying, it plays out better than expected, though Goku's origin still draws Superman parallels. The film integrates new elements into the classic canon, succeeding in some areas while faltering in others. Bardock's suspicion of Frieza is more believable here than in the manga. Goku's modest upbringing is heartwarming, contrasting with Vegeta and Broly's elite nurseries. The scene where Goku is sent off-world is touching, accompanied by stunning visuals and music. The film focuses on Goku, Vegeta, and Broly, connecting their fates. The reviewer appreciates the focused cast, allowing for better story development. To bring the major players together, the Dragon Balls are involved, with Frieza's men stealing them, and Goku and Vegeta conveniently absent. Bulma has gathered only six Dragon Balls, providing a means to track them down.
Broly's Relationship and the Impending Clash
Broly and Paragus are rescued from Vampa by Cheelai and Lemo, new recruits in Frieza's force tasked with finding strong fighters. Broly's interactions with Frieza, his father, Cheelai, and the crew are a highlight. The film develops sympathy for Broly through the revelation of his past and his father's cruelty. Broly is controlled using a shock collar, which raises questions about why he doesn't simply remove it, given his immense power. Cheelai steals the remote used to control Broly, setting the stage for a clash between the main characters.
The Epic Fight Begins: Vegeta vs. Broly
The fight sequence lasts almost 40 minutes and is visually stunning. It's divided into three sections: Broly vs. Vegeta, Broly vs. Goku, and Gogeta vs. Broly. Each section highlights the unique strengths of each fighter. The Vegeta fight, animated by Yuya Takahashi, showcases Vegeta styling on his opponent, with the Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan God transformations beautifully handled. This fight serves to bring Broly up to speed with the level of combat of the main cast.
Goku vs. Broly: Experimental Animation and Music
The fight shifts to Goku, handled by animator Rilona Shei. This section introduces experimental animation, music, and lore. The music, by Sumitomo, is inspired by live events in Latin America and includes chanting and a hype man. The animation features a first-person tracking shot. The fight includes new techniques and a Super Saiyan Blue transformation. CGI is used to enhance sequences, backgrounds, and special effects.
Frieza's Intervention and the Fusion
Paragus reveals that Broly is at his limit, prompting Frieza to kill him, mirroring Paragus' earlier killing of Beets. Overcome with grief, Broly transforms. Vegeta rejoins the fight in a CGI sequence. Vegeta and Goku pawn Frieza off before heading to Piccolo to learn fusion. The reviewer finds Vegeta's reluctance to fuse nonsensical, given his past experiences. The botched fusion attempts lead to Frieza being pummeled for an hour before Gogeta makes his canon debut.
Gogeta vs. Broly: Spectacular Animation and Narrative Issues
The Gogeta vs. Broly fight is packed with spectacular animation. Animator Norihiro Shinkawa contributes a minute and 40 seconds of pure movement. However, the reviewer notes that Shinkawa repeats angles and techniques. The section includes a CGI sequence that suits the dimensional shift. Cheelai's desire to save Broly by putting her life at risk seems premature, despite the film's efforts to build their relationship. The final moments of the battle are tense, with the Dragon Balls causing darkness as Gogeta charges his final Kamehameha. Broly looks genuinely scared. The wish is made to transport Broly back home, ending the fight.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The film isn't perfect, with narrative shortcomings. The first half delivers exposition well, but the second half requires prior knowledge of the series. However, the reviewer had immense fun watching it. The film is a ride, with fanservice, characters, story, action sequences, and set pieces. The animators, musicians, artists, and writers went all out. It combines elements from Dragon Ball Minus, Broly – The Legendary Super Saiyan, and Fusion Reborn to create a superior story. Despite its problems, the great parts outweigh the drawbacks, and the reviewer highly recommends experiencing it.
