Dragon Ball Super: Broly movie - Unlocking Super Saiyan Secrets

At long last, our anticipation culminated in viewing Dragon Ball Super: Broly, and it undoubtedly stands as one of the finest films in Akira Toriyama's saga. However, regrettably, it falls short of the grandeur set by the series, let alone the manga. In the following discussion, while steering clear of spoilers, I encourage you to reflect honestly and consider: What aspects of a Dragon Ball narrative could genuinely be spoiled for you, given your pre-existing knowledge of the franchise?

The Next Chapter in the Saga

Following the intense battle against Jiren, Goku and Vegeta resume their everyday lives, primarily revolving around relentless training to further enhance their strength. Vegeta, suspicious of Freezer's potential return, remains vigilant, prompting continuous preparation. Simultaneously, the villain dispatches his henchmen to Earth to pilfer the Dragon Balls gathered by Bulma.

In response, Goku, Vegeta, and Bulma embark on a journey to the North Pole to thwart the thieves. However, as the seven Dragon Balls are assembled, Freezer makes a dramatic entrance with two new malevolent Saiyans, Broly and Paragus (Broly's father). Having narrowly escaped the catastrophic fate intended by King Vegeta before the destruction of their homeworld, these characters return from exile seeking vengeance against the crown prince, Vegeta IV.

No matter what happens, I will always maintain a positive outlook!

These lines aren't fueled by nostalgia; the past, in general, was lackluster, and those dwelling in it often remain oblivious to the harm they inflict on themselves. Moreover, true nostalgia requires a certain distance, and the reality is that since I watched the inaugural episode of Dragon Ball on Channel 5, I've remained closely connected to the saga.

A paramount aspect to grasp about Dragon Ball Super: Broly is that the film is crafted for ardent fans. If you don't fall into that category, kindly consider refraining from watching the movie, as you might find yourself searching for "something" that eludes you, potentially dampening the experience for those who revel in the series.

Another pivotal consideration is this: Wipe the slate clean concerning your knowledge of Broly. From the animosity towards Goku due to infantile cries disrupting his sleep to his cloned iteration, this fresh canon narrative wipes away past OVAs (never part of the official storyline) and delves into the profound layers of the character's tale. Broly, a noble being, grapples with the consequences of his father's decisions (rooted in love) and his inherent genetic nature, leading to abrupt fits of rage.

The movie unfolds in two parts. The initial segment delves into the past (41 years prior, coinciding with Vegeta's age). In the first half-hour, we witness King Cold's retirement, Freezer's ascension to power, the Saiyan caste system under King Vegeta III's rule, and the lives of lower-class warriors like Bardock, his wife Gine, and their children Raditz and Kakarot.

The first 20 minutes are a visually stunning spectacle, featuring a robust and engaging plot steeped in nostalgia. This segment also addresses many lingering questions fans had about the series' characters.

The second part transpires post the Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super, presenting a storyline that may not be entirely novel, yet avoids tedium. Vegeta fends off Broly's assault, and Goku intervenes, fueled by his obsession to encounter opponents surpassing his own strength. Goku's inclination towards violence becomes apparent here. The movie's conclusion is a well-known fact, requiring no further elaboration.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly Trailer

Animation: A Low Ki that Suddenly Explodes

The animation showcases stellar moments, taking the "Dragon Ball experience" to another level, such as when the camera immerses us in Broly's perspective during his clash with Goku or when Broly escalates his power to a level, creating his own visual universe. Regrettably, this excellence crumbles suddenly, giving way to poorly animated scenes. Yes, the issues of subpar drawings that caused a stir in Dragon Ball Super are transported to the movie, and their impact is magnified when viewed on an IMAX screen.

Given that the film's production surpasses that of a series episode, one would expect more effort to avoid such instances. The scenes find some redemption through the humor in the dialogues, but it remains undeniably unforgivable for the overall product. Additionally, this marks the first movie in the saga to be presented in IMAX format in our region. Shouldn't they have made every possible effort to minimize these kinds of situations?

It's clear that Akira Toriyama played a significant role in crafting the story. The delicate balance between humor and drama is well-maintained, and the characters' motivations are intricately developed, even when they revolve around seemingly mundane figures like Bulma or Freeza.

The narrative flows seamlessly, making it accessible even for those who haven't watched the Dragon Ball Super series. For seasoned fans of the saga, the movie offers nods to classic moments, delivering an abundance of fan service that lives up to expectations. During the past adventure, Bardock's canonical storyline is respected, showcasing his final battle with Freeza in space, albeit from a different perspective.

The revamped versions of Broly and Paragus become endearing once you grasp the Saiyans' incapacity to express feelings of love towards their children, opting for a tough love approach. Likewise, there's a noticeable maturation in Vegeta's character over time. His priorities shift towards protecting his wife rather than merely engaging in a fight with Broly, a nuance absent in Goku's character.

The narrative ventures into unexplored territories within the Dragon Ball canon, going beyond being a mere drama punctuated with battles. It genuinely seeks to narrate a well-rounded origin story for the characters, injecting a refreshing twist into the saga. This could potentially be the direction it takes in the future, coupled with increasingly intense battles.

Speaking of which, one of the post-cinema discussions with your friends will undoubtedly revolve around whether the Goku vs. Broly fight surpasses the spectacle of the one with Jiren.

The Positives

• The first half of the story brings a refreshing touch to the saga, serving as a pivotal point for its future.
• Recaptures the humor that defined Toriyama's greatness.
• Broly evolves from a pseudo Hulk into an endearing character.
• The animation during the fights is spectacular.
• Explores previously uncharted territories within the series.
• Introduces the concept that Saiyans can experience love – a new canon.
• Freezer and Bulma's pursuit of the spheres for frivolous purposes adds entertaining elements.

The Negatives

• Animation quality dips at certain points.
• Non-action scenes suffer from deformed drawings.
• Goku's tendency to resolve everything through punches becomes tiresome. Just put an end to that already!

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