Forty-one years ago on Planet Vegeta, home of the infamous Saiyan warrior race, King Vegeta noticed a baby named Broly whose latent power exceeded that of his own son. Believing that Broly's power would one day surpass that of his child, Vegeta, the king sends Broly to the desolate planet Vampa. Broly's father Paragus follows after him, intent on rescuing his son. However, his ship gets damaged, causing the two to spend years trapped on the barren world, unaware of the salvation that would one day come from an unlikely ally.
Years later on Earth, Gokuu Son and Prince Vegeta—believed to be the last survivors of the Saiyan race—are busy training on a remote island. But their sparring is interrupted when the appearance of their old enemy Frieza drives them to search for the last of the wish-granting Dragon Balls on a frozen continent. Once there, Frieza shows off his new allies: Paragus and the now extremely powerful Broly. A legendary battle that shakes the foundation of the world ensues as Gokuu and Vegeta face off against Broly, a warrior without equal whose rage is just waiting to be unleashed.
The Basic Plotline
At its core, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” centers around the untold backstory of one of the beloved franchise’s most iconic characters, Broly. As an intriguing tale of destiny, rivalries, and raw power, the movie delves into the history of the Saiyans, Broly, Goku, and Vegeta. This provides both fans and newcomers with an enriched understanding of the characters’ past and the Saiyan race as a whole.
To avoid spoilers, I’ll just touch on the basic premise: Goku and Vegeta encounter Broly on the frosty Frontier of Vampa. The characters’ pasts intertwine in interesting and unexpected ways, leading to a battle that’s not only about who has the most strength, but about their individual motives, their destinies, and the very essence of what it means to be a Saiyan.
The Visuals
Dragon Ball Super: Broly boasts a visual style that’s both familiar and fresh. The animation is fluid, vibrant, and nothing short of spectacular. The iconic art style of Akira Toriyama has been lovingly reimagined, with character designs that beautifully bridge the gap between the classic looks and modern aesthetics. The battle sequences are some of the best in anime history: intricate, visceral, and truly electrifying.
The Storytelling
When it comes to storytelling, Dragon Ball Super: Broly doesn’t disappoint. The movie distills the essence of what makes this franchise so appealing and injects it with a narrative depth that’s rarely seen in shonen anime. The pasts of our main characters are explored more fully, springing surprises that shake the foundation of the Dragon Ball universe. Broly, especially, is portrayed with a complexity that transforms him from a one-dimensional enforcer into a character worth caring about.
Characters and Voice Acting
The performances add an additional layer of authenticity to the characters. Sean Schemmel (Goku), Christopher Sabat (Vegeta), and Dameon Clarke (Broly) deliver performances that are powerful, emotive, and instantly engaging. Their remarkable range breathes life into these iconic characters, ensuring that the audience stays invested in their journey.
Final Verdict
As a reviewer, I have seen and reviewed numerous anime movies, but Dragon Ball Super: Broly stands out as a shining example of what makes the genre so captivating. It beautifully marries the appeal of classic shonen anime with modern narrative and animation techniques. The result is an engaging, emotional, and exceedingly entertaining movie that both honors its legacy and boldly steps into new territory. Whether you’re a die-hard Dragon Ball fanatic or a casual anime viewer, this is a story that will captivate you from start to finish.
In final words, if you’re contemplating whether to rent, buy or stream this movie, my verdict is to do all three! This is something that deserves a spot in your collection, and certainly something that you’d want to revisit multiple times.
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