Official On-Going Dragon Ball Super Movie #1 Thread: "Broly"

[nato25]

Just got off the hype train from IMAX Australia in Melbourne, I loved it, favourite DBZ movie by far. For me the highs were as high as Whis being joyful for Goku obtaining Ultra Instinct and that moment itself.

I was basically happy with about 90% of the movie, mostly 10% of these specific areas distracted me. There will be spoilers.

- The music was largely forgettable when it wasn't using 'Broly's theme' which I really enjoyed as well as all the renditions of it. Huge boo to the chanting segments, I found it incredibly awkward and if it wasn't for the awesome animation I would have been taken right out of the fight.

- I say the animation was awesome however it was definitely jarring at some points with the many different styles. Points I specifically noticed as being like wtf thats a wierd style change were the CGI sequence with all the ice melting, Gogeta's final attack Kamehameha and some of the fusion sequence. There were also some moments reminiscent of when the camera is zoomed very far back so characters are missing things like faces and what not, I don't normally mind that when it's far away but in some shots it seemed the shot was framed close enough to the characters where such features shouldn't be missing and it looked strange. A bit more cohesion would have been nice is what I'm saying I guess.

- Broly not talking AT ALL in that fight. I'll give the artists credit for conveying some emotions through voice and animation, however I wanted more from Broly as a character after all the excellent build up.

- Lastly I just remembered, when they really over-sexualised Cheelai in that one scene where she was talking with Lemo. Like she wasn't trying to be sexy or talking about anything related to that, and the camera was framing her in the most sexualised way, it just seemed really off. Could be a Japanese culture thing, I found it really strange and perverted frankly.

I also would love to go back and do some fact checking. Is the Dragon granting 1 wish correct at this point in the series? I can't keep up with that anymore haha. Also who were those random Saiyans with Vegeta, Raditz and Nappa!!

Can't wait for the blu-ray to come out and for people to start analysing shots and taking battle powers and stuff.

[Night Owl]

I saw the film in Glasgow last night. There was something quite comforting about seeing a Dragon Ball movie on the big screen in a packed-out hall full of fans. I felt it struck the right balance between nostalgia and new stuff, and I am definitely intrigued to see how the franchise will move forward from here. The strongest features of the film were the animation (in places - I still find the use of 3D quite jarring in some places as it looks miles out of place and miles inferior the frankly amazing 2D art that blew me away at times) and the direction of the fight sequences. I can understand if someone found the fights too frenetic, but I feel it conveyed the unbelievable speed and power as best as it could.

I understand that some fans are suffering from 'Saiyan fatigue', but I actually thought this movie benefited from the smaller cast without shoehorning as many of the side characters in as possible (in the past there would have doubtless been some comedy side-narrative involving Krillin, Mr. Satan or Master Roshi looking at porn mags). It's a shame that the creators seem to have lost all faith in Gohan as a character and I find it bizarre he wasn't in it even once. I appreciated Piccolo's cameo but it saddens me that my favourite character is reduced to a cameo role designed to shut up the likes of me who would complain if he didn't feature at all!

Thumbs up. I will watch this again and I'm excited for whatever's next.

[Super Saiyan Swagger]

Just got off the hype train from IMAX Australia in Melbourne, I loved it, favourite DBZ movie by far. For me the highs were as high as Whis being joyful for Goku obtaining Ultra Instinct and that moment itself.

Oh shit! I think we were at the same screening!

I finally got to watch this thing. Absolutely loved it. Broly's a fantastic character and is very likeable, to the point where I didn't really know who to root for during those fight scenes. Also, holy shit those fight scenes. I could not comprehend what I was watching. This is one of the few times in the franchise where the fight happening on screen actually felt next level. Some of the best action in Dragon Ball ever.

Though not as consistently funny as Battle of Gods, some of these gags killed me. Freeza's wish for the Dragon Balls is just... perfect. Love the new characters. Cheelai and Lemo are fantastic and I want to see more of them. I also like that Toriyama made the cast of this film smaller than usual. Sure Krillin, Gohan and a bunch of others aren't here, but I'd rather not see them at all than have them show up and do nothing.

Animation and direction was spectacular. I know Nagamine said that he's gonna be taking a break, but please come back some time soon. I haven't seen direction this good in Dragon Ball in, like... ever.

The scenes set in the past were really interesting. I thought that it was going to end up dragging out the film, but it served a lot of purpose towards Broly and Paragus's backstory, not to mention how it all relates to Goku and Vegeta's origins. It's really good stuff.

One gripe I have is that you can tell that there's more to this story. You can't just get a 3 hour screenplay, crunch it down, and not have it feel just a little jump-y in places. I hope that we get an extended edition some day, but if not, I still really love what we got here.

I did not think we would get chanting in this soundtrack, but I am A-OK with it and need to listed to that shit on repeat.

Also, man... I really really love Goku's last line in this film. What a great way to end it. I'm very excited for the future of this series. Easily the best Dragon Ball movie. I gotta watch it again.

[nato25]

Just got off the hype train from IMAX Australia in Melbourne, I loved it, favourite DBZ movie by far. For me the highs were as high as Whis being joyful for Goku obtaining Ultra Instinct and that moment itself.

Oh shit! I think we were at the same screening!

I finally got to watch this thing. Absolutely loved it. Broly's a fantastic character and is very likeable, to the point where I didn't really know who to root for during those fight scenes. Also, holy shit those fight scenes. I could not comprehend what I was watching. This is one of the few times in the franchise where the fight happening on screen actually felt next level. Some of the best action in Dragon Ball ever.

Though not as consistently funny as Battle of Gods, some of these gags killed me. Freeza's wish for the Dragon Balls is just... perfect. Love the new characters. Cheelai and Lemo are fantastic and I want to see more of them. I also like that Toriyama made the cast of this film smaller than usual. Sure Krillin, Gohan and a bunch of others aren't here, but I'd rather not see them at all than have them show up and do nothing.

Animation and direction was spectacular. I know Nagamine said that he's gonna be taking a break, but please come back some time soon. I haven't seen direction this good in Dragon Ball in, like... ever.

The scenes set in the past were really interesting. I thought that it was going to end up dragging out the film, but it served a lot of purpose towards Broly and Paragus's backstory, not to mention how it all relates to Goku and Vegeta's origins. It's really good stuff.

One gripe I have is that you can tell that there's more to this story. You can't just get a 3 hour screenplay, crunch it down, and not have it feel just a little jump-y in places. I hope that we get an extended edition some day, but if not, I still really love what we got here.

I did not think we would get chanting in this soundtrack, but I am A-OK with it and need to listed to that shit on repeat.

Also, man... I really really love Goku's last line in this film. What a great way to end it. I'm very excited for the future of this series. Easily the best Dragon Ball movie. I gotta watch it again.

Yeah I feel we've bumped into eachother a few times on the board and probably in real life at conventions. I was wearing a bootleg underarmour ultra instinct shirt if you saw me. There was someone once that told me they were the ones to fan translate the Yamcha manga is that you?

Anyway seems we we're pretty much in agreeance about the film but I was definitely a bit more critical haha. Also gotta say having such a large theatre packed out and the crowd cheering at the end which I've seen maybe happen one other time in my life while I've been seeing movies in Australia was awesome. Crowd was good, dead silent most of the film and laughed along with the film at the right bits.

[Super Saiyan Swagger]

Just got off the hype train from IMAX Australia in Melbourne, I loved it, favourite DBZ movie by far. For me the highs were as high as Whis being joyful for Goku obtaining Ultra Instinct and that moment itself.

Oh shit! I think we were at the same screening!

I finally got to watch this thing. Absolutely loved it. Broly's a fantastic character and is very likeable, to the point where I didn't really know who to root for during those fight scenes. Also, holy shit those fight scenes. I could not comprehend what I was watching. This is one of the few times in the franchise where the fight happening on screen actually felt next level. Some of the best action in Dragon Ball ever.

Though not as consistently funny as Battle of Gods, some of these gags killed me. Freeza's wish for the Dragon Balls is just... perfect. Love the new characters. Cheelai and Lemo are fantastic and I want to see more of them. I also like that Toriyama made the cast of this film smaller than usual. Sure Krillin, Gohan and a bunch of others aren't here, but I'd rather not see them at all than have them show up and do nothing.

Animation and direction was spectacular. I know Nagamine said that he's gonna be taking a break, but please come back some time soon. I haven't seen direction this good in Dragon Ball in, like... ever.

The scenes set in the past were really interesting. I thought that it was going to end up dragging out the film, but it served a lot of purpose towards Broly and Paragus's backstory, not to mention how it all relates to Goku and Vegeta's origins. It's really good stuff.

One gripe I have is that you can tell that there's more to this story. You can't just get a 3 hour screenplay, crunch it down, and not have it feel just a little jump-y in places. I hope that we get an extended edition some day, but if not, I still really love what we got here.

I did not think we would get chanting in this soundtrack, but I am A-OK with it and need to listed to that shit on repeat.

Also, man... I really really love Goku's last line in this film. What a great way to end it. I'm very excited for the future of this series. Easily the best Dragon Ball movie. I gotta watch it again.

Yeah I feel we've bumped into eachother a few times on the board and probably in real life at conventions. I was wearing a bootleg underarmour ultra instinct shirt if you saw me. There was someone once that told me they were the ones to fan translate the Yamcha manga is that you?

Anyway seems we we're pretty much in agreeance about the film but I was definitely a bit more critical haha. Also gotta say having such a large theatre packed out and the crowd cheering at the end which I've seen maybe happen one other time in my life while I've been seeing movies in Australia was awesome. Crowd was good, dead silent most of the film and laughed along with the film at the right bits.

Nah I don't think I saw you, but we were definitely at the same screening. The crowd we were watching it with was great! Though, one thing I noticed while watching was that the audio in the theatre was way off. The soundtrack sounded really quiet in places.

[Kanassa]

Even as a meta joke to whole "5 minutes" scenario back on Namek.

How did Frieza's wish have anything to do with Namek? If anything, it was a parallel to the Bulma scene that came just before, right down to them both saying that they specifically have to go for five otherwise it'll be noticeable.

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

Even as a meta joke to whole "5 minutes" scenario back on Namek.

How did Frieza's wish have anything to do with Namek? If anything, it was a parallel to the Bulma scene that came just before, right down to them both saying that they specifically have to go for five otherwise it'll be noticeable.

The way he held his fingers when saying he was going to make that wish was clearly a throwback as he was holding them out the same way he did when he told Goku Namek would explode in 5 minutes. It was done for the sake of a gag, one that I'd say worked well.

[Kanassa]

- Lastly I just remembered, when they really over-sexualised Cheelai in that one scene where she was talking with Lemo. Like she wasn't trying to be sexy or talking about anything related to that, and the camera was framing her in the most sexualised way, it just seemed really off. Could be a Japanese culture thing, I found it really strange and perverted frankly.

A side shot where one of the characters is bending over in an average manner, with no focus on making the shot tantalizing, nor even showing or putting detail into the areas that would be sexual is not even remotely sexualizing Cheelai.

Even as a meta joke to whole "5 minutes" scenario back on Namek.

How did Frieza's wish have anything to do with Namek? If anything, it was a parallel to the Bulma scene that came just before, right down to them both saying that they specifically have to go for five otherwise it'll be noticeable.

The way he held his fingers when saying he was going to make that wish was clearly a throwback to the 5 minutes scenario. It was done for the sake of a gag, one that I'd say worked well.

That wasn't a throwback, that was just contributing to the joke that he was making such a simple wish sound like a dramatic and sinister plot with how he presents it.

[The Time Traveller]

I got to see it subbed yesterday, in an empty theatre, 7 and a half hours before the public UK release. It was so good, it's probably my favourite DB movie, definitely the best modern DB movie.

The music was great, the animation, art, designs, it was nearly perfect but even then the scenery was amazing in the small CGI fight between Goku and Broly, and it was still enjoyable. It made Broly likable too, you could feel sorry for him before but adding Freeza killing his vengeful father to the equation gave it a boost, ya know?

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

How did Frieza's wish have anything to do with Namek? If anything, it was a parallel to the Bulma scene that came just before, right down to them both saying that they specifically have to go for five otherwise it'll be noticeable.

The way he held his fingers when saying he was going to make that wish was clearly a throwback to the 5 minutes scenario. It was done for the sake of a gag, one that I'd say worked well.

That wasn't a throwback, that was just contributing to the joke that he was making such a simple wish sound like a dramatic and sinister plot with how he presents it.

I'd say we're going to have to agree to differ on this one but the way Freeza held his fingers instantly reminded me of him making the same gesture on Namek, and it stood out as fan service. I also saw the dramatization of this wish. I'm glad Funimation were able to get Ayres back for that line, he's managed to do make that sound really sinister and threatening. I don't know if Mills could have pulled it off as well, but Ayres' portrayal honestly made me love that line.

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

Anyway, like many others I just watched the film. Have to say I thought it was fantastic, fanservicey? Yeah, sure, but I thought they handled it rather well.

Characters

Thought there were some great character moments throughout. All the goofy Goku I could ask for, great banter and interactions with the other characters too. Vegeta in particular playing off Goku's wackiness, and the consequences of his actions in recruiting for the Tournament of Power. Freeza was absolutely hilarious, the 5 cm gag was just perfect, I really liked how his character was used, and for something new as well, not just the usual taking revenge on our heroes. Broly, oh man, what a great nuanced version of this character, definitely enjoyed the notion of him being a "what if" for if Goku was never adopted by Grandpa Gohan or met Bulma.

Story

Quite compelling. I felt it subverted expectations a lot for a Dragon Ball movie, especially given how complex a character Broly was compared to the original movies. The fight felt like it had some weight to it when Cheelai came in and expressed her concern, and that wish on the Dragon Balls. Perfect plot twist, and made for an ending with actual heart to it.

Pacing

Generally on point. Granted the flashbacks did drag a bit, especially with the Bardock stuff, but I felt once we got to the present day the movie really hit its stride and progressed naturally right up to the big fight between Goku, Vegeta and Broly as well as Broly vs Freeza

Music

Nothing short of spectacular. Tied with the Goku Black arc for the best work Sumitomo has done for this franchise. The song that played when Bardock and Gine let Goku go in particular was breath taking and really conveyed the emotion of the moment. Perfect use of silence where necessary too. The man has had some jarring tracks in the TV series like the disco track in The Final Chapters and The Pilaf Gang's theme, but I was pleased to see that in this movie every track fit like a glove.

Animation

It was utterly fantastic. What more is there to say? I loved the new designs and how everything looked in motion. I know some people had a problem with the CGI, but I thought that it was used right in this movie. I had problems with its usage in Battle of Gods and Resurrection F, but it blended in quite well with the 2D animation here.

Overall

It was a fun movie without a doubt. Everything you could want from a Dragon Ball movie from the humour to the action, and some great classic Toriyama subversions thrown in. Honestly think this could be the man's best work since Jaco. Not sure yet if it's my favourite Dragon Ball movie, but it's certainly the best of the new era and the highlight of Super so far.

9/10 for me. Great job from all involved.

[Lord Beerus]

A few more things I wanted to add to my review of the movie, before I kind of trailed of due to feeling a little sick while doing the review:

- I made, well semi-made, the point that in the last 40 minutes that Broly doesn't talk at all and lets his actions speak for himself:

I do find it quite disappointing that in the last 40 minutes of the film, Broly pretty much because this

To finish this point, yes, I found it quite disappointing that Broly doesn't contribute much in terms of dialogue once he starts fighting Goku, Vegeta and Freeza. It seemed more like pandering to the misconception that Broly is thoughtless monster who screams a lot when he fights. Which, in itself, make me all the more grateful he lived by the end of the movie as it give him more room for development and the audience don't label him as just a hulking, screaming, giant pile of muscle like the original Broly post Movie 8.

- The cinema experience was wonderful. The entire place was packed, 95% adults, and a lot black people as well (myself included).

- The dub was fantastic. Everyone brought their A-game.

[Baggie_Saiyan]

A few more things I wanted to add to my review of the movie, before I kind of trailed of due to feeling a little sick while doing the review:

- I made, well semi-made, the point that in the last 40 minutes that Broly doesn't talk at all and lest his actions speak for himself:

I do find it quite disappointing that in the last 40 minutes of the film, Broly pretty much because this

To finish this point, yes, I found it quite disappointing that Broly doesn't contribute much in terms of dialogue once he starts fighting Goku, Vegeta and Freeza. It seemed more like pandering to the misconception that Broly is thoughtless monster who screams a lot when he fights. Which, in itself, make me all the more grateful he lived by the end of the movie as it give him more room for development and the audience don't label him as just a hulking, screaming, giant pile of muscle like the original Broly post Movie 8.

- The cinema experience was wonderful. The entire place was packed, 95% adults, and a lot black people as well (myself included).

- The dub was fantastic. Everyone brought their A-game.

I didn't mind that at all actually since they actually built his character up prior, if Broly did say a bunch of edgy lines again I would have been pissed at that. But as it were he didn't need to talk at all and I am glad he didn't actually! Even at the end his expressions spoke for him, I loved that smile he responded to Goku with!

[HeroR]

So it's like the movie wanted have its cake and eat it too with regards to Bardock's perspective in the story.

DB Minus and Bardock's last stand are not mutually exclusive events to begin with, so it's not a case of having its cake and eating it too. There is indeed a gap in the narrative, but there's no continuity problem.

That is what confused me. People kept getting on Minus for not showing Bardock's last stand and assumed it didn't happened when Minus ended before Vegeta was destroyed. The best we got is a text box telling us Freeza destroyed the planet, so I never got why everyone just assumed Bardock fighting didn't happened.

[Dragon Ball Ireland]

Yeah, I could definitely tell Broly's expressions gave away more than additional dialogue could have. There was so much subtlety in how he carried himself non verbally, and I really hope TOEI get some great writers on board to capitalize on that when Super returns. There is so much potential for a great character arc.

[HeroR]

A few more things I wanted to add to my review of the movie, before I kind of trailed of due to feeling a little sick while doing the review:

- I made, well semi-made, the point that in the last 40 minutes that Broly doesn't talk at all and lets his actions speak for himself:

I do find it quite disappointing that in the last 40 minutes of the film, Broly pretty much because this

To finish this point, yes, I found it quite disappointing that Broly doesn't contribute much in terms of dialogue once he starts fighting Goku, Vegeta and Freeza. It seemed more like pandering to the misconception that Broly is thoughtless monster who screams a lot when he fights. Which, in itself, make me all the more grateful he lived by the end of the movie as it give him more room for development and the audience don't label him as just a hulking, screaming, giant pile of muscle like the original Broly post Movie 8.

- The cinema experience was wonderful. The entire place was packed, 95% adults, and a lot black people as well (myself included).

- The dub was fantastic. Everyone brought their A-game.

Honestly don't see the issue with this since Broly was shown early on not to talk to people he didn't trust. He didn't even say a word to Freeza and only really started to talk to Cheelai and Lemo after he crushed his dad's remote. I guess there was that drunk goon, but he only spoke up to get him off of Cheelai. So he had no reason to talk to Goku or Vegeta while he fought them. His dad told him to waste them so to him, it's no different than those bugs he killed on Vampa.

That and Broly's Rage form is more or less a Great Ape in human form and like any Great Ape that isn't Vegeta, Broly just goes primal and can't be reason with. Not even his dad can reached him. Add that to the emotion trauma of going Super Saiyan and in the end, Broly is really no different than Great Ape Goku at the end of the first story arc.

[GodVegetto91]

I, too, am proud to be able to say i’ve supported the official release! I just went to my local theater here in The Netherlands this afternoon. Only 6 people were in the room including myself. So it was quite empty. All boys ofcourse lol. But it was a fun movie nonetheless. I will be going again tommorow night with my father, monday with my girlfriend, and maybe later this week with a friend of mine. That would make it 4 times total. Take my money Toei!

[Luso Saiyan]

That is what confused me. People kept getting on Minus for not showing Bardock's last stand and assumed it didn't happened when Minus ended before Vegeta was destroyed. The best we got is a text box telling us Freeza destroyed the planet, so I never got why everyone just assumed Bardock fighting didn't happened.

Me neither. Specially when the only thing Toriyama established in the manga about the character prior to Minus was the fact that he made a stand against Freeza before he destroyed the planet. And the events of Minus are set an whole month before the planet's destruction.

[emperior]

- The cinema experience was wonderful. The entire place was packed, 95% adults, and a lot black people as well (myself included).

You are not the only one saying this. It’s clear that Dragon Ball’s fanbase is mostly made up of adults, which is why I find it so hard to accept that they have toned down the violence so much from DBZ. There wasn’t a single drop of blood in the movie and while that didn’t detract from the experience, it’s still something I miss so much.
Maybe if they focused on bringing back all the visual elements which helped making Dragon Ball as popular as it is, they would also attract new fans. Right now I doubt that the franchise is attracting many more fans, judging from the amount of fan service clearly aimed to old fans they constantly throw at us and the fact that despite Super’s success, the movie has barely been able to beat Resurrection F’s earnings in Japan.

[PerhapsTheOtherOne]

Something I found interesting was just how close Gogeta was to punching a hole in Broly's gut like Goku did in the original movie.

I was actually really afraid that it was gonna happen again when they showed the close-ups of Gogeta gut-punching Broly.

Imagine that! Being afraid that Broly was gonna bite it! Times really have changed, haven't they?