Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (Review)

Written by,
J. Johnson

Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might is a captivating anime film that transports viewers into the epic world of Dragon Ball Z. Released in 1990, this movie stands as a testament to the creativity and excitement that the franchise has consistently delivered.

The plot revolves around the Z Fighters, led by the iconic Goku, as they confront a formidable threat. A group of space pirates, led by the ruthless Turles, planted the mystical Tree of Might on Earth. This nefarious tree drains the planet of its life force and bears fruit that grants tremendous power to those who consume it. With an abundance of energy at their disposal, Turles and his minions aim to conquer the universe.

What sets this movie apart is its perfect blend of thrilling action and heartfelt storytelling. The Tree of Might delves into the character’s inner struggles and explores themes of unity, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of our heroes. This is the first and only time the original Z Fighters teams (Goku, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Yamcha, Tien, and Chiaotzu) fight alongside each other. Despite the reunion of the original Z Fighters team, some characters need more screen time and involvement in the plot, which may disappoint fans.

While the movie offers thrilling action and emotional depth, it may leave some viewers wanting more regarding character development. Some supporting characters could have been further explored and given more meaningful moments.

The animation in The Tree of Might is a visual spectacle. It beautifully captures the distinct art style that fans have come to love from the Dragon Ball series. The battle sequences are awe-inspiring, featuring intense clashes, spectacular energy beams, and jaw-dropping transformations. Especially when Gohan turns into his Great Ape (Oozaru) form battling Goku and Turtles, respectively. The attention to detail in each frame brings the characters to life, allowing viewers to immerse themselves fully in the action.

Although the movie has stunning visuals, it still needs a few things. At times, The Tree of Might suffers from pacing issues, particularly during the exposition-heavy moments. The movie could have benefited from tighter editing to maintain a consistent rhythm. However, the outstanding musical score enhances the movie’s impact, overshadowing the pacing issues. The energetic tracks during intense battles and the poignant melodies in emotional scenes perfectly complement the on-screen action.

Additionally, the voice performances in both the original Japanese version and the English dub lend depth and authenticity to the characters, making their struggles and triumphs resonate even more strongly.

While The Tree of Might tells a self-contained story, it seamlessly fits into the Dragon Ball Z narrative, offering additional layers to the series’ universe. It introduces new adversaries, expands on familiar characters’ backgrounds, and seamlessly integrates with the main storyline. This creates a cohesive and enjoyable experience for fans while providing a thrilling entry point for newcomers to the Dragon Ball Z saga.

Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might successfully delivers a captivating story, engaging action, and emotional depth that fans of the series will appreciate. The movie is an enjoyable addition to the Dragon Ball Z saga with its stunning visuals, outstanding soundtrack, and integration with the main storyline. While it may have some minor flaws in terms of character development and pacing, the overall experience is an unforgettable journey that should be noticed by fans and lovers of action-packed storytelling.