Review: Dragon Ball Super: ‘Broly’ (2018)

Akira Toriyama and Toei Animation reimagine a fan-favorite that expands on the Dragon Ball lore while pushing the boundaries of the franchise.

Written by,
UkNo

A blend of nostalgia, character-driven storytelling, and boundary-pushing visuals catapulting the franchise to its high-mark. This movie is far from a rehash of old Saiyan showdowns-it’s a thoughtful reimagining of a classic villain, complimented by some of the most dynamic animation the series has ever delivered. The movie takes a different approach by enriching Broly’s backstory, granting him a sympathetic origin while shrouding the brute in a tragic, multidimensional light. If you’re a familiar with how the older variant of Broly, he’s exhibits tremendous growth. He transforms him from a screaming juggernaut into a victim of his own immense power and upbringing.

This deeper characterization ties perfectly into the film’s extended battle sequences, which are vivid, creative, and pulse-pounding. The fights unfold in three key matchups, each showcasing distinct strengths and dramatic beats. Vegeta vs. Broly feels like an old-school “Dragon Ball” test of pride and skill. Vegeta, always the fierce strategist, meets Broly’s raw aggression with precision and confidence. The choreography here highlights both warriors’ unique fighting styles—Vegeta’s polished techniques and measured ki usage stand in contrast to Broly’s explosive, instinctual attacks. As their clash intensifies, you can feel the tension: it’s as much a battle of wills as it is raw power, painting Broly as a fighter still discovering his limitless potential.

In the ensuing Goku vs. Broly duel, the tone shifts dramatically. Goku’s more playful, open-minded approach to battle tests Broly in a different way. Goku attempts to communicate through combat, using transformations and martial arts prowess not merely to subdue Broly, but to reach him emotionally. The visuals explode off the screen—colors swirl, the frame distorts, and the lines between ki blasts and raw energy blur. There’s a genuine sense of danger and tragedy in this portion of the fight, as Goku recognizes both Broly’s untapped potential and the destructive consequences of his uncontrollable power. It’s a clash that amplifies the film’s emotional core: Broly isn’t just a villain, he’s a lost soul struggling to find balance.

The apex of the film’s action comes in the titanic Gogeta vs. Broly showdown. The fusion of Goku and Vegeta into Gogeta exemplifies the series’ ability to reinvent itself while paying homage to its past. Here, art direction reaches new heights—the sequence is a psychedelic onslaught of shattering landscapes, prismatic ki attacks, and impossibly fluid motion. Gogeta’s calm confidence and refined technique starkly contrast Broly’s berserk fury, resulting in a clash that feels both cosmic in scale and deeply personal. Every strike lands with breathtaking impact, and the relentless escalation pushes the animation team’s talents to their limit. It’s a perfect visual crescendo, a statement piece announcing the future of “Dragon Ball” action set-pieces.

From my personal perspective, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” succeeds not only as a thrilling spectacle but as an affirmation that the series can still surprise us. The narrative choices—giving Broly emotional depth, highlighting the Saiyans’ tragic past, and showcasing new takes on familiar power-ups—ensure the film is more than just eye candy. The humor, camaraderie, and heartfelt storytelling reveal a series unafraid to evolve. As someone who’s followed “Dragon Ball” for decades, this movie exceeded my expectations by giving me not just one explosive fight after another, but meaningful reasons to care about each blow exchanged. Ultimately, “Dragon Ball Super: Broly” shows that even the most familiar characters can feel fresh and compelling, reaffirming that the spirit of “Dragon Ball” isn’t just in its legendary clashes, but in the heart and growth that underpin them.

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