Dragon Ball Super: Broly

Dragon Ball Super: Broly invests the opening 30-40 minutes in building up a back story, but this film is all about the fight sequences.

The titular Broly is quickly introduced as a Saiyan child who has startlingly high latent power levels, but whose power and rage can overwhelm and send him into an uncontrollable frenzy. It is this wild rage that leads to a spectacular confrontation on earth between Broly, Goku, Vegeta and Frieza.

Whilst the opening act is slow as it establishes the major players once the fighting begins this film is incredibly fast-paced, something which is in stark contrast to the television series of our memory.

This film eschews many of the regular cast of characters, such as Gohan, Trunks, Krillin and Piccolo (although the later does make a very brief cameo). By taking this route the film is able to focus on Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Broly (including their various power level transformations) and lastly introduces Gogeta (a fusion of Goku and Vegeta).

To break up the monotony of an hour of fighting director Tatsuya Nagamine employs distinct art styles for each combination of fighters as they square off. This gives the film an incredible hit of nostalgia as it takes you through each of the ages of the Dragon Ball series.

Our biggest complaint here is the sudden and unassuming ending which very obviously leaves the story open to follow up iterations.

Dragon Ball Super: Broly is most definitely designed for longtime fans of the franchise as they will be able to quickly connect with each of the characters and pick up on all of the subtle nods and easter eggs. New fans should still enjoy the film if they are fans of protracted anime fight sequences and will appreciate the surface level story that is there.

★★★½