Discription
Dragonball Evolution (2009):
Summary:
Loosely based on the popular manga, Dragonball Evolution follows high school student Goku as he discovers his Saiyan heritage and embarks on a quest to gather the seven mystical Dragon Balls before the evil Lord Piccolo can use them to conquer the world. He is aided by Master Roshi and Bulma in his mission to save Earth.
Plot:
The film opens with a brief history of the Dragon Balls, ancient artifacts said to grant any wish to whoever gathers all seven. The narrative then shifts to Goku, an 18-year-old martial arts prodigy living with his adoptive grandfather, Gohan. Goku is an outcast in his high school, more interested in training than socializing, except for his crush on classmate Chi-Chi.
On Goku's 18th birthday, Gohan gives him the four-star Dragon Ball, a memento from his parents. That night, Lord Piccolo, a powerful alien seeking to use the Dragon Balls for world domination, attacks and mortally wounds Gohan in his search for the orbs. Before dying, Gohan tells Goku about the Dragon Balls and instructs him to find Master Roshi, a wise martial arts master, who possesses another Dragon Ball.
Driven by grief and his grandfather's last wish, Goku sets out to find Roshi. Along the way, he encounters Bulma, a brilliant scientist who is also searching for the Dragon Balls, hoping to use them for her own personal wish. They initially clash but eventually decide to team up, each believing the other can help them achieve their goal.
Their journey leads them to Yamcha, a desert bandit who initially tries to steal Bulma's technology but later joins their quest, developing a romantic interest in Bulma. Together, they eventually locate Master Roshi at his secluded island home. Roshi, a quirky and powerful martial artist, tests Goku's abilities and agrees to help him, revealing more about Goku's Saiyan heritage – a powerful warrior race from another planet.
Piccolo, meanwhile, continues his destructive search for the Dragon Balls, leaving a trail of devastation. His henchwoman, Mai, proves to be a formidable opponent for Goku and his allies.
Roshi begins to train Goku, attempting to unlock his hidden potential and teach him to harness his Ki energy, including the signature Kamehameha wave. Goku struggles with his training, impatient to confront Piccolo.
The group eventually learns the location of the final Dragon Ball and travels to a sacred temple to retrieve it. However, Piccolo and his forces arrive, leading to a series of confrontations. Roshi faces off against Piccolo but is ultimately defeated and seemingly killed after using the Mafuba technique in a failed attempt to seal Piccolo away.
Goku, enraged by Roshi's sacrifice, finally unleashes more of his Saiyan power. He battles Piccolo in a climactic fight, utilizing his growing martial arts skills and Ki abilities. Bulma and Yamcha provide support, using Bulma's inventions.
During the battle, Goku briefly transforms into a Great Ape ("Oozaru"), a powerful and destructive form triggered by looking at a full eclipse (which occurs during the fight). However, he manages to regain control with the help of his friends.
In the end, Goku defeats Piccolo, seemingly destroying him. With all seven Dragon Balls gathered, Bulma uses them to wish Master Roshi back to life. The film concludes with Goku continuing his training, ready to face future threats, and hinting at Piccolo's survival in a post-credits scene.
Cast:
- Justin Chatwin as Goku
- Chow Yun-Fat as Master Roshi
- Emmy Rossum as Bulma
- Jamie Chung as Chi-Chi
- James Marsters as Lord Piccolo1
- Joon Park as Yamcha
- Eriko Tamura as Mai
- Randall Duk Kim as Grandpa Gohan
- Ernie Hudson as Sifu Norris
- Texas Battle as Carey Fuller
- Megumi Seki as Seki
- Ian Whyte2 as Ōzaru (uncredited)
Crew:
- Director: James Wong
- Screenplay by: Ben Ramsey
- Story by: Ben Ramsey
- Based on "Dragon Ball" by: Akira Toriyama
- Producers: Stephen Chow
- Executive Producers: Tim Van Rellim, Rodney Liber
- Cinematography: Robert McLachlan
- Film Editing: Matthew Friedman, Chris G. Willingham
- Music by: Brian Tyler
- Production Design: Bruton Jones
- Casting by: Carla Hool, John Papsidera, Julio Toledo
- Costume Design: Mayes C. Rubeo
