Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins (1991) User Reviews

If you need a good laugh, then this is the movie for you.

[cwd9000 · 5/10 · 20 March 2005]

Man, I have never laughed at any one single movie before than the way I laughed at this one. It was absolutely ridiculous. Was the movie bad, no doubt, but it had every person I showed it to nearly crying in laughter.

There are a lot of miscommunication here though. In the English, Dubbed version, there are numerous name changes. The real, original names are followed by the movie names:

Monkey Boy - Goku Sparkle - Father Gohan Seito (i'm sure thats the name) - Bulma Piggy - Oolong Mrs. Knowitall - Puar Lord Horn - Pilaf Mr. Westwood - Yamcha Turtle Man - Master Roshi I can't remember chi-chi's name, but it doesn't matter

Anyway, there is a good reason the names are translated so poorly. This is Japenese being translated into Chinese. Monkey Boy makes perfect sense. DB is based off of a Chinese legend of a Monkey-like boy named Goku after all. No one really wanted the names to be that dumb, but I'm sure there was a good reason for it.

The effects are hilariously awful. Strings are very visible. Grenades are no-more than rubber balls. Westwood's sword seems to be rubber (lol). The Velcro on Monkey Boy's and Sparkle's outfits are visible. When sparkle is shot out of the well, the body is a stationary doll of some sort. When Lord Horn's mouth moves, the face seems like it is falling off. When Lord Horn releases the spell on all of the citizens, they are all supposed to fall, but a whole group of people can be seen standing up, looking very confused.

The sound effects are also hilarious. It seems as though the production team was running out of money. Pac-Man noises can be heard everywhere.

Anyway, I can't really bash this movie. I love it. It is so bad that it can make me laugh, just by thinking of it. Every time I think about the bad animations and paper airplane attacks, I can't help but crack a smile.

I'll give it a 5 on a completely objective point of view. I would give it a 10 because I love it so much.

Just a few points to add

[mazochungo · 4/10 · 2 September 2005]

Mr. Brento wonders if this movie was produced by the same who produced the Dragonball Z TV series. Of course not.

This is a Hong Kong real action movie based on the first episodes of the Japanese original cartoon (which was also based on a comic book series). And I really don't know if it was produced under the license of the Dragonball creators...

However, the story of the monkey-boy with special powers is an ancient tale known all over Asia (in Japan, the name of the boy in the tale is Songoku; in China, it is Sunwukong; in Korea it is Sonogong; etc) and the story in Dragonball has much to do with that tale.

By the way, as I said, this movie is based on the first episodes of the Dragonball series (which was followed by Dragonball Z, although I think the US version had a different airing order). And all the scenes related to sexuality were also contained in the original cartoon series (without so much overacting and so much insistence on it!), but because of your comments I may suppose they were completely removed in the American dubbing.

Anyway, I agree with you about the overacting in the film and about how poor this adaptation of the original cartoon is. But maybe because of that nobody can forget it after watching it...

Enjoyable for Dragonball Enthusiasts

[edbunny · 22 February 2001]

Live action take on the enormously popular Japanese cartoon series, Dragonball. Many of the original characters are present, including Gokou, Kame-sennin (Master Roshi), Yamu-cha, Bulma, and Oolong, although they are given different names. The story more or less follows the original introduction to the characters in the series (ie. meeting each other by chance while searching for the Dragon Balls/Pearls). Low budget (at least after spending so much on explosions), but enjoyable if you like cartoonish kung fu movies and Dragonball!

For Kids??? Extremely Bad, But Made Me Laugh.

[winstonsmith_84 · 1/10 · 5 September 2001]

When you first sit down to watch this movie, keep in mind that you are about to see something you've probably never seen before. Keep in mind that this is a movie where they obviously spent INSANE amounts of cash on explosions and not enough on acting or anything else for that matter. The crazy thing I noticed is that every character is completely over-portrayed, and it seems (most of the time anyhow) that the film had been 'sped-up' to make the characters move faster! (I wonder if the Hong Kong version was dubbed too?) I understand the cartoon had this, but it doesn't work for live-action. It just looks odd... as if the camera crew decided to act because they couldn't afford real actors.

The English version is horribly dubbed, and the character's words do not match the mouths at all. I would have preffered subtitles, but since this is a kids movie, and since some kids cannot read well, I'll let it go. But there is something extremely odd about this movie. It's supposedly a kids movie, but there's a lot of material about SEX, RAPE, and STRIPPING which isn't exactly for young Western audiences. (In the Orient, they have different laws and sexuality in children's movies is much more accepted). But parents be warned! There is a scene where two characters talk about rape, multiple scenes where people say 'sex maniac' and a scene where this insanely young japanese girl does a sexy dance for one of the 'sex maniacs' and shows him her breasts! Who was this movie made for anyway?

Oh, and the special effects are laughable. You can tell the spaceship-like things that bomb the village are cardboard cutouts (or animation, I wasn't sure) that look unconvincing, even to a kid. The makers of this movie left out a lot of cool things from the cartoon, simply because they couldn't budget the kind of money they'd need. I didn't like how the names of all the characters were changed... it made me wonder if this movie was made by the same people as Dragon Ball Z.

I don't really recommed this movie to anyone. Kids, adults, or Dragon Ball Z fans. It's just a poor representation of the cartoon, and obviously, one will be able to tell that this movie was rushed and no care whatsoever was put into it. I won't even get into the camerawork... just wait until the end credits at the still picture that sits there for 2 minutes... most of the shots are not framed correctly AT ALL and the movie just seems made by amateurs. Grainy film quality too.

Just all around horrible!!!!

I Watched it, now You Have to Read About it

[JayWolfgramm · 1/10 · 26 March 2023]

It is bizarre that this movie even exists. Watching it, it looks like it was recorded in somebody's backyard. There are fan films with better production value than this movie. I would have thought that what I saw was a hazily remembered fever dream if not for the fact that it is here on IMDb.

Where to begin? This does in fact have the official Dragon Ball seal of approval. Or at the very least bares its name through various Korean legal loopholes. But despite having its name, they don't give the characters their correct names. It is almost like the Harmony Gold Dub calling Goku: "Zero" or the AB dub calling Piccolo "Big Green". Maybe a more fitting comparison is the Bandai Nintendo game "Dragon Power". In that game they renamed Goku "Monkey Boy" and the Dragon Balls, "crystal balls". Because yes, in this movie called: "Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins" the Dragon Balls are called "Dragon Pearls". There are no Dragon Balls in this Dragon Ball movie.

OK, but if the naming thing was this movie's only problem that would be forgivable. Let's move onto the effects. This helps highlight the problem that will always arise when adapting an animated property to real life. In animation, you want to have Goku fighting a talking crocodile, go right ahead, just draw it. In live action, that whole thing looks incredibly silly and fake.

The movie seems to be an adaptation of "Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies" (1986). If you are wanting the story watch that, or watch the Pilaf Saga, or watch "Path of Power" heck watch a playthrough of Dragon Power, any of those would be a more appropriate substitute to watching this.

It is so entreatingly bad, I will not go through any more of a plot description of what happens. Anything I write, your imagination will do a better job filling in the gaps than this movie does at showing it. Watch it with friends to make fun of it, good times can be had, but that certainly doesn't make it a good movie.

There are no Dragon Balls, and there is no magic.

Really bad. Though picking on it with drunk friends might help

[dbborroughs · 2/10 · 29 May 2008]

Live action version of Dragonball via Taiwan.

Evil lord comes to earth to get the seven magic dragon balls...er pearls which when brought together will cause a dragon to appear and grant your wish. Lots of action and bad comedy ensue.

What can I say that "the best way to watch this film is with lots of drunk but witty friends" doesn't? I don't know. This is a really bad but funny in the way that really bad movies can be. Come on this is one of the few martial arts films I've ever seen where you actually see the wires. Its a live action cartoon and not so far removed from what I've seen of the show that it makes me fearful for the big budget American version now filming.

If you have some drunk friends and feel like picking on a movie see this film. If you're going to see it sober (like me) avoid it.

insufficient film

[erminahotmail · 5/10 · 24 February 2024]

So this is the second Live Action Dragon Ball movie So this story is about a villain named Horn who wants to take the dragon balls and all the heroes have to stop him to save the world So what do I think about this movie then for me this I didn't like the movieto the Korean film is not funny And then why already a year later to make a high live Action of Dragon Ball I really don't understand Why is this film made only that it only seems to serve fans So Goku seems to me instead the Goku of Dragon Ball Z of Dragon Ball Super because Well because Goku IScompletely useless because other people hate it Horn is this gang that happens throughout the film they are not funny at all and the fights are not interesting at all for me the previous live action film was much better and then bad Horn is really mediocre or a fish coregon ethen I don't understand why he hid the dragon balls inside himself and then how did he remove them if he had to take them This movie is just insufficient but a lot of people admire it because they say that this is much better than Dragon Ball Evolution and I have a lot of words to say butyou have to wait for the review I will do to conclude rating 5-

At this point the best ever live-action adaptation of Dragon Ball

[q_leo_rahman · 7/10 · 25 January 2015]

I think it's fair to say that by now most of the world knows about DRAGON BALL, the action-comedic anime about the adventures of a dim but noble warrior, Goku, and the various fighters he encounters and battles. Most probably know that in 2009 there was an American film released, DragonBall EVOLUTION, that proved to be an utter failure and a sterling example in how to not adapt a cartoon well.

But I think not many people know of this film, The Magic Begins. Made in Taiwan, it was an unofficial adaptation of the series and takes certain liberties: the character names are changed (one character is changed from a pig to a fat man), and a major character gets to live. However, it still retains the sense of adventure and humour that made the original work so wonderful and enjoyable, which reflects on this film and improves it considerably (unlike DBE mentioned above). While generally it's a lighthearted adventure, it's got enough serious moments to enhance the danger and risk, and thus intensifies the fight between the heroes and villains. (I was watching the English dub of this film, which additionally gives it an old-style kung-fu film vibe. If you liked that kind of film, you'll enjoy this one as well)

The film needs to be watched in the context of its era, which I think improves it considerably. It's a 1980s piece; back then feel-good fantasy adventures were very popular at that time (as someone from that era, I can say this film had a distinct 80s atmosphere). Also, back in the 1980s it was common to employ non-digital VFX: trick camera-work, careful editing and prosthetics are the main effects employed, and even though they look painfully obvious today, they add a vintage charm to the film and make it look closer to the cartoon it was based on.

The cast is fairly standard; they overact a little, but are mostly reliable in their roles. The Goku actor looks a little feminine, but that's a first impression that fades when he starts to kick serious butt. The show stealer is the Master Roshi actor, who is so shamelessly funny that he ends up owning every scene he appears in.

At this point, this is the best ever live-action adaptation Dragon Ball can get. Until Hollywood can make a decent production, treat yourself to this and enjoy yourself!

Oh My God

[nemesis47-1 · 8/10 · 24 November 2007]

Just an hour ago I finished watching this my friend. As a fans of Dragonball we think that this movie is so bad that is good. We will say one thing : without a six pack beers there is now way you can survive through this movie. This movie should be watched with a many Dragonball fans to laugh their ass off. The best character in the movie is the lord Horn, his makeup, his laugh, and behavior creates the unforgettable experience. What we liked in this movie, was the fact that the island of Turtle Man was the same as in cartoon version. We believe that the only character similar to the one in the cartoon is the Turtle Man. He is also a sex maniac and kind of idiot too.

A steaming pile of crap, but I absolutely love it :)

[daves_train · 7/10 · 23 December 2009]

I just watched the unofficial Dragon Ball movie and I have to say that it is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Don't get me wrong it sucks but I would watch it a thousand times over. I am not a Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or Dragon Ball GT but I think of this movie as a way to introduce myself to the series and to point it out to my friend how is a fan of it. I liked all the main supporting characters except of Goku (Monkey boy? Is he going to be king of the pirates?) and that girl whose village died and was brought back to life. I love these types of movies because I can sit back and laugh.

By the way: Dancing Roshi = WIN!

Ok ok before anyone dismisses this...

[CommandrKetchup · 6 March 2001]

First of all leave your brain at the door for this low budget adaption of the original DragonBall animated series. The film is obviously a homage and isnt meant to be taken seriously. For those who would call the overacting (if you can call this acting) and insane gestures ludicrous, I remind you that these people are portraying cartoon characters and frequently (especially in the original DB cartoon) Japanese animation goes overboard with insane, silly nonsense. The story is basically pretty faithful, we have different heroes banding together to regain the Dragonballs and summon the Eternal Dragon. We meet various incarnations of Goku, Master Roshi (who is really quite faithful to his animated counterpart), Bulma, Yaumchau, and Oolong. The names are changed but this was probably because of copyrights. If youre a diehard DB fan and would like to see a live action effort then by all means here you go. I was surprised at the number of sexual innuendos and use of profanity tho. Of course Japanese cartoons are filled with such things as the standard is different. Not for young kids but the 12 and up set will be in hog heaven.

Ron Nanney

Wacky fantasy action movie

[Sentinel-15 · 7/10 · 10 April 2005]

Live action movie based on Akira Toriyama's well-known Dragon Ball manga and anime.

While it's overall appreciation by many doesn't seem anything to write home about, I would like to note that, while some changes were obviously made, it is actually very close to the spirit of the original Dragon Ball manga as well as the original TV series, which itself often got quite silly indeed.

Sure, things got a bit more serious in the DBZ follow-up series, but most of the film's main characters are close to their manga origins, and some of the events in the film are close to the original as well.

That said, this film will probably never win any movie awards, but it is a lot of fun, and a curiosity for all the Dragon Ball fans out there.

Better than what's being made nowadays

[xongvang · 9/10 · 20 June 2022]

For those who whine about it being bad, just watch them other live action and tell me if you still think it's bad....it's dragon ball, its supposed to be comedy action packed with a bit of kinky adult stuff....

Worst Dub ever

[lordzedd-2 · 23 August 2003]

THE PLOT:

When beautiful Bulma searches for the mystical Dragon `BALLS'. She meets young Goku, who was chasing after the goons who kidnapped his Grandfather Gohan for his 4 star Dragonball. Joining forces Goku, Bulma, Yomcha and Oolong vow to collect the remaining Dragonballs and rescue Gohan from the forces of the evil King Horn.

THE OPINION:

This has got to be the WORST dubbing in the history of foreign films. Like they changed easily pronounced named like Goku and Bulma. Plus they changed the name of the Dragonballs to Dragonpearls. What the hell was that for? Did the American movie company the American people are that stupid to think of live Dragon Testicles? Aside from the bad dubbing, the original makers blew it big time on several key points. Like Goku's Grandfather Gohan was dead when he meets Bulma. Plus he was called `MONKEY BOY' because he had a tail. Plus for 1989 the creature effects could have been allot better, even for a Chinese film. I GIVE IT (4 STARS) ****

ON THE POSITIVE SIDE (+HITS)

+FLYING (The overall combat scenes were very good)

+ENERGY WEAPONS (They didn't forget the Kamahamaha wave)

+LOOK (The Dragonballs looked just like the cartoon)

ON THE NEGATIVE SIDE (-MISSES)

-BAD DUB (The VO was just awful, Monkey Boy instead of Goku, and the Turtle Hermit instead of Master Rôshi)

-PLOT HOLES (Goku's Granpa Gohan was dead)

-NO TAIL (What happened to Goku's tail? It's not like a tail is a hard effect. They did it in the Wizard Of Oz)

and finally two words:

-DRAGON BALLS (When did Dragonball become a bad word? It's in the freakin' title for crying out loud)

A Bootleg That Adapts Dragon Ball Better Than Hollywood Ever Did

[jeremycrimsonfox · 8/10 · 14 November 2023]

Dragon Ball: The Magic Begins is a live-action film made in Taiwan that is basically an unauthorized adaptation of Dragon Ball.

In this movie, King Horn, an evil alien, leads an army to take the seven Dragon Pearls, causing destruction and even death where he and his minions go. In the mountans, a girl names Seetou is searching for a Dragon Pearl, and meets Monkey Boy, a young boy who lives with his grandfather, Sparkle. After his home is attacked, Monkey Boy and Seetou goes on a journey to stop King Horn, who seels the Dragon Pearls to conquer the universe.

Okay, I get a lot of people are hating this, but I am not one of them. In fact, I think this is a better adaptation than what Hollywood would make 18 years later with Dragonball Evolution. Here, the movie stays true to the anime, as it keeps some of the characters accurate, despite the name changes to avoid legal trouble with Toei, the company who made the Dragonball anime, and kept the absurd humor it is know for. It does have some things I do not like (like Yamcha, a desert bandit, being turned into a cowboy from the West named Westwood, and replacing Puar with a talking cockatoo named Miss Knowwhat, as well as the fact that the only version watchable is the Ultimate Edition, which basically adds cheesy CGI effects), but this is live action adaptation that is close, as the story is a good mix of action and cheesy comedy, an it's closer to the anime it is based on.

Understand Chinese/Taiwanese Culture FIRST!

[wqdrdryy · 9/10 · 1 November 2023]

I watch this movie every 3-5 years since 2005 and I understand and look at it differently each time. This is a film best understood by a generation in China. "The Magic Begins" adapts and honors Toriyama Akira's Japanese manga series (Dragon Ball) which is based on a Chinese mythology from Journey to the West (Xi You Ji). The Ming Dynasty classic is well-known with all living generations of China and most children and adults under 45 know the Japanese adaptation is based on it. This movie maintains slapstick understood by fans Asian culture and is great when understood. Watch this in Mandarin.