The Dragonball Movie Makes Huge Waves

Posted by jcorkern10

April 2, 2008

For over twenty years, the anime series Dragonball has been one of the most popular examples of anime being successful around the world. The series, which is based on the manga series, follows the adventures of Goku, an alien who has grown up to become one of the most powerful martial arts warriors in the universe as he defends his world from evil forces who conspire to gather the seven mystic orbs which cause a magical dragon to appear and grant one wish.

The series was created by manga artist Akira Toriyama. The anime generated many fans around the world, many of which wondered whether or not there could ever be a live action movie. In 1989 in China there was an attempt at one, but it was a very low budget and unofficial production, featured a weak storyline, poor acting, and moderately good special effects. Fans everywhere dismissed the film and continued to hope to one day see the characters brought to life.

Those hopes finally came to fruition when in late 2007 it was announced that Fox had acquired the rights to make a film based on the series that would be produced by Stephen Chow, the man who produced, wrote, starred in, and directed the film Kung Fu Hustle which had assured some fans that a Dragonball movie was even possible. However, Chow decided not to direct the film as he believes that he should only direct projects with stories that he himself created.

As a result, the studio had James Wong, who had directed big budget films such as The One, Final Destination, and Several episodes of The X-Files. The film was written by Wong and Ben Ramsey. The film is set to star Justin Chatwin as Goku, with James Marsters as the villainous Piccolo, Emmy Rossum as Bulma, Goku’s companion. The film also features Chow Yun Fat as perverted martial arts Master Roshi, Jamie Chung as Chi Chi, Goku’s love interest, and Joon Park as Yamcha.

The cast and crew are well aware of how large the movie is, with James Marsters even saying Dragonball was the coolest television cartoon in the last fifty thousand years [because] it’s got a Shakespearean sense of good and evil.” And then said, “When I got the role I had doubts.

The more I live with it I realize that I am going to rock this harder than I have anything in my life.” Dragonball is set to fly into theatres August 15, 2008.

Dror Klar is a writer in the entertainment field of Cable tv, Dsl, Satellite tv and high speed internet.
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