This Dragon Ball Movie Will Break Your Heart Like Never Before

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  • This Movie Takes Place Long After Goku’s Death
  • ‘Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy’ Is Heartbreaking
  • Fans Will Remember the Ending of ‘Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy’ Forever

The realm of Dragon Ball, initially envisioned by the late Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama, has been a vibrant force in entertainment for four decades. For viewers in the United States, this journey began in 2001 when Cartoon Network broadcast dubbed episodes of Dragon Ball. A character endowed with monkey-like abilities named Goku joins forces with a girl called Bulma who is on a quest to locate seven mystical orbs known as dragon balls. Throughout their adventure, they cross paths with adversaries such as Emperor Pilaf, the Red Ribbon Army, and King Piccolo, while also participating in the World Martial Arts Tournament.

Though the original series concluded two years prior, fans of the franchise rejoiced as they watched Goku (now an adult) in “Dragon Ball Z”, continuing to protect Earth from extraterrestrials, robots, and mystical beings. This sequel series gained even more popularity than the first, shattering online search records and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture fandom. Following this was the unexpectedly emotional film “Dragon Ball GT“, set just before the final episode’s events.

This Movie Takes Place Long After Goku’s Death

Despite the fact that this alternate universe sequel series of Dragon Ball is currently gaining favor among devoted fans, it’s important to acknowledge that its 1996 installment initially faced harsh criticism from reviewers. Outlets like IGN, Anime News Network, and DVD Talk were among those who voiced their negative opinions. In this storyline, Goku, unfortunately, is transformed into a child by Ultimate Shenron, the wish-granting dragon, due to a misused wish. He then embarks on numerous journeys alongside his granddaughter Pan and friend Trunks in search of the elusive Black Star Dragon Balls before the planet meets its doom. This plot, as you may know, was later refined in Dragon Ball Daima.

Additionally, they encounter various adversaries during their journey, such as an alien parasite named Baby, a resurrected android who hails from Hell (originally vanquished in DBZ), and seven shadow dragons. Furthermore, there was a lesser-known special that aired between the final two episodes of GT, which presented a grim truth about the entire Dragon Ball series. To put it simply, in the movie titled Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy, all the heroes you were once familiar with have perished.

Indeed, you’ve got it correct. In an unexpected turn of events, the storyline of this movie unfolds a century after Goku vanquished the final shadow dragon. Now, with the exception of Pan, characters such as Goku, Vegeta, Krillin, Piccolo, and Yamcha have all departed. The opening scenes in “A Hero’s Legacy” focus on an elderly Pan and her great-great-grandson, Goku Jr., who together pay their respects at the many graves of the fallen Z warriors. To add to the distress, Goku Jr. is tormented at school. Upon realizing that he hasn’t defended himself, Pan suffers a heart attack at home and must be urgently taken to the hospital. It seems that the earlier parts of the film (within the first 20 minutes or so) that don’t involve heavy tragedy consist mainly of Goku Jr. weeping profusely. Even though “Dragon Ball“, “Dragon Ball Z“, and “GT” had their comical moments, it appears that these sequences in the new film are notably somber.

‘Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy’ Is Heartbreaking

Later on, the great-grandson embarks on a journey to find a single dragon ball atop Mount Paozu, believing only one is necessary for a wish instead of seven. However, his camping equipment gets swindled by an untrustworthy truck driver. Coincidentally, Puck, a bully he previously encountered, encounters him at the same stop and decides to join him on this journey out of curiosity, wondering if Goku Jr. will meet his end at the hands of a monster. This is where the story begins to resemble “Dragon Ball” instead of a somber, depressing movie, albeit briefly. The duo then encounters three vampire-like creatures with blue skin in the forest who are after them for a meal.

In this part of the story, “A Hero’s Legacy” effectively portrays Puck’s character transformation through redemption. He aids Goku repeatedly, and their relationship deepens, but it’s all for a particular purpose. As they flee, they encounter a walking bridge. Puck manages to cross easily, but when Goku is in the middle, the wind gusts, causing the ropes to start breaking. Puck makes an attempt to rescue Goku from impending danger, but instead, he falls into the abyss below. This sudden demise is met with yet more tears from Goku Jr. Now, he embarks on a solitary journey. It appears that directors Yoshihiro Ueda and Hidehiko Kadota intended to evoke strong emotions in viewers during this final Dragon Ball prelude tale. However, the feelings don’t stop there, as they continue to pour out.

Fans Will Remember the Ending of ‘Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy’ Forever

Towards the end of “Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy“, Goku Jr. transforms into Super Saiyan for the first time while protecting a mother bear and her cub from an enormous, unyielding demon. This is a poignant moment, considering all the hardships he has already faced. The battle scene is extended to build tension with potential fatalities and emphasize Goku Jr.’s determination to protect. What makes this film significant (though in a tragic sense) is its melancholic finale. After discovering a dragon ball and finding it puzzling that Shenron does not manifest, he mournfully shouts at the heavens, pleading for an explanation as to why his wish to heal his grandmother cannot be granted.

As a passionate Dragon Ball fan, I can’t help but shed tears when recalling the heartwarming scene in “A Hero’s Legacy.” In this poignant moment, our beloved Goku, the hero we’ve grown up with, miraculously appears before our young protagonist and acknowledges his bravery that saved them all. Before vanishing again, Goku imparts a message of good luck for our future, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. The dynamic duo, Pan and Puck, arrive swiftly in a helicopter, refusing to back down, thus concluding “A Hero’s Legacy.” Yet, even before the final credits roll, we catch one last glimpse of Goku soaring through the skies.

While opinions about Dragon Ball GT may vary, there is no disputing that this movie serves as an emotional farewell for fans of all ages. Ancestor Goku’s words seem to resonate not only with his young family member but also with us, the viewers, adding a personal touch to this heartfelt tale. In “Dragon Ball GT: A Hero’s Legacy,” our heroes may have taken their leave, but they will forever be etched in our memories.

If you haven’t had the chance to watch this tear-jerking masterpiece, I highly recommend checking it out on Apple TV or Prime Video.

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2025-03-01 18:02