Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies
6.8
Quality Score
0.46 (Positive)
Audience Mood
5 / 10
Controversy
42,235
MAL Ratings
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
A retelling of Dragon Ball's origins, this is a different version of the meeting of Goku, Bulma, Oolong, and Yamucha. They are all looking for the dragon balls for different reasons when they cross paths with an evil king named Gourmeth, who is also looking for the dragon balls.
Audience Consensus
Audience reception for this early Dragon Ball movie is mixed, with a general consensus that while it offers some nostalgic appeal and decent animation, its primary flaw lies in its rushed pacing and repetitive narrative. Many feel it's a less developed version of the original series' early arcs, struggling to establish its own identity or compelling new characters.
Strengths
- Visually appealing animation and distinctive character designs, often on par with the TV series.
- The sound design and music are praised as being surprisingly spot-on and good, matching the main series.
- Attempts to focus on story and adventure beyond just fighting, making it more than just a typical action flick.
- The movie's short runtime prevents it from overstaying its welcome and keeps the pacing brisk.
- Offers a nostalgic and comforting re-experience of beloved characters and early Dragon Ball elements.
- Certain action sequences, like aerial dogfights, are highlighted as well-done and exciting.
- Some viewers appreciate the attempt at an alternative story and the inclusion of movie-original characters.
Weaknesses
- Significant portions of the movie feel like repetitive retellings of scenes from the original series with only minor changes.
- The pacing is often criticized as being too fast, rushing through character introductions and plot points due to its short runtime.
- Characters, especially antagonists, are underdeveloped and lack depth, with little time given to fleshing them out.
- The voice acting, particularly in the dub, is noted as being subpar or inconsistent compared to the series.
- The plot and character motivations can feel rushed or nonsensical, with crucial details being glossed over or unexplained.
- Some original characters introduced in the movie are forgettable and serve little purpose beyond driving the plot.
- The humor is often considered mediocre, relying on typical Dragon Ball pervert jokes.
- The film's attempt to introduce new viewers to Dragon Ball fails because characters are not adequately developed.