Dragon Ball Z: Bardock, The Father of Goku
7.6
Quality Score
0.47 (Positive)
Audience Mood
7 / 10
Controversy
75,085
MAL Ratings
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Bardock, Son Goku's father, is a low-ranking Saiyan soldier who was given the power to see into the future by the last remaining alien on a planet he just destroyed. He witnesses the destruction of his race and must now do his best to stop Frieza's impending massacre.
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is largely positive, with many praising Bardock's characterization and the special's darker, more tragic tone as a significant departure from typical DBZ fare. However, a notable segment of the audience questions its canonicity and necessity, viewing it as potentially contradictory to established lore or redundant information. The English dub also draws significant criticism, with many recommending the original Japanese version.
Strengths
- Strong character development for Bardock, offering a 'real' and complex protagonist.
- The dark, tragic tone provides a refreshing departure from the typical Dragon Ball Z formula.
- Effective use of Bardock's premonitions as a plot device to enhance the narrative.
- The soundtrack significantly elevates the mood and action scenes.
- Acts as a compelling prequel that adds significant background to the Frieza Saga.
- Offers a unique perspective outside of Goku and the Z Fighters, focusing on the Saiyan race.
Weaknesses
- The narrative's canon status and continuity with the main series are questioned by some viewers.
- The story is considered by some to be unnecessary as the Frieza Saga already covered these events.
- The emotional connection to Bardock and his team is difficult for some viewers to achieve.
- The English dub is widely criticized for poor voice acting and script choices, detracting from the experience.
- Some viewers felt the Saiyan race's portrayal was inconsistent with established lore or Toriyama's original intent.
- The inclusion of Bardock's visions of the future is seen by some as a weak plot device.