Dragon Ball has become the subject of an impressive musical in China that shows how Goku’s story can work in live-action and impresses with its visuals
While the world is still waiting for a decent live-action dragon ball at the cinema, China created what today can be considered the most perfect version of the story of Goku in the flesh. The classic anime has been adapted into a very well crafted musical performance that impresses not only with the excellent characterization of its actors, but also with the incredible special effects used, which leave you speechless.
More than a New Year’s event, the show organized by the Bilibili platform — a sort of Youtube Chinese — in collaboration with Toei it is also a way to celebrate 40 years dragon ballwhose first edition of the manga was published in November 1984. And the celebration was indeed in grand style.
A 12-minute Dragon Ball x Bilibili show held in China on New Year’s Eve.
Featuring Hiroki Takahashi singing the song “Makafushigi Adventure”.
Full video >> https://t.co/9Eu7Eyq2Mw
Note: 2024 is also the year of Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary. pic.twitter.com/q7ovGEkDZa
— Catsuka (@catsuka) January 3, 2024
An almost 12 minute compilation was released by Bilibili itself where you can see how impressive the musical is. The adaptation starts from Goku’s first adventures as a child and extends to the hero’s final sagas dragon ball Z. Noteworthy passages are thus recreated, such as his training with Master Roshi, the fight against Tien and the clashes with Vegeta and Majin Buu.
As mentioned, the characterization of the Chinese presentation is what attracts the most attention at first. It’s always been said that Goku and his companions’ hair could never be replicated in the real world, but the cinematic recreation shows just how well these crazy hairstyles work.

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However, it is the special effects that have the greatest impact: after all, we are talking about a theatrical performance. Live action dragon ball he manages to bring the transformations, the Kamehameha to the stage and even manages to reproduce the full impact of the formation of a Genki Dama. At one point in the show, Goku summons the Shen Long Dragon with the help of the audience and it works very well.
Naturally, being a musical, the show presents some very particular moments. Filled with eccentric dancing and choreography, it’s the kind of thing no one expected to see. On the other hand, the use of the anime’s theme songs fits perfectly into the moments presented, with emphasis on the participation of the singer Hiroki Takahashi, interpreter of the first opening of dragon ball.
The presentation is so close to what every fan is about dragon ball I dreamed of seeing it become a slap in the face to Hollywood, which to date has failed to properly exploit one of the greatest phenomena of pop culture. Just look at how hateful the attack on the infamous man is Dragon Ball Evolutionconsidered the the worst live-action adaptation of an anime until today.
Source: Bilibili
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Source: Terra

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.