I think it's fair to say that by now most of the world knows about DRAGON BALL, the action-comedic anime about the adventures of a dim but noble warrior, Goku, and the various fighters he encounters and battles. Most probably know that in 2009 there was an American film released, DragonBall EVOLUTION, that proved to be an utter failure and a sterling example in how to not adapt a cartoon well. But I think not many people know of this film, The Magic Begins. Made in Taiwan, it was an unofficial adaptation of the series and takes certain liberties: the character names are changed (one character is changed from a pig to a fat man), and a major character gets to live. However, it still retains the sense of adventure and humour that made the original work so wonderful and enjoyable, which reflects on this film and improves it considerably (unlike DBE mentioned above). While generally it's a lighthearted adventure, it's got enough serious moments to enhance the danger and risk, and thus intensifies the fight between the heroes and villains. (I was watching the English dub of this film, which additionally gives it an old-style kung-fu film vibe. If you liked that kind of film, you'll enjoy this one as well)The film needs to be watched in the context of its era, which I think improves it considerably. It's a 1980s piece; back then feel-good fantasy adventures were very popular at that time (as someone from that era, I can say this film had a distinct 80s atmosphere). Also, back in the 1980s it was common to employ non-digital VFX: trick camera-work, careful editing and prosthetics are the main effects employed, and even though they look painfully obvious today, they add a vintage charm to the film and make it look closer to the cartoon it was based on.The cast is fairly standard; they overact a little, but are mostly reliable in their roles. The Goku actor looks a little feminine, but that's a first impression that fades when he starts to kick serious butt. The show stealer is the Master Roshi actor, who is so shamelessly funny that he ends up owning every scene he appears in.At this point, this is the best ever live-action adaptation Dragon Ball can get. Until Hollywood can make a decent production, treat yourself to this and enjoy yourself!

I just watched the unofficial Dragon Ball movie and I have to say that it is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Don't get me wrong it sucks but I would watch it a thousand times over. I am not a Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, or Dragon Ball GT but I think of this movie as a way to introduce myself to the series and to point it out to my friend how is a fan of it. I liked all the main supporting characters except of Goku (Monkey boy? Is he going to be king of the pirates?) and that girl whose village died and was brought back to life. I love these types of movies because I can sit back and laugh.By the way: Dancing Roshi = WIN!

Man, I have never laughed at any one single movie before than the way I laughed at this one. It was absolutely ridiculous. Was the movie bad, no doubt, but it had every person I showed it to nearly crying in laughter.There are a lot of miscommunication here though. In the English, Dubbed version, there are numerous name changes. The real, original names are followed by the movie names:Monkey Boy - Goku Sparkle - Father Gohan Seito (i'm sure thats the name) - Bulma Piggy - Oolong Mrs. Knowitall - Puar Lord Horn - Pilaf Mr. Westwood - Yamcha Turtle Man - Master Roshi I can't remember chi-chi's name, but it doesn't matterAnyway, there is a good reason the names are translated so poorly. This is Japenese being translated into Chinese. Monkey Boy makes perfect sense. DB is based off of a Chinese legend of a Monkey-like boy named Goku after all. No one really wanted the names to be that dumb, but I'm sure there was a good reason for it. The effects are hilariously awful. Strings are very visible. Grenades are no-more than rubber balls. Westwood's sword seems to be rubber (lol). The Velcro on Monkey Boy's and Sparkle's outfits are visible. When sparkle is shot out of the well, the body is a stationary doll of some sort. When Lord Horn's mouth moves, the face seems like it is falling off. When Lord Horn releases the spell on all of the citizens, they are all supposed to fall, but a whole group of people can be seen standing up, looking very confused.The sound effects are also hilarious. It seems as though the production team was running out of money. Pac-Man noises can be heard everywhere.Anyway, I can't really bash this movie. I love it. It is so bad that it can make me laugh, just by thinking of it. Every time I think about the bad animations and paper airplane attacks, I can't help but crack a smile. I'll give it a 5 on a completely objective point of view. I would give it a 10 because I love it so much.

THE PLOT:When beautiful Bulma searches for the mystical Dragon `BALLS'. She meets young Goku, who was chasing after the goons who kidnapped his Grandfather Gohan for his 4 star Dragonball. Joining forces Goku, Bulma, Yomcha and Oolong vow to collect the remaining Dragonballs and rescue Gohan from the forces of the evil King Horn.THE OPINION:This has got to be the WORST dubbing in the history of foreign films. Like they changed easily pronounced named like Goku and Bulma. Plus they changed the name of the Dragonballs to Dragonpearls. What the hell was that for? Did the American movie company the American people are that stupid to think of live Dragon Testicles? Aside from the bad dubbing, the original makers blew it big time on several key points. Like Goku's Grandfather Gohan was dead when he meets Bulma. Plus he was called `MONKEY BOY' because he had a tail. Plus for 1989 the creature effects could have been allot better, even for a Chinese film. I GIVE IT (4 STARS) ****ON THE POSITIVE SIDE (+HITS)+FLYING (The overall combat scenes were very good)+ENERGY WEAPONS (They didn't forget the Kamahamaha wave)+LOOK (The Dragonballs looked just like the cartoon)ON THE NEGATIVE SIDE (-MISSES)-BAD DUB (The VO was just awful, Monkey Boy instead of Goku, and the Turtle Hermit instead of Master Rôshi)-PLOT HOLES (Goku's Granpa Gohan was dead)-NO TAIL (What happened to Goku's tail? It's not like a tail is a hard effect. They did it in the Wizard Of Oz)and finally two words:-DRAGON BALLS (When did Dragonball become a bad word? It's in the freakin' title for crying out loud)