Cast
View All
Masako Nozawa
as Son Gokû / Son Gohan / Bardock (voice)
Toshio Furukawa
as Piccolo (voice)
Mayumi Tanaka
as Kuririn / Yajirobe (voice)
Naoki Tatsuta
as Oolong / Haiya Dragon (voice)
Naoko Watanabe
as Chichi (voice)
Kohei Miyauchi
as Kame Sen'nin (voice)
Ichiro Nagai
as Karin (voice)
Ryusei Nakao
as Coola / Freeza (voice)
Show Hayami
as Sauzer (voice)
Masato Hirano
as Neiz (voice)
Masaharu Satô
as Doore (voice)
Joji Yanami
as Narration (voice)
Crew
Director
- Mitsuo Hashimoto
Writer
- Takao Koyama
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Animation/Science Fiction film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Mitsuo Hashimoto brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1991, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 48 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 73 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1991, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Mortal Kombat, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Ong Bak and The Cabbage Soup explore similar territory, Dragon Ball Z: Cooler's Revenge stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 20, 1991
- Runtime: 48m
- Revenue: $16,331,742
Where to Watch
