Dragonball Evolution
 Due to the death of his grandfather Gohan, to whom he was very close, the little Goku goes on the tracks of the master Roshi, in order to find the seven Dragon balls, able to grant any desire. Goku must retrieve them before they can be taken by evil characters, who could use them to take over the whole world.
AN INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN CHATWIN THE YOUNG ACTRESS EMMY ROSSUM TALKS ABOUT THE ROLE OF BULMA INTERVIEW WITH THE ACTORS Rising star Justin Chatwin plays Goku in the gripping fantasy adventure DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION. Based on the hugely successful Japanese manga, it is the story of a seemingly ordinary teenager who goes on an incredible journey to find seven elusive Dragon Balls. Thus, he discovers his destiny, that of protector of the Earth. But the magical world he is entering is full of dangers. On this journey, face off against many villains and find unlikely allies. This exciting film is directed by James Wong.  AN INTERVIEW WITH JUSTIN CHATWIN WHO INTERPRETS GOKU, A YOUNG HERO ON A MISSION TO SAVE THE WORLD FROM THE FORCES OF DARKNESS. THIS TALENT ACTOR TALKS ABOUT THE EMOTION OF REALIZING THIS ACTION-RICH FILM, DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION.
by Elaine Lipworth
Lipworth@earthlink.net
Justin Chatwin When we meet Goku, he is an insecure guy, who seems quiet, isolated and unpretentious. In short, he appears as a decidedly unlikely hero. But he is a boy with an extraordinary destiny and who is destined to become a mighty warrior. He embarks on a fantastic journey and his mission is to protect the Earth from a series of villains who want to dominate the universe for their own evil purposes. "It was great to get this role," says Chatwin. "I love manga and it was a lot of fun to come to work every day, be a warrior and be a kid again. It's like being six and standing in the backyard fighting baddies. The action was great: I had to hit, kick and fly through the air. "
Goku must find seven mystical Dragon Balls. It is essential to collect them all, because anyone who owns them will be able to see a wish fulfilled, whatever they want. The power of the Dragon Balls is unreliable. Goku starts with one that is entrusted to him by his grandfather on his XNUMXth birthday and on his journey, he must master a powerful force called Aura. Thus, this inconspicuous young man becomes a real hero. "Justin embodies Goku's innocence as well as being a very convincing hero," says film director James Wong. The film is filled with the rich mythology of the manga and its fascinating characters. Chatwin is joined by an impressive cast of actors, including Chow Yun-Fat as Roshi, the master who guides Goku on his journey; Emmy Rossum as Bulma, a brilliant scientist; and James Marsters, the wicked Piccolo. Jamie Chung, Joon Park and Eriko Tamura also participate in the film.
Dragonball was filmed in the barren deserts in the mountains of Durango in northern Mexico, where John Wayne made several of his westerns. The film was produced by Stephen Chow and is based on the manga created by Akira Toriyama, whose work has been adapted into various video games, best-selling graphic novels and a hugely popular television series. In short, it is one of the most successful Japanese entertainment products in the world.
Justin Chatwin, 26, was born and raised in Canada. He got noticed on American television thanks to the Traffic miniseries. His films include The Chumscrubber, Invisible, Identities Violated and Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise. He also appeared in the popular TV show Lost. His next film is Middle of Nowhere with Susan Sarandon and her daughter, actress Eva Amurri. Chatwin lives in Los Angeles.
D: It is the first time that you are the star of a movie. How exciting was this role for you?
A: It is really exciting to be part of a fun and family-friendly movie. I think we have done the original manga justice and I hope it is a really enjoyable and fascinating film, full of action and great effects that everyone can enjoy. "
Q: What kind of guy is Goku? How do you interpret it?
A: He's a little different from the original manga character, because in the comic he starts out as the greatest warrior in the world, with fabulous powers, but our film is more of a coming-of-age story about a young man who finds his purpose in life. and who he really is. He discovers himself. Goku has a remarkable story arc, from high school loser to planet savior. One moment is a high school student who fails to integrate, and then soon after being engaged in this incredible quest. Goku symbolizes a positive and honest morality. He fights for good and hope, with the goal of creating a better and quieter place to live.
Q: What is it like when we meet him?
A: When we first see Goku, people think he's a little weird. He is full of inner doubts and doesn't know how to talk to girls, just how to fight. He lives with his grandfather and knows nothing of his past. Then, one day the grandfather dies and Goku decides to go on a journey to take revenge on the guilty. The last thing his grandfather told him was to find the seven dragon balls, which are special and legendary. Q: Does he understand what important task ahead of him and the impact it will have on the world?
A: He absolutely doesn't understand it. It begins as a sort of a bit confused asocial, but eventually becomes a hero who embraces his destiny, transforming himself into the character that fans of the manga know well. It is the classic journey of the hero, with a naive person looking for something. Q: Do you think teenagers will identify with Goku, considering that many high school students can't feel integrated?
A: I think so. High school is a strange place, because teenagers come from all over the city and often don't know each other, but they are told to become friends, which is often difficult. For me, it was tough, so I think the guys will identify as much with this character as I did. Personally, I felt left out in high school. I was a blocker and I was thinking about my own business, I was not cool and I didn't want to pretend I was to integrate with the group of popular kids. So school was a bit tough for me. It was a struggle to find a balance between integrating and remaining the same person at the same time. It is always a great challenge for teenagers. Q: Was it a big responsibility to play this popular and beloved comic book character?
A: It's a big responsibility, because so many fans love the character and so I hope they will enjoy my interpretation of Goku. Also, I think there will also be a new audience that has never read the comics. Q: Can you describe the appearance of the character?
A: Fans will appreciate my appearance, because my goal was to make sure Goku looks just like the character in the comic, without being completely ridiculous. He starts out as a regular guy, but in the end, when he's full-fledged Goku, he has amazing hair with spikes. I went through 30 cans of lacquer. I didn't feel very comfortable, because I'm not a big fan of hairspray.
Q: There is a lot of action in this movie. How much work did it take?
A: The action was a big challenge for me and I felt a lot of stress about it. I thought I was going to screw it up, because I wouldn't look like a believable fighter and so any manga fan would think I'm terrible. I was really worried because I'm definitely skinny, while Goku is the greatest warrior on the planet. Then I told myself that I didn't have to be a great fighter and I realized that as an actor I had to show the emotions and courage on my face, expressing how much I loved being that warrior. I found a way to relate to Goku as a warrior through my passions, such as sport. Then, I channeled this enthusiasm and energy into the fight. Q: What are your sports passions?
A: I did snowboarding competitions when I lived in Vancouver, Canada. I love snowboarding and kiteboarding, which are two great passions for me. Q: The physical aspect must have been fun, once you got over these worries, considering that in reality you are a sporty type ...
A: Yes, it was great. It can be said that I am an adrenaline junkie when it comes to extreme sports. I love the feeling of playing hard sport, because you have to be completely focused. Often, there is a moment of rupture when I am about to do something really dangerous and something bad is about to happen. In that moment, right in the face of danger, I feel truly alive, my heart pounds and it's fantastic. I love it. Playing a sport that forces you to pay close attention is a bit like meditation. If you don't focus, you will fall and get really hurt. I found that the fights in this film are a similar experience and so it became a kind of meditation, because I was really focused.
Q: Can you describe your specific training?
A: We trained with stunt company 87Eleven. They trained actors for films like The Bourne Supremacy, 300 and The Matrix. I went through a rigorous training camp and they were wonderful. So, I trained hard and really changed my body. The martial arts work was done for my character. Every day I worked for 45 minutes, rested and then began combat training. They started teaching me basic punches and kicks and then different styles, such as karate, kapaweta and kung fu. In addition, Brazilian Capoeira was also very present, which is decidedly regular, dance-like and elegant. Then we moved on to cable work, which was a real challenge for me. We work with cables, which are then eliminated from the shots in postproduction and so it almost seems that we are flying. It was difficult for me, because I had to wear protection that hurt and was not comfortable.
Q: Did you follow a special diet?
A: I had a strict meal plan. I had to start by having six or seven meals a day. I eliminated sugars and alcohol, I could not eat bread and pasta, but only meat, avocado, fruit and vegetables, as well as many protein shakes. It was a healthy diet, but also difficult to follow. Q: What were the most challenging action scenes in the film?
A: When I was fighting with James Marsters (Piccolo) I had a hard time. We both took a punch in the mouth and a knee in the groin area. It became a bit confusing and painful, so much so that we suffered injuries. But the training helped us a lot. Q: What kind of injuries did you suffer while shooting?
A: I broke my toe doing a 'sweep'. Much of the set was full of roughness. We were shooting on the set of a volcano and I had to do a difficult move, which involved getting down and turning my foot. It was like doing the wheel on the ground. My thumb got stuck in one of these cracks in the concrete of the volcano, but my foot kept going. My thumb turned and gave me severe pain. But I have often suffered small injuries while shooting a film and that's no problem. Q: Can you tell us about your character's relationship with Chichi, Goku's love interest, played by Jamie Chung?
A: Jamie is great. Her character, Chichi, also appears in the manga. Goku is fascinated and obsessed with her. She's gorgeous, a truly charming girl who hangs out with the best athlete and the coolest kids in school. Goku believes he has absolutely no hope with her. But then Goku and Chi-Chi meet in the hallways when she sees me doing something weird and interesting where I show off some awesome special powers and then she invites me to the party. So, he abandons his grandfather to visit her at the party and that's when his grandfather dies, killed by an evil force. Q: What was it like working with the legendary Chow Yun Fat? Were you an admirer of his work?
A: I learned a lot working with Chow. He was truly charming and a wonderful person. He taught everyone Tai Chi. She has a great sense of humor and joked all the time, but she's definitely professional, because she works hard and never leaves the set. He has considerable physical talent and the way he uses his body is fabulous. I assume it all comes from the films he made with director John Woo. I am a huge admirer of Chow Yun-Fat's work and the film period from which it emerged. Q: And what was it like working with James Wong?
A: James was remarkable. In some ways it reminds me of Steven Spielberg, with whom I worked on The War of the Worlds. James and Steven are really sweet, calm, reserved and very talented. Both are like kids. Steven talks a lot about how he played with trains as a child, making them collide and filming everything. James loved playing with small ninja action figures, adding sound effects. In addition, he has a great childhood imagination. Q: Can you summarize what, in your opinion, is the fascination of the film?
A: I find the story fascinating, because it shows the duality in humanity, good versus evil, opposites that exist in life and these forces colliding. But basically I think it's a fun popcorn movie with some great characters that everyone will enjoy. Q: Were you a manga fan before this movie?
A: I knew about Dragonball, but I got really interested in the series when I got the part. I saw him on television when I was younger with the younger brother of a friend of mine, who was a great fan. I think it became really popular for the generation that came right after mine, but I always thought it was great. Obviously, I never dreamed of being involved with a DRAGONBALL movie, but when I started working on it, I saw every episode of the television series. Now, I am fascinated and obsessed with this whole phenomenon.
Q: As you said yourself, you have worked with Steven Spielberg and other great directors up to this point. How did they inspire you? Have these experiences given you a sense of confidence in your abilities?
A: I don't think an artist is always confident and, to be honest, I'm probably the most insecure person I know, although we probably all are. I think being an actor makes you insecure, because there is nothing stable in this life. I always think this could be the last movie I make (laughter). It could really happen, because in DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION, I'm walking around in an orange ninja suit, so I don't know what's going to happen or what people will think. I don't feel confident, but I love working with great directors. I love acting in big movies like this one and playing interesting roles. Q: Watchers in the movie industry describe you as a rising star to watch. It is exciting? And what are your goals?
A: My career is very exciting and I love what I do. In terms of goals, I believe that storytelling is truly an important part of our culture. In the past, people sat around the fire and the shamans of the tribe told stories that were an essential component of daily life. I think now films are one of the last things that unite us and keep us away from the technology represented by our cell phones and blackberries. With a film, we escape into a dark cave for a couple of hours while we observe images and hear sounds coming from the screen. These are our stories, so if I can get more submissions after this wonderful film, I would love to continue acting and maybe create my own stories. People have provided me with wonderful opportunities and I want to give something back. _________________________________________________________________ Emmy Rossum stars with Justin Chatwin in DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION, an exciting new family adventure based on the hugely popular Japanese manga. Chatwin plays Goku, a young man who embarks on an extraordinary quest to find the seven sacred dragon balls. Rossum embodies Bulma, 'the smartest woman in the world'. This action film is directed by James Wong.  THE YOUNG ACTRESS OF TALENT EMMY ROSSUM TALKS ABOUT THE EXCITING ROLE OF BULMA WITH BLUE HAIR, IN THE EXPECTED TITLE DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION.
by Elaine Lipworth
Lipworth@earthlink.net Emmy Rossum joins Justin Chatwin in DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION, based on a manga that has become a worldwide phenomenon. Chatwin embodies the protagonist, Goku, a normal teenager who discovers he has an extraordinary destiny in front of him. Unable to imagine the incredible journey that awaits him, he tries to fight the forces of darkness and save the planet. To do this, he must collect seven mystical dragon balls. The journey is impressive and dangerous as Goku discovers his special powers that make him "the greatest warrior on Earth". Goku is surrounded by a group of charming characters, good and bad, including Master Roshi, his guide and mentor, played by veteran actor Chow Yun-Fat, and James Marsters, who embodies the evil Piccolo. Emmy Rossum as Bulma, a beautiful and intelligent young woman, equipped with a futuristic laser pistol and a tool to locate the dragon balls, which she tries to find for personal reasons. The actress reveals that making the film was the most exciting experience of her career so far: "I found myself upside down in flying cars and engaged in shootings. Where else would I have had this kind of opportunity? it was an incredible adventure ".
The film is based on Akira Toriyama's DRAGONBALL, which has fans around the world. In addition to manga, anime and television series, video games and graphic novels have also been created.
DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION, directed by James Wong and shot in Mexico, is an original and fast-paced adventure filled with complex colors and characters, great digital effects and magnificent action. Plus, there's a lot of humor and human drama.
Emmy Rossum is an established actress and musician. She grew up in New York and discovered she had a talent for acting and singing. At eleven, she was chosen to enter the Metropolitan Opera in New York. She sang in children's roles and studied theatrical art and classical singing. She has appeared in twenty different works in five languages, including La Bohème, Turandot and Hansel and Gretel. He has also worked in some television series such as Law & Order - The two faces of justice and The Practice - Lawyers profession. In 2004, she was nominated for a Golden Globe for her work in The Phantom of the Opera. He starred in Poseidon, Dawn of the Next Day, Mystic River (directed by Clint Eastwood) and Songcatcher. In 2007, he recorded his first album for Geffen, Inside Out, of which he composed all the songs. Currently, he is working on his second album. She is the Young Ambassador of the international Youth AIDS organization, which informs young people about AIDS related prevention and treatment. Tall and slender, with delicate shapes, Rossum is a notable and demanding person. As Bulma, she has blue hair and a long tail. As she relaxes in Los Angeles, where the interview was conducted, her long dark hair falls over her shoulders as she wears jeans and an Obama-faced t-shirt.
Q: What was it like going to Mexico to make this film based on a hugely popular manga?
A: It was incredibly exciting and even a little creepy at first, knowing how much fans love this manga. At the same time, this gave us a real goal, because we were telling a story that many people wanted to see. I play Bulma, who is intelligent and determined, a woman who gets aroused easily, as well as gets bored. I think it's a lot of fun to play and I was really excited about the character. She is a strong, powerful, confident, sassy and downright sexy woman.
Q: You have an impressive career, don't you?
A: Bulma is a notable scientist who works at Capsule Corporation, a company headed by her father. Bulma is clearly the smartest girl in the world and she's not afraid to openly declare it to everyone. She honestly believes she can do anything better than others. Hearing a real person say such a thing is absolutely ridiculous, so I think that's what generates the humor of the role. In the manga, she is crazy about boys, a trait she retains in part in the film as well. That's why it's so interesting. It is funny to see an incredibly intelligent and well-trained girl in the use of weapons, but completely obsessed with boys. I think it's a fantastic combination, which makes her an interesting personality with a lot of contrasts. NRAMA: What is Bulma's relationship with Goku, played by Justin Chatwin, and with Chow Yun-Fat's character Roshi?
A: My relationship with Justin Chatwin is like that between brother and sister and therefore also includes a certain amount of family discussion. It is really funny. Much of my comedy depends on my relationship with Roshi (Chow Yun-Fat). He is an eccentric old man, but very wise and funny. We have a relationship similar to what the characters experience in the manga. The protagonists are all engaged in this remarkable adventure to find the Dragon Balls, each with their own personal reasons, but then they discover that there is a great danger to the world and that they are facing a real enemy, Piccolo. They have to change their goals, which were originally quite selfish. Q: What does Bulma's journey consist of?
A: In the manga, she looks for the Dragon Balls because by finding them she can see a wish fulfilled, which in her case is to have a perfect boyfriend. In our film she wants to find all the Dragon Balls because she believes that by combining them, she will be able to give rise to an unlimited source of electricity and will be able to supply energy to the whole world. She is an incredible scientist and inventor, an absolute genius. Q: You have an important academic background, having studied for a while at Columbia University. So, she should have a good foundation to play this brilliant young woman…
A: Yes, I am inclined to science and study and at school I was very good at math. Oddly, I wasn't that bright in English literature, which doesn't make sense because now I'm very creative, composing songs and acting. I think Bulma is much more like me than I like to admit. We are both people who aim high. But in university I discovered, while I was studying English and French, that there are many very intelligent people. There will always be hundreds of individuals who are brighter than you. Q: Will you go back to college?
A: I don't know, I haven't finished it and for many reasons I would like to do it, but maybe not, because I believe that education continues even out of college. For example, when I was in Durango, Mexico to make this film, I learned a lot about culture, recipes and history, as well as studying their architecture. I am truly blessed to have a job that allows me to travel all over the world. I learn a lot about different cultures and history wherever I go. It is a much more visceral type of learning than what you get in college, when, for example, you are in Egypt to see the Pyramids. Q: What were the biggest challenges of the film for you?
A: I had to be as strong as possible. The physical aspect of the role was impressive. I had to learn how to ride a motorcycle without killing Justin Chatwin in the meantime and drive a Spyder, a three-wheeled motorcycle, two in front and one in the back. It was great.
Q: How much action was there for you in this role?
A: There was a lot of action. Although Bulma in the original manga is not there
better fighter, it was very important to Jim Wong, our director, that I clearly provide the feeling of being a warrior. And I have to say that becoming a warrior for the role has really changed me. It's not something you can pretend, it changes the way you walk, think and talk. This strength is clear in every little gesture you make. Thus, we went through a rigorous training program. The entire cast trained as a group with stunt professionals who work for 87Eleven company. We have become really strong and doing all of this together has made us a united group of true warriors. Q: What did you learn?
A: I had to learn tai chi and personally trained with the marines to shoot. My character is a weapon expert, so I had three guns. I went to a shooting range with the boys and it was really fantastic, although in reality I am absolutely against any kind of violence. But I enjoyed bringing out my masculine side. In addition to learning to ride, I also had to shoot, with one hand driving and the other shooting. Q: How safe did this workout provide you?
A: It made me feel very powerful. It was a great challenge, but also very exciting. What other job is there, other than being a bodyguard or being in the army or marine, where you can learn how to shoot and ride a motorcycle? Q: Were there any moments when you were afraid?
A: There was a scene with a flying car, one of Bulma's inventions for the Capsule. It was a modified Hummer, definitely military on the inside, with edges made of steel, so we all got injured in the arms. We were supposed to shoot a sequence where I fall out of the car and someone tries to save me. I took several hits and my ribs were bruised. But I can't really complain, it was a great experience. I hang from a flying car for work, it's fantastic. I can pretend to be this crazy funny character. It's a blast. Q: What does her look like as Bulma?
A: I have blue hair and I'm really elegant, because Bulma cares a lot about her appearance. She always wears designer clothes and I had a latex suit, which is also an extremely stiff warrior suit, with big combat boots. It was really fun to look like and use my imagination to become Bulma.
Q: How do you feel about representing an important pin-up on the Internet for teenage males who adore his character and the real Emmy Rossum?
A: It is fantastic, truly a pleasure. The hope is that I will be able to enjoy being sexy for the next fifteen years of my life. If guys think I am, I will enjoy this feeling as much as possible. Q: What was the most interesting thing for you in making this film?
A: It was amazing to be part of this film, which is based on a hugely successful series. It is something that people are excited to see, fun and full of adventures. A movie is forever, so someday I'll be able to show it to my kids, just as people can show it to their kids. I think it's great to be part of a film like this, completely different from anything I've done in the past. Q: You always look great. Do you have great confidence in this regard?
A: No more than any other girl. I think every girl has days when she feels good and others when she is down. There are days when I don't want to take off my pajamas. But as far as diet and fitness are concerned, I try to stay healthy, although I ate some chocolate last night, which was so good I couldn't stop myself, quite a problem. But I usually do a lot of exercise and eat proteins and vegetables. Q: Now that she isn't busy with the intensity of martial arts, how does she keep fit?
A: I dance and I like to run, a time when I listen to my IPod and nobody can bother me. I'm running outside or on my treadmill. Q: Can you tell us about your clothing style?
A: For everyday life, I love to wear affordable and simple things from stores like H & M and Top Shop. I can also order on the Top Shop website. I love the Privacy and Paige Premium Denim jeans. For red carpet events, we don't have to buy clothes, but we rent them, which is very fun. I love Chanel, Dior, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, it's like being Cinderella. You have to get dressed and then the suit comes home at midnight while you turn into a pumpkin. But it's really exciting. It is a pleasure to wear such beautiful clothes. Q: Do you like living in Los Angeles after growing up on the East Coast?
A: They are absolutely different places and I am not a lover of the sun. As much as I love the Los Angeles weather, I love the rain, I really appreciate New York and England, I love the fog, because there is something truly romantic and atmospheric about this type of weather that gives you the chance to be romantic. I always feel guilty for being sad in Los Angeles, because everyone is always happy in the sun. But I also love Los Angeles and outdoor activities. You can drive north for an hour and go skiing or snowboarding in the Big Bear Mountains or head to Malibu to surf. There are more opportunities for outdoor activities in Los Angeles than in Manhattan, but I love both of these places. Q: What is your approach to fame and stardom?
A: I don't find it simple at all. I think everyone who says 'I want to be famous, that's great' is either a fool or a liar. It's a bit strange, also because in the current sense of celebrity, you can be known for anything, be it pornography, being a model or hostess of a cooking show. Then, the other side of the coin is that you can be famous because you are a fantastic actress like Nicole Kidman or Brenda Blethyn. I think the current idea of celebrity is very different from what it was when I grew up. As a child, I was crazy about Olivia De Havilland and Grace Kelly. D: It's interesting that these were her favorite actresses when she was growing up ...
A: My mom had me when she was 39 and now she is 62. She wasn't a young mother, so she showed me some films she loved and had seen when she was little. I grew up watching movies with Shirley Temple and other classics. My idea of notoriety is something very glamorous and distant, of the stars you never meet and who do unattainable things. Now we can see some famous people at Starbucks. I think it's very enjoyable and exciting when people come to me and tell me they liked a movie I made or a song I wrote. It's great, but I still think the notoriety is something weird. Q: How ambitious and determined are you?
A: I am determined and I think it depends on the need to survive. I didn't have much when I grew up, because my mother was a single woman. She is a photographer and when I was twelve or thirteen, she got hurt working. After traveling a lot, she got off a plane wearing a neck protector and couldn't work for years, so I immediately said that even though I was only 13, we were two people in this family and I would work and supported my family. So, I did it and I think that's how my determination was born. This experience made me strong. My mother is a great inspiration to me. We went through a lot of hardship in an apartment that was a bedroom, but we survived and she was great. She was very strict and loving with me and I had a wonderful childhood. We are still very close. Q: You have worked with some important directors. What were the most important moments for you in this regard?
A: Mystic River and Phantom of the Opera were great experiences. I wouldn't be where I am now if these directors hadn't taken a risk with me. Clint Eastwood was wonderful. I only recently agreed to call him Clint, as I had always called him Mr. Eastwood until now. He kept correcting me and saying "no, just Clint". I admire him very much. It is difficult not to be in awe of someone who is so talented and who is almost two meters tall. He is a kind of gentle giant, a fantastic man, a benefactor and a fantastic musician. He also plays a song at the end of his latest film, Gran Torino. He composed all the music for Mystic River and is also a fantastic jazz musician. Q: Did you sing with him?
A: I was so in awe of him that I didn't go that far. I felt intimidated just for being on that set. D: You have so many varied talents. How important is it to sing at this time in your life?
A: I am very focused on composing music and singing. Right now I'm making a second album and it's a great way to express yourself. D: You have a great discipline. Can you relax and have some free time?
A: Relaxing for me means more staying at home in the evening than going out. But if I go out, I love bowling, karaoke or horseback riding. I love to cook and I made some amazing cherry muffins last night. Cooking is an artistic way of expressing oneself. Q: What are your dreams?
A: Now I'm much more open to everything. I don't have a plan, but I love doing what captures my imagination. First, of course, I have to audition and get the parts I want. I think having dreams is fantastic, but if they are too precise you risk locking yourself in a cage and not being able to take advantage of new opportunities. I am interested in theater, television, different types of films, charity and many other things. I want to participate in projects that I am interested in, to get food to put on the table and that for my dogs. Q: What dogs do you have?
A: I have a Chihuahua called Sugar, white with black cars, as well as a Yorkshire Terrier that weighs less than two pounds and is called Cinnamon. Q: Other goals?
A: In the future I would like to have a family. Growing up, my little family was a great source of strength and happiness for me, even if it was just me and my mother. But I've always wanted to create what I had in mind, a more traditional family, with a white fence, a mother and a father, two boys and a golden retriever. I don't know how realistic it is in this era or if it is necessary. Maybe it isn't, who knows, but it's my dream.  INTERVIEW WITH THE ACTORS
Dragonball Evolution Four Seasons Hotel, Los Angeles March 29 2009 Joon Park (Yamcha)
Emmy Rossum (Bulma)
James Marsters (Lord Piccolo)
Eriko Tomura (Mai)
Justin Chatwin (Goku)
Jamie Chung (Chi Chi)
Director: James Wong Did you enjoy shooting in Mexico? Jamie Chung: Mexico City is gorgeous. We only stayed three weeks, it's a lively city and it was really good to be there. Joon Park: Everyone was warm and kind, and the meat and food was great. Jamie Chung: The best meat ever.
Did you know your characters before the film?
Emmy Rossum: I actually grew up watching weekend cartoons when I was eight or nine, so I knew a little bit about Bulma, and that she was a funny guy with blue hair. At least that was what I remembered when I learned they were making a live movie. Justin Chatwin: He said it all! Emmy Rossum: Indeed, yes! (Laughs) It's me, in a nutshell. So I ordered the manga and did a research on Dragonball "ethics". Justin Chatwin: Did you order them from a manga site? Justin Chatwin: Yes. On line. Justin Chatwin: Seriously? Then you have to lend them to me.
And you instead? Did you know the characters?
Justin Chatwin: I remember my friends' little brothers and sisters talking animatedly about Goku and Piccolo and all these particularly intense scenes, and talking about it with incredible passion. Almost like Christians talk about the bible. It was all for them. But I thought: "But you are crazy! You are nerds! I don't know what you are talking about!" Then I started watching the cartoon on Sunday morning. And then: "But you know what? This stuff is cool." I like manga because they are different from American comics. American comics are a little darker, more serious, and based on reality, while manga are fun and funny, and a little crazy. They are more imaginative situations than the usual Peter Parker and Bruce Wayne. Jamie Chung: Well, I grew up with animated cartoons - I'm from San Francisco, so anime was hugely successful. There were Pokémon, Sailor Moon and Dragonball. And Dragonball was fun. Some characters were a little kinky, but downright funny. Justin Chatwin: That is one of the reasons that made us participate in the film! Jamie Chung: I think so. When I read the script I was really excited. It was time they did a live action film. Joon Park: I grew up on anime and manga, and I had some friends who were Japanese and their families went on vacation to Japan, and came back with these comics, videotapes, before Dragonball was even imported to the United States. I knew him very well. When I found out they were casting, I said to myself, "Guys, I have to be there." And I said to James (the director), "If I don't get the part, could you at least use me as an extra?" (laughs) Then when I found out I was going to get the part, I was delighted to be able to play one of the characters I loved as a kid. Eriko Tomura: My character, Mai, is not fully developed within the original story, so it was fun to create my own vision of Mai. As for Dragonball: I was a huge fan, so I'm really happy to be a part of this project. James Marsters: I have a XNUMX year old son, but when he was seven he introduced me to the world of Dragonball. I will never forget the moment when I inserted the first DVD and the first scene we watched together was the one where Goku was dead, and his son is training because he is the only one left able to save the Earth, but the the only one who can train him is my character: Lord Piccolo. So the first scene I remember is that of Piccolo floating one foot off the ground, observing the horizon and reflecting, while little Gohan climbs the cliff and says, "Train me!" and Piccolo: "Go away, kid, you're bothering me." And he: "No, I'm alone, my father is dead, you have to do it for the Earth." And Piccolo: "Go away" And Gohan: "Train me!" Eventually Piccolo accepts, and punches him in the head, then kicks him and throws him at the rocks. And then there is a close up shot of little Gohan, the seven year old boy, and as a father at this point I was about to take the DVD off, I'll never forget it, but there was Gohan ... dusty, with one eye crushed and the blood dripping, and laughs in front of Piccolo. "In the end you will do what I wanted. You will train as I asked you." And I looked at my son's face, and he wasn't afraid, he wasn't shaking, he was kidnapped by this young boy and the strength he had. Then I realized that there was something good. And the more we looked, the more I understood the positive messages that were in Dragonball.
And how does your child think about your role as Piccolo?
James Marsters: (Laughs) I'm like all other parents - kids don't really care what you do in the office. They care what you do when you're home. But it was really special to see him take an interest in my work. It has been the first time. What kind of preparation did you have to go through? Jamie Chung: Each character had a particular fighting style. They wanted Chi Chi to be particularly tough. So much of my training involved Taekwondo, because that martial art is known for its powerful kicks and punches. The days when I wasn't shooting with the rest of the cast, I practiced. It was hard. A month before filming and then every day I wasn't working. Emmy Rossum: And they didn't go easy on the girls. No, no: "we don't care if you have big biceps or not you will have them at the end of this workout". More than three hours a day, six days a week for the few weeks before we started training. I remember going to the director to tell him: "But it's really hard like this!" and he said, "Well, I want you to be a real warrior. I want you to look like a warrior, and to feel like a warrior and think like a warrior." Training really made us like that. We had some trainings to follow all together, which made them less heavy, because when you looked around you could see that others were suffering as well as you. Somehow it made it more tolerable. Then everyone went on their own to do their own specific training, for Eriko throwing daggers and for Jamie, Taekwondo with a mountain of pushups! I was going to shoot with the marines and learn to ride motorcycles, and many other things I never thought I'd do. So thanks for taking me. Joon Park: I had to drive my truck in the fields for hours and hours. Great. But really, you had to do some serious exercise, weight lifting and running. Later we figured out on set why we had to do all this: for the action sequences that required physically strong bodies, otherwise we would have been hurt. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, apart from Justin who got stitches on his arm.
What happened?
Justin Chatwin: During the scene where I was tossed into the truck before it crashed, there were a lot of plates sticking out, and I sliced my arm. I also broke my toe. Jamie Chung: When actors fight each other it's a problem. But when they fight stunts "It's a joke." Emmy Rossum: Thanks to stunts, if we make a mistake they know it sooner. The actors go "Why did you hit me on the nose?" (Laughs) "It hurt me!" Justin Chatwin: Yes, because stunts have limits. There's this thing called "the box" and they tell you you have to stay inside the box. A young actor comes and they go, "I'm in character ..." And you're upside down and that actor tastes the dust. But we were safe. James and I had to fly towards each other in a sequence, at twenty miles an hour, grab each other and fly twenty feet in the air. James Marsters: And I remember Justin's face coming at me at thirty miles an hour, because he had to grab me a certain way, and he wasn't scared at all. I'll never forget it. Justin Chatwin: Not to mention we had eight energy drinks and thought we were going to get hit! Once I finished filming, the tension dropped, no doubt. James Marsters: But James (the director) was very subtle about it. He always knew that he would only use stunts if they were absolutely needed, and that he would give us five chances to do the scene on our own. I think if we had known it from the beginning we would have run away, but day by day, with a lot of peace of mind, it was affordable. Director: James Wong: The extraordinary thing is that these are actors who are not martial arts masters; I think the fight scenes are pretty damn good. I have worked with Jet Li in the past and I can assure you that you can tell him: "Jet, do this.", And he does it better and with more creativity than you can imagine, and without needing to repeat, but with actors who are not. of martial arts professionals, you have to think about the choreography with extreme care, because we don't want anyone to get hurt and they did a great job. They learned really well. Justin Chatwin: Who would win in a fight, me or Jet Li? Director: James Wong: If you were Goku, probably you! (Laughs)
Have you seen everything seen the film? What did you think about seeing you again with the special effects in CGI, with superpowers and everything else?
Jamie Chung: It was amazing! James hadn't shown us anything while he worked. He went to the Batcave and did the editing. I didn't know anything for a long time and then we sat down and watched it. It was amazing! It lasted two hours but they passed me like five minutes! And I said, "Really? I can't believe it !!" None of my scenes had been cut, thanks James. I was so impressed with the special effects. It was magic.
Justin Chatwin: I was nervous, because there has never been an American adaptation of a manga, so James is really venturing into new territory. I was nervous, because I thought "Okay, I'm dressed like an orange ninja with half a meter long hair, I run around and do ninja stuff." It could have been great or the end of my career. Better sooner than later! (Jokes) When I sat down to see it, I was really very nervous, but once it started, the music starts and the characters come to life, color, thickness, and you can see the balance between violence and comedy. In the end I was really satisfied. I think it's a really funny movie. It fits into the kind of movies I loved seeing as a kid, like Ninja Turtles, Batman and Back to the Future.
James Marsters: It seemed like a runaway train, leaving the station and not slowing down. There were moments while watching the anime where I was stunned, moments when the fighting was so absurd that you would say "I can't believe it." And the film is like that. From the beginning you are amazed by the backstory of the story, then there is the cable fighting and it grows to the grand finale in the desert. There were several times when I said to myself, "Oh my God! Great." I was very satisfied too.
Have you all signed up for a sequel?
Justin Chatwin: Yes, I would be thrilled to do another one. It's rare to be in a movie where you really enjoy the company and we've traveled the world together to promote it. It's not easy for everyone to tie up like we did. We really enjoyed making this movie. I think you can guess it by looking at the film, you understand that we had fun making it.
Joon Park: If audiences like it, then we can really continue this adventure together. It was really fun.
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James Marsters: There must be sequels! There is a wonderful story to tell. So many places to show. Bad guys who redeem themselves; heroes who succumb to evil. There is some amazing material and it would break my heart if we didn't continue. What makes this film different from other manga action films? What makes it unique? Director: James Wong: It's the Starting material. The Dragonball manga takes us to a magical place of its own, and we hope we have captured it in this movie. It's fun and doesn't take itself too seriously, but it also has intense action scenes. I think the combination of fun and action, and the creativity of Akira Toriyama (the creator of the manga) make a difference. Justin Chatwin: And there are some pretty girls too. It never hurts.
Is this the first time you happen to be portrayed in action figures?
Emmy Rossum: I haven't seen mine yet! I collect all the Dragonball and Goku puppets and put them in a room in my house. I have all the figurines lined up, but if I can put our action figures, modeled on our bodies and our faces, the others can also disappear. Justin Chatwin: Seriously? Do you have a room where you keep this stuff? Emmy Rossum: In the office. We all have them! Justin Chatwin: How cool. James Marsters: I'm a fan of these things. When I got the part, my son wanted to find another Piccolo, because the others had to be thrown away, since he had ripped off his arms too many times. You can do this with Piccolo, as they will re-grow him. We couldn't find one, we went to some shops with no success. I looked at my son and said, "Next time you see Piccolo, do you know who he will look like?" and he: "No dad, to whom?" And I said "To me, son, to me." It was very sweet.
Do you play Dragonball video games?
Emmy Rossum: I've never played Dragonball video games, I like Lara Croft's. But now there is a game in which we are the protagonists. James Marsters: My son plays it and I was really impressed with how the characters moved and flew across the screen, and how the energy was represented. I believe there will be a PSP game based on the movie.
Is it already on sale?
Justin Chatwin: I saw him in Tokyo. Joon Park: It will be out the same day as the movie.
Do you feel pressure from the many Dragonball fans?
Director: James Wong: Absolutely not! (Jokes) Yes, there are a lot of expectations from fans, and I have mine myself, because I'm a fan too. The difficult thing is that I know that many will be disappointed, because the manga has so many exceptional characters and so many stories, but it is impossible to please everyone. It's impossible to make a two-hour film within the confines of the manga, so I know some will get angry, because their favorite character isn't there, or because that part of the story isn't being told. This adaptation is different. It had to be, we didn't intend to duplicate what was in the comics and animme. We had to try something different. I hope that fans of the manga will let us express Dragonball in this way.
James Marsters: One of the coolest things about the anime and the movie is that it's been a long time since we've been introduced to a new hero with new abilities. My favorite characters in this genre are really old. Superman is old. Batman has been around for a long time. Flash has been around since the Depression. And it's really rare for anyone to come up with a character like Goku. I can't think of another one at his level. We are really lucky, because there are many people who do not know the manga and Goku and we have the opportunity to introduce them to them. Many children will love it.
Joon Park: This is the film: an adaptation of the original Dragonball, not Dragonball Z. It is an introduction with all the main characters and an explanation of the meaning of the title. I hope that all fans and people who come to see the film are aware of this, and for all those who do not know Dragonball yet: go and see it and think that this is animation transposed into live action, and that anything is possible when you they employ special effects.
Which characters have been left out in this version and would you like to introduce in the future?
James Marsters: One hundred. Too many even to talk about it. Emmy Rossum: It's such an immense adventure, with so many stories, characters and generations of characters. The protagonists with their children. It really is a huge business. James Marsters: And the thing is, for every new character you introduce into the film, it takes at least fifteen minutes to fit them into the story and make something interesting happen. First you need to know the characters. So having a cast of 14 or 15 people, like in the cartoon, wouldn't allow the story to develop. It was all going to be a meeting of people. Director: James Wong: It's a bumpy ride. I know well that some will not be satisfied no matter what you do. I also know it is an opportunity to engage those who are new to the world of Dragonball, and perhaps give them the urge to read the original manga, and it's awesome. It's a double-edged sword: you want to please fans, but at the same time you intend to engage new fans.
How many scenes use CGI?
Director: James Wong: There are thousands of shots that have CGI elements. I think every scene in the film makes use of it, some more than others. The skies are also a different color in the world of Dragonball.
How did you balance things out so that the effects didn't overshadow the action of the characters?
Director: James Wong: The approach I had from the beginning of the film was that everything had to be familiar, so that people could relate to it. That's why Goku is as old as he is in the movie. We put it in a more familiar setting, in high school, something that isn't in the manga. We gradually moved away from the familiar, immersing ourselves in the world of Dragonball. We have created this path that slowly leads us to more imaginative places, in this way in the end we do not realize that we are in a place where nothing is real, not even the sky. So while you watch this movie, it will be a painless transition from the familiar to the fantastic world, without tearing. The narrative will allow the audience to face this adventure without having to ask "What the hell is going on?".
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| Original title: |
Dragonball Evolution | | Country: | Use |
| Year: | 2009 |
| Gender: | Science fiction, Action | | Duration: | 110 ' |
| Directed by: | James Wong | | Actors: | Justin Chatwin, Joon park, Jamie Chung, Emmy Rossum, James Marsters, Chow Yun-Fat, Randall Duk Kim, Ernie Hudson, Texas Battle, Shavon Kirksey | | Production: | Dune Entertainment, Star Overseas, Twentieth Century Fox | | Distribution: | 20th Century Fox | | Exit : | April 10, 2009 (cinema) | | |
Official site: | |
All names, images and trademarks are copyright Akira Toriyama, Dune Entertainment, Star Overseas, Twentieth Century Fox and are used for cognitive and informative purposes.
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