Although Dragon Ball Z Kai made significant improvements to the original show by eliminating filler, enhancing the animation, and re-recording several acting performances, there was one scene that should have been left untouched: Android 16’s speech, which perfectly encapsulated the philosophical foundations of Dragon Ball Z.
As a fan of the anime show, the mere mention of it is likely to evoke strong emotions. During the intense battle against Cell, Android 16, known for his calm demeanor, makes a final attempt to defeat Doctor Gero’s twisted creation by activating his self-destruct mechanism. However, his noble sacrifice is in vain as the trigger had been disabled, allowing Perfect Cell to viciously dismantle Android 16.
As his severed head falls next to Gohan, the young half-Saiyan is left in complete shock. Despite his impending demise, 16 is able to sense Gohan’s growing emotions and takes the opportunity to offer some words of comfort. He reassures Gohan that it is natural to feel rage and reminds him that there are times when it is justified to direct that anger towards those who have left you with no other choice.
Upon stomping on 16’s head, Cell provokes Gohan to transform into Super Saiyan 2, similar to how Goku achieved the Super Saiyan form when Krillin was killed by Frieza. Despite being overpowered by Gohan, Cell is able to eliminate Goku and Future Trunks before his defeat.
A perfect sacrifice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFPmUc34JNk
The first dub of Dragon Ball Z beautifully delivers monologue 16, capturing the essence of Akira Toriyama’s text through an emotive translation of the Japanese dialogue.
“Gohan, release your grip. Fighting for a just cause is not a wrongdoing. There are individuals who cannot be reached through words alone, such as Cell. I understand your reluctance, Gohan. You are a kind-hearted person who does not wish to inflict harm. I know this because I have also experienced these emotions. However, it is because you value life that you must defend it. Please release your inhibitions and safeguard the life that is dear to me. My scanners have detected your immense power. Just… let go.”
Despite its graceful and poetic nature, the dialogue between 16 and Gohan invokes the concept of sin and emphasizes the importance of compassion. 16 speaks from a place of understanding, motivating Gohan to take action and defend empathy.
This grounding phrase, “There are those who words alone will not reach,”speaks a hard truth plainly. Teaching kindness can be challenging, as some individuals are uninterested in being taught or persuaded.
In cases like these, it is not only permissible but imperative to adhere to the rules of the ruthless. Characters like Cell, Freiza, Cooler, and countless others in real life leave no other choice, and responding with force is not a moral shortcoming on the part of the victim or the defender.
The Power of Translators
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m94gwI4o_JI
Despite being the original subbing, the first Japanese version does not have the same impact.
“Son Gohan, it is not wrong to stand up for what is just. There are times when talking and reasoning is not enough to resolve conflicts. Allow your anger to fuel your determination. I understand how frustrating it can be. Gohan, protect the beauty of nature and the things that we both hold dear for my sake.”
Despite conveying the same overall effect, the context is altered, shifting the focus towards 16’s sacrifice rather than Gohan’s ascension. This results in a diminished impact, as the line “But it is because you cherish life that you must protect it”is crucial in providing substance.
One of the most overlooked heroes in anime are translators, and this is a clear illustration of their ability to accurately convey emotion without altering a scene. This particular moment in Dragon Ball Z is crucial, and the team behind the script nailed it perfectly.
Dragon Ball Z Kai doesn’t measure up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9to4tbQ11LU
In Dragon Ball Z Kai, the scene was revisited and the speech was reworded once again.
“Gohan, I implore you to listen to me. There are certain enemies who are not open to negotiation. It is within your rights to stand for what is right and just. Allow your anger to become your strength and use it as your weapon. I know you may be hesitant, but suppressing it will only prove futile. Gohan, as someone who deeply loves animals and nature, I urge you to protect them. Do it for me.”
Out of the three, this is the one I enjoy the least. Android 16’s tone seems more like pleading with Gohan instead of connecting with a kindred spirit, and the use of “justice”instead of “sin”and “right cause”alters the overall tone.
It appears that 16 is attempting to persuade Gohan into achieving Super Saiyan 2, rather than instilling a sense of biblical retribution or a demigod entering a grand battlefield. Unlike the previous versions, it seems that 16 is more focused on letting Gohan know that unleashing all of his power will not result in catastrophic consequences.
As I continue to grow older (having grown up watching the original DBZ dub in the ‘90s, to be exact), I find myself appreciating the fundamental theme of Dragon Ball Z more and more – Android 16’s desire to empower Gohan to make choices without being afraid of the consequences.
Why Dragon Ball Z is Timeless
As a child, I admired Goku’s fearless attitude towards standing up to villains, even though I myself lacked such bravery. However, as I entered my teenage years and early adulthood, I began to value the complexity of morality and rejected simplistic and boastful statements.
Despite life being filled with various shades of grey, I have learned that complexity does not necessarily warrant worry about what is important to you. Just because others may question your beliefs does not mean their perspectives have to complicate the issue.
In other words, it is commendable to hold firm to your principles and display bravery in standing up for them. It is not wrong to oppose those who go against your beliefs. If it means escalating the situation, then so be it. Sometimes, individuals simply trying to live their lives require the defense of bloody knuckles. This is the cost of having strong convictions.
It has been 35 years since the premiere of Dragon Ball Z, and it continues to impart valuable lessons. This serves as a testament to the show’s excellence as a teacher and entertainment.
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