Movie
Description
Bongo is the name given to the character Kuririn, known in most English adaptations as Krillin, in the Harmony Gold English dub of the third Dragon Ball film, Dragon Ball: Mystical Adventure. This version of the character serves as a supporting protagonist and the primary companion to the young Son Goku within the film's standalone narrative.
In this movie, Bongo is depicted as a young martial artist of small stature with a shaved head, a common design for the character during this period of the story. His background aligns with the early portrayal of Kuririn: he is a student at the Orin Temple, a training ground for monks, but he is not satisfied there. Driven by a desire to become stronger and, more importantly, to become popular with girls, he leaves the temple and seeks out the legendary martial arts master known as Kame-Sen'nin, or Master Roshi, to become his disciple.
Bongo’s personality in this film is characterized by a mix of determination, competitive spirit, and a noticeable selfish streak, though it is tempered by his growing friendship with Goku. He is not pure of heart in the traditional sense; his motivations for training are largely self-serving and somewhat shallow, primarily revolving around his wish to attract female attention. This impure motive is humorously highlighted by his inability to ride the Kintoun, or Flying Nimbus, a cloud that can only be ridden by those who are completely pure-hearted. Despite this, he is a hard worker and a quick learner, and his initial jealousy and rivalry with Goku quickly evolve into a loyal, if sometimes exasperated, camaraderie. He often serves as the more grounded and pragmatic counterpart to Goku's innocent and straightforward nature.
Within the story of Mystical Adventure, Bongo and Goku have finished their initial training with Master Roshi. Their master brings them to the kingdom of Mifan to participate in a great martial arts tournament held by the young emperor, Chiaotzu. Bongo’s primary role is as Goku's friend and sparring partner, fighting alongside him and providing support. While the film’s central conflict involves the sinister plot by the emperor's advisers, Master Shen and his brother Tao Pai Pai, to take over the kingdom using the Dragon Balls, Bongo’s personal journey is less about the political intrigue and more about proving his skills in the tournament and supporting his friend. His key relationships are with Master Roshi, his teacher; and Goku, his rival-turned-best-friend, with whom he shares most of his screen time.
The film does not provide a significant arc of development for Bongo, as it is a self-contained adventure. However, his character is firmly established as a capable and clever fighter who has moved past being a simple temple monk to become a true student of the Turtle School martial arts style. His notable abilities include the Kamehameha wave, a powerful energy technique he learned from Master Roshi, which he can perform, though perhaps not with the same raw power as Goku. He is also a resourceful combatant, using his wits and speed to compensate for his smaller size. While the film does not showcase his more iconic techniques like the Destructo Disc (Kienzan), his role emphasizes his foundational skills as a quick, agile, and determined young martial artist who, despite his less-than-pure motives, proves to be a brave and reliable friend in the face of danger.
In this movie, Bongo is depicted as a young martial artist of small stature with a shaved head, a common design for the character during this period of the story. His background aligns with the early portrayal of Kuririn: he is a student at the Orin Temple, a training ground for monks, but he is not satisfied there. Driven by a desire to become stronger and, more importantly, to become popular with girls, he leaves the temple and seeks out the legendary martial arts master known as Kame-Sen'nin, or Master Roshi, to become his disciple.
Bongo’s personality in this film is characterized by a mix of determination, competitive spirit, and a noticeable selfish streak, though it is tempered by his growing friendship with Goku. He is not pure of heart in the traditional sense; his motivations for training are largely self-serving and somewhat shallow, primarily revolving around his wish to attract female attention. This impure motive is humorously highlighted by his inability to ride the Kintoun, or Flying Nimbus, a cloud that can only be ridden by those who are completely pure-hearted. Despite this, he is a hard worker and a quick learner, and his initial jealousy and rivalry with Goku quickly evolve into a loyal, if sometimes exasperated, camaraderie. He often serves as the more grounded and pragmatic counterpart to Goku's innocent and straightforward nature.
Within the story of Mystical Adventure, Bongo and Goku have finished their initial training with Master Roshi. Their master brings them to the kingdom of Mifan to participate in a great martial arts tournament held by the young emperor, Chiaotzu. Bongo’s primary role is as Goku's friend and sparring partner, fighting alongside him and providing support. While the film’s central conflict involves the sinister plot by the emperor's advisers, Master Shen and his brother Tao Pai Pai, to take over the kingdom using the Dragon Balls, Bongo’s personal journey is less about the political intrigue and more about proving his skills in the tournament and supporting his friend. His key relationships are with Master Roshi, his teacher; and Goku, his rival-turned-best-friend, with whom he shares most of his screen time.
The film does not provide a significant arc of development for Bongo, as it is a self-contained adventure. However, his character is firmly established as a capable and clever fighter who has moved past being a simple temple monk to become a true student of the Turtle School martial arts style. His notable abilities include the Kamehameha wave, a powerful energy technique he learned from Master Roshi, which he can perform, though perhaps not with the same raw power as Goku. He is also a resourceful combatant, using his wits and speed to compensate for his smaller size. While the film does not showcase his more iconic techniques like the Destructo Disc (Kienzan), his role emphasizes his foundational skills as a quick, agile, and determined young martial artist who, despite his less-than-pure motives, proves to be a brave and reliable friend in the face of danger.