Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning
Digimon Adventure was my first anime obsession. You know how people recount memories of doing the Kamehameha or Sailor Moon transformations? For me, It was the digivolution tags. 25 years later, Bandai blessed us with Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning.
If my multiple social media posts throughout the year weren’t an indication. (Follow us on Instagram and Twitter) I was super excited to watch this movie and it did not disappoint. I had a blast. It felt like I was 11 years old again. Sitting in my bedroom, zoned out without a care in the world. For nostalgia’s sake, I watched it in English dubbed, and hearing some of the OG cast made me so happy. The voices were so good for newer cast members that I almost didn’t notice a difference.
Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning
Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning takes place in 2012 about ten years after the ending of Adventure 02. The 02 squad are now adults. Kari (Hikaru) is a teacher, and Davis (Daisuke) works at a noodle shop. Not sure, what TK (Takeru) does but he has a whip. As far as I’m concerned that’s grown people ish. Yolie (Miyako) is a student and I think Ken is still studying as well. Cody (Iori) is a pre-law student. Their new adventure begins with the reveal of a giant Digiegg hovering over the Toyko Tower. While investigating they meet Lui (Rui) who reveals himself as the world’s first-ever DigiDestined.
The Beginning was a time capsule. Giving us a glimpse of the latest tech from back then. Those Bluetooth headsets that made you look like a robocop. Smartphones, and other aspects of the world back then. But also, my time as a young adult and trying to figure out what that means. Watching my guys, going through similar motions was nice to see. Moreover, they were still friends too. That warmed my heart so much. As a youngin’, I always felt like they were my friends too! Here I was again, tagging along on their final adventure as protectors of the Digital World.
Thoughts on Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning
Digimon has always had darker themes and in the grand scheme of things- it made sense. The DigiDestined are grown now. They dealt with holding down the weight of the world as younglings. Why wouldn’t they be tasked with something a little more darker now? I won’t go into more details because of spoilers but man was it heavy.
One of the major reasons this movie worked so well. That Akatsuki Yamatoya and Tomohisa Taguchi really know their audience. They were able to translate the things that made Adventure 02 great and tell a brand new story that was reflective of the foundation laid over 20 years ago. The character dynamics, the banter, and the transformations. At my big age, I still remember all the Digivolution lines and reciting them out loud in real-time. Like a fool just grinning from ear to ear. Harumi Fuuki music score was solid. Mellows things out and heightens our senses when need be.
I love how much life the animation has. How the action and transformation almost jump off the screen. Seeing my favorite mons in action felt so good. I love all the character design choices, except Kens. I don’t like that he looked so much like Cody. They should have kept his bob and gave him a different bowl-cut style. To more easily distinguish him from Cody. Outside of the clear height difference. I get that this one suits his personality. Leaning into a more professional look to better acquaint yourself with the professional world. I get it! I just don’t like it. Did anyone else keep confusing Ken and Cody? Or am I just stupid? Let me know down below!
Yolie’s re-design was my favorite! That’s my dawg. TK’s coat was drippy and that’s something I would wear. Kairi and Cody’s designs are exactly what I’d expected them to be. They suit them and that’s not a bad thing. Davis also looks like I’d expected him to look at that age.
Final thoughts Digimon Adventures 02: The Beginning
Alot may changed but somethings remain the same. Davis is still the wild child and Ken jumps right off with him. Their closeness after all these long years warmed my heart. I won’t give away the actual conversation but there was a scene where Davis and Ken were having a real heart-to-heart. Yolie jumps in and tells them to stop flirting. I was was rollin’. She was agitated and maybe a little salty but are ya’ll friends if they don’t cut your ass?
Lui (Rui) was a nice addition to the team. He came with the same darkness that was once associated with Ken. That man had a rough childhood and life in general. That was hard to see but very necessary. With the help of the other DigiDestined, he and Ukkomon got the closure they both deserved.
Now, I just want more! This was clearly the end. I feel grateful for the experience but also mad that it’s over. So shout to Toei Animation, Bandai, and everyone else who made this possible. Of course, the collaborative efforts of Akiyoshi Hongo for being the driving force behind this franchise. I hope all three of you get your flowers. Have you seen Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning? If so, what was your favorite moment? Who were you most excited to see?
Let me know in the comment section below.
