Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning is a deeper tale featuring the 2nd DigiDestined in an illuminating origin for all. The adventures of the 2nd Season continue with a bigger bridge that connects the known future to an unexpected beginning. The new movie also brings a mix of iconic features and cameos that will delight any fan of the anime series or the recent theatrical installments. Along with the next generation’s nostalgic returns, fans are startled by the tragic story of Rui and Ukkomon as the torch moves back to the 2nd group.
Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning features the characters that first debuted in the 2nd Season of Digimon. Simply known as Season 2 of Digimon, Digimon Adventure 02, was premiered in Japan in April 2000, followed by the English dub in August. The 4 new DigiDestined from the 2nd Season only had a vital cameo in the Digimon Tri movies, but played a bigger role during Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution Kazuna. Names for some of the characters were changed for the English release, including Daisuke and V-mon who are known as Davis and Veemon.
Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning is an Impactful drama that Hits Every DigiDestined
In the latest movie for the original DigiDestined storyline, the focus is finally on Davis, Yolei, Cody, and Ken as they join TK and Kari for an unexpected discovery. A huge Digiegg hovering over the city begins the story but the continuity remains intact for the 2nd generation of DigiDestined and their partner Digimon.
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By simply appearing casual, the movie delivers a meaningful new chapter that gives purpose to nostalgia. Although many may have transitioned to the Japanese dub, the English version has been truly captivating for fans who experienced the adventure during the anime’s original run. This movie also placed a spotlight on the unique Digimon team comprised of Veemon, Hawkmon, Armadillomon, and Wormmon as they unite with Patamon and Gatomon.
Dramatic Past Illuminated as New Story
The focus on the new installment allowed for new characters to be introduced as Rui (AJ Beckles) and Ukkomon are added to extend the timeline further back. This means that some of the more iconic additions from the 2nd Season have been left for another day since the threat is linked to the origins of a two-world connection. The drama of Rui’s childhood instantly hits hard as his upbringing at 4 years old compared to Tai and Kari is the complete opposite.
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The twisted history of Ukkomon and Rui felt like a huge eye-opening revelation that connects the whole anime timeline in the shadows. Mysteries are still teased but the tension caused by Rui’s horrors kept the unfolding plot engaging even with trips from past to present. The performance of Erin Yvette was perfectly devastating as young Lui, while Giselle Fernandez gave Ukkomon a feel of both softness and menacing vibes when needed.
Blast of Nostalgia & Time-Shaped Changes
For fans of the 2nd Season, this new movie feels like a connecting circle that finally brings back iconic characters from the timeline. Both the English and Japanese Dub delivered a hit of nostalgia for a long-awaited return of the sequel generation of DigiDestined. No matter which version you watch, hearing Davis and Veemon was a blessing that signaled the return of a classic sequel, along with many characters that opened a pool of memories.
The mix of Brian Donovan, Steve Prince, and Chris Swindle perfectly captured the iconic take on these characters like no time had passed. The same vibes were also provided seamlessly by Niel Kaplan as Hawkmon and the new cast that was featured in previous movies. However, the only thing missing was the Wild West voice profile of Armadillomon, but Robbie D did manage to keep the character cute.
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Some of the strongest scenes in the movie were also reassuring moments that see characters working towards their futures. It was great to see Davis still ecstatic about making ramen, while the others have finer details showcasing their journey. The most minor yet powerful addition to the movie was the use of the Digidestined around the world which appeared as cameos. This included characters from the “Digimon World Tour” episodes and even an appearance from movie exclusives. These additions to the movie were an unexpected treasure that showcased how far the story has progressed while also hosting a selection of treats for old fans.
Digital Combat, Comedy & Empathic Scenes
The combat and action featured within the movie kept in beat with the unfolding events, leading to spectacular shots. The great fight between the iconic DNA Digimon and the final foe did include a range of eye-grabbing scenes, but the overall fight did feel like it was too in favor of the protagonists. There was also a nice layer of humor that featured within the movie, including a running joke about being found fast by the authorities.
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Out of all the scenes featured in the movie, Rui falling from the tower captured the essence of the wind and perspective so well that it felt experienced rather than viewed. The changes to a first-person perspective also allowed a greater sense of tension and thrill to moments, which also applied to Rui witnessing his eye after a violent outburst.
Returning Features & Twisting Lore
The revived effects of Digivolutions were beyond compare, especially with the return of DNA Digivolution that the 2nd Season was infamous for. Like the recent movies, the iconic D-3 Digivices are also present as little easter eggs but do have an active element in the story. The only feature from the original season left out was the armor Digivolution, but they would have felt out of place in the flow of events.
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The core of the new content was used to introduce a backstory that affects the overall lore of Digimon, which ties in elements of other known seasons. This includes hints of a god in the Digital world, which could be this universe’s version of Yggdrasill. Although the lore is mainly a backing, the introduction of a new history allowed a personal touch to be added for both Rui and Ukkomon to stay highlighted.
DNA Digivolve into Overview
The full journey has unleashed a powerful new start to the continued story for the sequel characters, providing a great teaser for more content. The only missing piece to the nostalgia for the Season’s features is certainly the armor Digimon, which felt missing in the spotlight.
The later Digivolutions appearing in the anime did create a feel of seamless continuity, with an even better display of development for old and new characters. However, the most memorable moments from the movie are certainly the impactful horrors that Rui grew up with, followed by the support of new friends. There was amazing chemistry for characters that had included a new member, and it was a long-awaited indulgence for fans who have enjoyed the entire anime series and following movies.
For providing a devastating new history with a bombardment of nostalgia, I happily give Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning a total score of 8 out of 10.
Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning will be released in Japan on October 27, 2023, with the US releasing the English dub version on November 8, 2023. The movie for the US will be a limited distribution by Fathom Events, with the Japanese Dub available on November 9, 2023.
About Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning
Release Date: October 27, 2023 (JP), November 8, 2023 (US)
Director: Tomohisa Taguchi
Writers: Akiyoshi Hongo, Akatsuki Yamatoya
Production: Toei Animation
Cast (Japanese): Fukujurou Katayama, Junko Noda, Arthur Lounsbery, Naozumi Takahashi, Ayaka Asai, Kôichi Tôchika, Yoshitaka Yamaya, Megumi Urawa, Junya Enoki, Miwa Matsumoto, Mao Ichimichi, Yuka Tokumitsu, Megumi Ogata, Rie Kugimiya
Cast (English): Brian Donovan, Steve Prince, Jeannie Tirado, Tara Sands, Johnny Yong Bosch, Bryce PapenBrook, AJ Beckles, Erin Yvette, Giselle Fernandez, Kate Higgins, Neil Kaplan, Laura Summer, Chris Swindle, Robbie D
Synopsis:
Daisuke, Miyako, Iori, Takeru Takashi, Hikari, and Ken must reconcile new responsibilities with their Digimon partners. But Rui Owada, a mysterious young man, appears claiming to be the first human to partner with a Digimon.
What do you think of Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning? Did you watch the previous anime and movies leading up to this new installment? Will you be watching the English or Japanese dub when released in theatres? Let us know on social media and keep following The Illuminerdi for more reviews.
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