Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'
One peaceful day on Earth, two remnants of Frieza's army named Sorbet and Tagoma arrive searching for the Dragon Balls with the aim of reviving Frieza. They succeed, and Frieza subsequently seeks revenge on the Saiyans.
Despite its limited budget of $5.0M, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' became a commercial juggernaut, earning $61.8M worldwide—a remarkable 1135% return. The film's compelling narrative resonated with audiences, illustrating how strong storytelling can transcend budget limitations.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (2015) reveals carefully calibrated narrative architecture, characteristic of Tadayoshi Yamamuro's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 33 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.5, the film showcases strong structural fundamentals.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Peaceful Earth: Goku and Vegeta train with Whis on Beerus' planet. The Z-fighters live in harmony years after Buu's defeat, showing their comfortable status quo.. Structural examination shows that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Frieza is resurrected via Dragon Balls. The greatest villain returns, disrupting Earth's peace. Frieza immediately vows revenge against Goku.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 23 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Frieza's army arrives on Earth and begins their assault. The Z-fighters actively engage in battle, crossing into the conflict proper. No turning back., moving from reaction to action.
At 47 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Of particular interest, this crucial beat Goku and Vegeta arrive. False victory: their presence seems to guarantee success. Goku faces Frieza, revealing Super Saiyan Blue form. The stakes are raised - this is a battle of gods now., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 69 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Sorbet shoots Goku through the chest with a laser ring while his guard is down. The whiff of death - Goku falls, critically wounded. The hero's fatal flaw of overconfidence costs him everything., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 74 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Vegeta recognizes Frieza's stamina weakness - his Golden form drains too quickly. The synthesis: combining power with tactical awareness. Vegeta fights with discipline, not just strength., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F''s emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' against these established plot points, we can identify how Tadayoshi Yamamuro utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' within the action genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Peaceful Earth: Goku and Vegeta train with Whis on Beerus' planet. The Z-fighters live in harmony years after Buu's defeat, showing their comfortable status quo.
Theme
Whis warns about complacency: "Strength means nothing without discipline and awareness." The theme of overconfidence vs. vigilance is established.
Worldbuilding
Exposition of current power levels and relationships. Frieza's remnant forces (Sorbet and Tagoma) gather the Dragon Balls. Flashback to Frieza's defeat establishes the stakes and history.
Disruption
Frieza is resurrected via Dragon Balls. The greatest villain returns, disrupting Earth's peace. Frieza immediately vows revenge against Goku.
Resistance
Frieza trains for four months to achieve his new Golden form. Earth's defenders debate the threat level. Gohan and the others are rusty from peacetime. Preparation and mounting tension.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Frieza's army arrives on Earth and begins their assault. The Z-fighters actively engage in battle, crossing into the conflict proper. No turning back.
Mirror World
Bulma and the support characters represent the human stakes - those worth protecting. Master Roshi and Krillin's presence shows the old guard still has wisdom to offer.
Premise
The "fun and games" of DBZ: spectacular fights against Frieza's forces. Gohan, Piccolo, and others battle the army. Displays of power, martial arts spectacle, and classic DBZ action.
Midpoint
Goku and Vegeta arrive. False victory: their presence seems to guarantee success. Goku faces Frieza, revealing Super Saiyan Blue form. The stakes are raised - this is a battle of gods now.
Opposition
Frieza unveils Golden Frieza form, matching Goku's power. The battle intensifies with neither gaining clear advantage. Goku's overconfidence begins to show - he lets his guard down, embodying the theme's warning.
Collapse
Sorbet shoots Goku through the chest with a laser ring while his guard is down. The whiff of death - Goku falls, critically wounded. The hero's fatal flaw of overconfidence costs him everything.
Crisis
Vegeta steps in to save Goku. Dark moment as Frieza brutally beats the wounded Goku. Vegeta faces Frieza alone, processing the near-loss of his rival and the consequences of carelessness.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Vegeta recognizes Frieza's stamina weakness - his Golden form drains too quickly. The synthesis: combining power with tactical awareness. Vegeta fights with discipline, not just strength.
Synthesis
Vegeta dominates the weakened Frieza. Frieza desperately destroys Earth. Whis reverses time three minutes. Goku, having learned his lesson, immediately destroys Frieza before he can act. The finale resolves with wisdom applied.
Transformation
Goku and Vegeta return to training with Whis, but now with humility and focus. The closing mirrors the opening, but the warriors are transformed - aware that power without discipline leads to defeat.