DVD Review: Raya and the Last Dragon

Raya and the Last Dragon

(DVD j Raya)

 

This was the Spring 2021 Walt Disney animated film release, and is a a beautiful, quirky, humorous and heartfelt story. Set in the imagined world of Kumandra, in which the united peoples once lived in harmony with a civilization of magical dragons, the peoples were scattered separate and combative societies when a dark force (the Druun) caused the dragons to disappear (in order to hold the dark force at bay).

 

Unfortunately, the Druun is now returning to the separated lands, and when the lack of trust between the various human clans leads to the apparent destruction of the one remaining dragon icon, Raya, the daughter of one of the remaining chieftains takes on the task of trying to revive the long-lost dragons. This becomes a coming-of-age story for this young woman, who combines efforts with outcast members of each the other sparring clans, and must address the rivalry and betrayal of someone she once trusted and called a friend. But she does have the help of Sisu, the Last Dragon, who may not be as helpful as you’d think.

 

The visuals of Raya and the Last Dragon are as impressive as its message of cooperation and trust. The voice work, mostly from Asian actors, is marvelous, particularly Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, Awkwafina as Sisu, Izaac Wang as Boun and Gemma Chan as Namaari. Sisu may initially be a slightly annoying, flighty character, but she goes through a growth arc that is ultimately as moving as Raya’s.

 

A very charming and touching animated film, highly recommended.

 

( Internet Movie Database entry for this film ) | ( official Raya and the Last Dragon web site )

 

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

Have you watched this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

New reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide website. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide Blog individually over the course of the entire month. Click the tag for the reviewer's name to see more of this reviewer’s recommendations!