Raya And The Last Dragon Review

Hey there, movie buffs and fantasy fans! So, I finally got around to watching Disney's Raya And The Last Dragon, and let me tell you, it was quite the adventure. If you've been living under a rock (no judgment, those rocks can be cozy!), it's this animated flick set in this super cool, made-up land called Kumandra. Think Southeast Asia vibes, but with dragons. Yep, dragons!

Now, you know how sometimes animated movies feel a bit… predictable? Like you can see the plot twists coming from a mile away? Well, Raya managed to surprise me, and in a good way! It’s got this epic quest, a fierce warrior princess, and a whole lot of heart. Plus, talking animals are always a win, right? Even if they're not exactly what you expect.

So, the story kicks off with this world that’s all fractured. Long ago, humans and dragons lived together in harmony, all chill and stuff. But then, these evil forces called the Druun showed up, and… poof! The dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Rough times, I know. The humans then created these dragon gem things, which basically kept the Druun at bay. But, surprise, surprise, greed and distrust broke them apart, leading to the land being divided into five different, and frankly, slightly squabbly, nations.

Enter our hero, Raya. She’s this total badass warrior from the Heart tribe, and she's on a mission to find the last dragon, Sisu, to bring back peace and unite Kumandra. Why Sisu, you ask? Because dragons are magical, duh! And also, apparently, she's the key to fixing everything. Raya’s got this whole “trust issues” thing going on, which, let’s be honest, is totally understandable given her family’s history. She’s basically a one-woman army with a serious case of cynicism.

And then there’s Sisu! Oh, Sisu. This water dragon is voiced by the brilliant Awkwafina, and she is everything. Sisu is not your typical stoic, all-powerful dragon. Nope. She's funny, a little goofy, and has this amazing ability to be incredibly wise while also being completely… well, like a very enthusiastic, slightly naive person. She’s got this infectious optimism that’s just a breath of fresh air, especially with Raya’s whole emo vibe.

Their dynamic is everything. It’s like this odd-couple pairing that you can’t get enough of. Raya’s all serious and focused, and Sisu’s just bouncing off the walls with dragon-y excitement. They bicker, they tease, and they slowly, slowly, start to learn from each other. It’s the kind of friendship that makes you want to grab your own bestie and go on an adventure, even if it’s just to the nearest pizza place.

The animation in this movie? Stunning. Seriously, Kumandra is brought to life with such vibrant colors and intricate details. From the bustling markets to the serene waterfalls, every frame is a feast for the eyes. And the action sequences? They're super well-choreographed and exciting. Raya’s fighting skills are seriously impressive, and when Sisu unleashes her dragon powers… wowzers!

But what really makes Raya stand out is its message. It’s not just about fighting bad guys and finding magical artifacts (though there's plenty of that!). At its core, this movie is about the importance of trust and unity. Kumandra is divided because people stopped trusting each other, and the Druun are a manifestation of that distrust and division. Raya's journey is as much about learning to trust again as it is about saving the world.

You see, Raya starts off believing that she has to do it all herself. She’s learned that relying on others can lead to pain. But as she travels with Sisu and encounters various characters from the other tribes, she begins to see that everyone has their own strengths and their own stories. It’s this gradual realization that true strength comes from working together, from believing in each other, even when it’s hard.

Let's talk about the supporting cast, shall we?

Because they are chef’s kiss. We have Boun, this adorable little entrepreneur who’s also a whiz with a sword. He’s got this whole crew of little monkey-like creatures called the Ongis, and they are the cutest, most chaotic things you’ve ever seen. Seriously, if you need a laugh, just watch the Ongis do their thing.

Then there's Tong, a massive, formidable warrior who’s all gruff on the outside but has a heart of gold. He’s a bit of a gentle giant, and his interactions with Sisu are hilarious. He’s got this whole backstory that’s quite poignant, and he really embodies that idea of protecting those you care about.

And Namaari. Ah, Namaari. She’s Raya’s rival, and the princess of the Fang tribe. She’s a skilled warrior too, and their clashes are intense. But Namaari isn’t just a one-dimensional villain. She’s complex, driven by her own sense of duty and the pressures of her tribe. You can't help but feel a little bit of sympathy for her, even when she’s being a total pain.

The movie does a fantastic job of showing how fear and misunderstanding can lead people down wrong paths. It’s a powerful reminder that judging others based on stereotypes or past conflicts is a recipe for disaster. Instead, it encourages us to look for the good in people, to try and understand their perspectives, and to extend a hand of friendship.

The Druun – Not your average bad guys.

So, the Druun themselves are pretty interesting. They’re not exactly creatures with individual personalities, but more of a force of nature – a manifestation of negativity. When they touch living things, they turn them into stone. Pretty bleak, right? But then, they also absorb the people who are turned to stone, and that’s where the tragedy lies. It’s a powerful visual metaphor for how hatred and conflict can consume everything.

The ultimate goal is to bring back all the people who were lost, and that’s a massive undertaking. It requires a massive act of faith, and a willingness to overcome generations of ingrained mistrust.

And the ending… oh, the ending! I won't spoil it completely, but let’s just say it’s incredibly satisfying and earned. It’s not a cheap win; it’s a victory that’s born out of genuine change and understanding. It reinforces that central theme of trust in such a beautiful way.

I also loved the cultural influences. You can see the nods to various Asian cultures throughout the film, from the architecture to the food (I swear I was craving sticky rice after watching it!). It’s a beautiful celebration of diversity and a testament to the power of storytelling from different perspectives. It’s really refreshing to see Disney explore these rich cultural tapestries.

Now, is it perfect? No movie is, right? There were a few moments where I felt the pacing could have been a little tighter. And some of the plot points might feel a tad convenient if you’re really scrutinizing it. But honestly, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise fantastic film.

The humor is spot-on too. Awkwafina as Sisu is a comedic genius, and there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that will keep the kids entertained, and let’s be honest, the adults too. Who doesn't love a good dragon joke?

It’s one of those movies that you can watch with the whole family and everyone will get something out of it. The kids will be mesmerized by the action and the cute characters, while the adults will appreciate the deeper themes of forgiveness, community, and overcoming prejudice.

Honestly, Raya And The Last Dragon is a breath of fresh air. It’s a visually stunning, action-packed, and emotionally resonant film that reminds us of the importance of empathy and connection. In a world that can sometimes feel as fractured as Kumandra, this movie offers a hopeful message: that by reaching out, by choosing to trust, and by working together, we can overcome anything.

So, if you're looking for a movie that will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even shed a happy tear or two, do yourself a favor and watch Raya And The Last Dragon. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, a single act of trust can ignite a spark of hope that can change the world. And who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire you to go find your own Sisu, your own Tong, your own Boun, and embark on your own grand adventure. Go forth and be awesome, everyone!