Review 601: Raya and the Last Dragon

Raya and the Last Dragon is a joyful, visually stunning animated film and a wonderful adventure for all ages.

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, the same evil has returned and it's up to a lone warrior, Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), to track down the legendary last dragon, Sisu (Awkwafina) to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However along her journey, she'll learn that it'll take more than a dragon to save the world - it going to take teamwork as well.

There's an underlying theme of Trust throughout the film which can be interpreted in a number of different ways such as   sometimes trust needs to be given freely, sometimes trust must be earned. 

Directors Don Hall and Carlos Lopez Estrada animation driection is  the score by James Newton Howard is majestic. The animation is gorgeous with intricate details and rich colours, scenes of Sisu walking on water are a showcase for some of Disney's  the scenery is breathtaking, the production design is outstanding, Kumandra is a lush and exuberant world with very prevelant East Asian inspirations. The character design is magnificent and the effect of the closing sequence is heart wamringly exhilerating. 

Kelly Marie Tran definately impressed playing the titular heroine. Raya goes from a comfortable warrior princess to a cynical scavenger with only her armadillo-hybrid steed Tuk Tuk for company. Due to a backstabbing incident that led to her whole tribe being wiped out by the Druun, she has some severe trust issues.

Awkwafina, in a wild and dynamic performance that clearly evokes Robin Williams as the Genie from Aladdin is a delight playing Sisu. Sisu is something of a legend in Kumandra

Gemma Chan  She grows up to become a fierce warrior who doesn't take any prisoners. Yet at the same time, deep down, she has an admiration and love of dragons  Her refusal to swallow her pride and admit to insighting the conflict dragged it out for longer than neccessary.

Benedict Wong

Daniel Dae Kim gives a very noteworthy perfomance playing Cheif Benja, the father of Raya, Benja believes that one shouldn't withhold trust from someone who just because they're from another tribe and another land.

4/5.

The Anonymous Critic.