You could argue that we are currently within another “Golden Age” of cinema when it comes to Walt Disney Animation Studios. Since they released Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, and Frozen the quality of their films has progressively felt next-level. The visual effects and character designs feel more life-like and real with each subsequent film. This year we were treated to new brand new films in the continuing legacy of the company, the first of which was Raya and the Last Dragon.
After being inspired by Scandinavian culture and Polynesian culture for Frozen and Moana, it was only a matter of time before Disney started exploring more Asian cultures and more specifically Southeastern Asian culture. The creative team has crafted a truly unique story, and another one that forgoes the traditional ‘Princess needs saving’ or ‘Princess falling in love’ tale. Instead, we see a story forged by a friendship between a royal woman and an ancient water dragon. Now that’s a cool set-up for a Disney film!
The biggest surprise the film has going for it is the animation itself — it’s simply beautiful! The water and fire effects are becoming more and more life-like with each new Disney film, as mentioned in my previous blog last week (see Frozen II). The action is kinetic and as a result, feels more physical which in turn highlights the personalities of the character even better than the dialogue does. Each character has their own action moment, and the diversity between the characters feels like a natural inclusion in the film instead of something that usually feels forced.
Raya and the Last Dragon gracefully balance the world-building and the plot of the film too. The world of Kumandra feels very real, with a lot of culturally specific locations borrowing from real-world locations and the fantasy elements feeling very subtle. This makes Kumandra feel alive and unique, especially when Moana and Frozen created a similar kind of style with their films and their world-building. Tuk Tuk and Sisu fit within the world seamlessly.
The chemistry between Sisu and Raya is another highlight. Both Awkwafina and Kelly Marie Tran, who voice the respective characters, are let loose and are constantly bickering with each other but it never feels counter-intuitive with the story. Sisu is struggling to discover how she fits in the world while Raya feels the pressure of saving the world. Both rely on their family who are not around, and it is this message that gives the film that “Disney feeling”. Unity and trust are the core themes that the film tackles, and even though the ending comes together in a very typical “everything works out” kind of way, the characters do change and evolve.
★★★★☆
4/5
Raya and the Last Dragon fits within the Disney Animation canon perfectly with its memorable characters, the immersive world and also a hopeful message that the world can be a better place. Raya is a non-traditional princess and as a result feels very much like a modern role model for young girls. Disney has gifted us another great film, even if the ending does feel predictable, and I am looking forward to how Raya’s journey will inevitably continue.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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