By Paul Hall
Kumandra stood for years as a home for both humans and dragons who lived together in harmony. Thanks to attacks from the sinister monsters called the Druun, the peaceful land ended and Kumandra was divided into five very distinct regions: Heart, Tail, Spine, Talon and Fang. But there are those who still dream of a reunification of the land.
Raya (voice of Kelly Marie Tran) does not understand how invested in the peace her father is as the leader of Heart. He believes that the lands can be reunited, but a peaceful gathering turns into chaos as the communities have their own agendas and unleash the evil Druun and splinter the pieces of the stone at the center of Heart. The situation rips Raya’s heart out and sends her on a quest for years.
Her journey takes her far from her homeland in Heart and deep into the other four regions. Starting in Tail, some six years after the fracture, Raya searches desperately to put her past behind and focus on reuniting the long-lost pieces of the stone. But her trust in others remains shattered and doesn’t show any signs of repair.
The journey through multiple lands will lead her to a variety of characters who embody a spirit that seems hard to re-create. Everyone, and everything, wants to help Raya, but will she allow them? The journey is long, hard and requires trust, but it is the restoration of faith that may just save Kumandra.
Raya and the Last Dragon is a film that the world needs right now. A film that deals with many imperfect people and attitudes that mimics our current world. Although we are different as individuals, we have let that fractured nature of society get in the way of true trust and devotion.
As an animated film, this beautiful spectacle explodes from the screen and into our hearts, and because it is animated, it has the ability to reach multiple generations of individuals. It’s hard to change old ways, whether it is Raya redeveloping trust or us as a people trusting our fellow man.
We can all learn from this tale, and we can all enjoy the ride, and that is what makes this a great film. Stunning visuals, electrifying voice work and relatable characters are all front and center.
Trust takes all of us — one woman, one man at a time. We all have a lot to offer; if we can only work together, it’s amazing to think of the powerful force we could be. Together, we are strong. It is time for us to trust each other and work as one.
Paul’s Grade: A-
Raya and the Last Dragon
Rated PG
Voices of: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan
Directors: Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, Paul Briggs, John Ripa