Wish Dragon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Aladdin but with a pink dragon, dumplings, and way more conspicuous consumption.

🍿 Wish Dragon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Childhood Friends Separated

Din and Li Na are inseparable childhood friends living in a modest Shanghai neighborhood. Their bond is strong, filled with shared experiences and dreams. However, Li Na’s family’s sudden move disrupts their idyllic world, leaving Din heartbroken and longing for her return.

The Magical Teapot

Years later, Din is a struggling college student still yearning for Li Na. He stumbles upon an ancient teapot containing Long, a wish-granting dragon. Long explains that Din is his master and he is bound to grant him three wishes. Din is skeptical but intrigued by the possibilities.

Wishes and Misunderstandings

Din uses his first wish impulsively during an attack. He then wishes to become wealthy to impress Li Na, who is now a successful model. Disguised as a wealthy prince, Din struggles to connect with Li Na, leading to humorous and awkward situations as he tries to navigate her high-society world with Long’s often misguided advice.

Rediscovering Friendship and True Values

Din eventually reveals his true identity to Li Na, and they reconnect by revisiting their old neighborhood. Li Na acknowledges her responsibilities to her father’s business. Din learns that true happiness lies not in wealth but in genuine connections, as Long reveals his own tragic past of riches and loneliness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Din (Jimmy Wong): A determined college student longing to reconnect with his childhood friend, learning the importance of relationships over wealth.
• Long (John Cho): A wish-granting dragon who was once a selfish lord, now serving masters to understand the true meaning of life.
• Li Na (Natasha Liu Bordizzo): Din’s childhood friend, now a famous model, who rediscovers the value of genuine connections over her lavish lifestyle.
• Pockets (Aaron Yoo): A greedy henchman who seeks the wish-granting teapot for his own selfish gain, becoming a cautionary tale.
• Mr. Wang (Will Yun Lee): Li Na’s father, a wealthy businessman, who learns the importance of family and simple joys over financial success.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Long: “I’ve been stuck in that teapot for a thousand years!” – Long expresses his frustration with his long confinement upon being released.
• Long: “I can’t make anyone fall in love.” – Long clarifies limitations to Din about granting wishes.
• Din: “I wish you’d make me rich! Piles of gold! Give me the good life!” – Din expresses his wish of being wealthy for seeking approval of Li Na and others.
• Long: “If only I had learned to value the little things.” – Long laments his past life and regrets his focus on wealth and power.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: $21,120,000

💥 Wish Dragon Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘Wish Dragon’! The animation was stunning, especially the scenes showcasing Shanghai. The story of Din and Long was so heartwarming, and I found myself tearing up at the end. Seeing their friendship evolve was the best part of the movie. I really felt like I got to know the characters, and wanted to see more of their adventures. I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who needs a feel-good film in their life.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families”
  • “Fans of animated movies”
  • “Viewers interested in Chinese culture”
  • “People who enjoy feel-good stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild cartoon violence”
  • “Themes of social class differences”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A visually vibrant and heartwarming tale, ‘Wish Dragon’ offers a modern spin on a classic story. While the plot treads familiar ground, the film’s cultural authenticity and charming characters make it a worthwhile watch, especially for families. John Cho’s performance as Long is a standout.
• Common Sense Media: “Wish Dragon delivers a positive message about friendship and staying true to yourself, even when faced with the temptations of wealth. The animation is top-notch, and the film’s humor is appropriate for all ages. Some parents may find the themes of social class and materialism a bit heavy-handed.

Audience Reactions

The visuals are absolutely stunning; a treat for the eyes!: Viewers loved the film’s vibrant animation and attention to detail in portraying modern Shanghai.

Long is hilarious! John Cho’s voice acting is perfect.: Many praised John Cho’s performance as Long the dragon, citing his comedic timing and endearing personality.

Overall Consensus: A charming and visually appealing animated film that puts a unique spin on a classic tale, with a focus on friendship and staying true to yourself. It has familiar plot beats, but many find its cultural setting and humour refreshing. Some critics see it as a derivative work, but most audiences find it heart warming and visually exciting.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jackie Chan served as one of the producers of the film and also voiced Long in the Mandarin version.”
• “The film’s setting in Shanghai aimed to capture the rapid economic development and social changes occurring in modern China.”
• “The character designs were influenced by classic Chinese art and modern animation styles to create a unique visual aesthetic.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wish Dragon?

Wish Dragon is currently available for streaming on Netflix. You can also find it for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video, where prices may vary. Check your preferred digital retailer for current pricing and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wish Dragon, you might like these similar films:

• Aladdin (1992): Shares the fundamental plot of a boy finding a magical being that grants wishes, with similar themes of social class and true love.
• Spirited Away (2001): Features a strong connection to Chinese/Japanese mythology and spirits, with a coming-of-age story at its core.
• The Karate Kid (2010): Another film set in China featuring the cultural influence and the importance of friendship and loyalty.
• Abominable (2019): A modern animated adventure also set in China, with a focus on friendship and self-discovery.
• Kung Fu Hustle (2004): Showcases Jackie Chan-style action and humor, blending fantastical elements with martial arts.

🛒 Wish Dragon Related Products

• Wish Dragon [Blu-ray]: A Collector’s Blu-Ray of ‘Wish Dragon’ packed with behind-the-scenes content, deleted scenes, and interviews with the cast and crew. A physical copy for the movie enthusiast.
• Wish Dragon: Din’s Journey (Nintendo Switch Game): An adventure game for Nintendo Switch where players take on the role of Din, exploring Shanghai, solving puzzles, and completing quests to reunite with Li Na. Features voice acting from the movie’s cast.
• Wish Dragon – Long Plush Toy: A cuddly plush toy of Long the Wish Dragon from Wish Dragon! Soft, huggable, and a great addition to any collection.
• Wish Dragon – Limited Edition Art Print: A high-quality, limited-edition art print featuring a stunning scene from ‘Wish Dragon.’ Perfect for framing and displaying in your home or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wish Dragon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “White Snow in Spring” – performed by Wu Man

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Long’s FUNNIEST Moments 🐲 Wish Dragon | Netflix After School

Want a good laugh? This video compiles Long’s absolute funniest moments from Wish Dragon. Honestly, he steals every scene he’s in – you HAVE to see these!

A POOR BOY released a LEGENDARY DRAGON capable of granting 3 WISHES to his MASTER – RECAP

Need a quick summary of Wish Dragon before you commit? This recap video has you covered! It’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to know the main story beats.

Wish explained by an Asian

Ever wondered about the cultural nuances in Wish Dragon? This explanation video breaks it all down from an Asian perspective! It’s super insightful and made me appreciate the movie even more.

✨ Rate