Dragon Wars: D-War Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A reporter and a girl are chased by a giant snake in Los Angeles because ancient Korean dragon destiny stuff or something.

🍿 Dragon Wars: D-War: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ancient Korean Legend

The movie opens in ancient Korea, where a legend tells of Imoogi, serpent-like creatures, one good and one evil, destined to become dragons. A girl, Narin, is born with the power to help the good Imoogi ascend and become a true dragon. Her protector, Haram, is tasked with ensuring she fulfills her destiny.

The Dark Imoogi’s Attack

The evil Imoogi, Buraki, seeks to claim Narin’s power for himself. He attacks the village, leading to chaos and destruction. Haram, falling in love with Narin, defies his duty and attempts to run away with her, leading to their tragic deaths as they jump off a cliff.

Reincarnation in Los Angeles

500 years later, Haram and Narin are reincarnated as Ethan Kendrick, a reporter, and Sarah Daniels, respectively, in modern-day Los Angeles. Ethan remembers the past through dreams and encounters with an antique dealer, Jack, who reveals their intertwined destiny. Ethan must now protect Sarah from Buraki, who has also returned.

The Chase Begins

Ethan and Sarah, now aware of the impending danger, are pursued by Buraki and his army. Ethan attempts to protect Sarah as they evade the creatures and uncover the secrets of their past lives. The FBI gets involved, adding another layer of complexity as they seek to understand and control the situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ethan Kendrick (Jason Behr): An investigative reporter who is the reincarnation of a protector destined to help Sarah and stop the evil Imoogi.
• Sarah (Amanda Brooks): A woman who is the reincarnation of a chosen one and holds the key to the Imoogi’s transformation.
• Jack (Robert Forster): An antique shop owner who is the reincarnation of Bochun and guides Ethan on his quest.
• Bruce (Craig Robinson): Ethan’s loyal cameraman who provides comic relief and assistance.
• Agent Frank Pinsky (Chris Mulkey): The determined FBI agent investigating the strange events and trying to protect the city.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sarah Daniels: “I keep trying to understand, but none of this is making any sense.” – Sarah expresses her confusion as she grapples with the unfolding supernatural events and her destined role.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $32,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,977,721
• Worldwide Gross: $75,108,817

💥 Dragon Wars: D-War Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this knowing it wasn’t going to be a masterpiece, but wow. The CGI is actually pretty cool, especially for the time, but everything else… I found myself laughing at scenes that were supposed to be serious, and I’m still not sure what the plot was really about. It was like a fever dream with dragons. Definitely a ‘so bad it’s good’ kind of movie!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of monster movies and creature features”
  • “Viewers interested in Korean mythology”
  • “Those who enjoy films with significant CGI and action sequences”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Fantasy violence”
  • “Creature horror elements”
  • “Some intense action sequences”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite some impressive CGI, Dragon Wars is a confusing and derivative mess, with wooden acting and a nonsensical plot. The movie’s visual spectacle is undermined by its weak narrative and underdeveloped characters. Ultimately, it fails to deliver a satisfying cinematic experience.
• Screen Rant: “While the special effects are ambitious, the story feels cobbled together from other, better films. The acting is stilted, and the dialogue is often unintentionally funny, resulting in a movie that’s more entertaining for its flaws than its merits. It’s a visual spectacle lacking in substance.

Audience Reactions

The CGI is surprisingly good for a low-budget film.: Most viewers agree that the special effects are the highlight, even if the rest of the movie is lacking.

The storyline is hard to follow and makes little sense.: Many find the plot convoluted and confusing, detracting from the overall experience.

Overall Consensus: Dragon Wars is a visually ambitious but narratively weak film, with impressive CGI overshadowed by a convoluted plot and poor acting. It’s a ‘so bad it’s good’ experience for some, but ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying movie.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “D-War was the first Korean production in nearly three decades to receive wide theatrical release in the United States.”
• “The movie’s production company, Younggu-Art Entertainment, tightened the film to improve pacing based on feedback from preview screenings, shortening the runtime from 110 minutes to approximately 92 minutes for both the US and Korean versions.”
• “Director Shim Hyung-rae was a popular comedian in Korea before transitioning to filmmaking, facing criticism from the traditional Korean film industry.”

🖥️ How to Watch Dragon Wars: D-War?

Dragon Wars, also known as D-War, is currently available for purchase on platforms like Amazon. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on major streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, or Prime Video. Check local listings for availability on demand.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Dragon Wars: D-War, you might like these similar films:

• Godzilla (1998): Both films feature a giant monster wreaking havoc on a major city with similar special effects and action sequences.
• Reign of Fire (2002): Features a similar premise of humans battling dragons in a modern setting, although with a different tone and storyline.
• The Host (2006): Another South Korean monster movie featuring a creature terrorizing a city, showcasing Korean special effects capabilities.
• Pacific Rim (2013): A modern take on the giant monster genre with large-scale battles and special effects, appealing to fans of creature features.

🛒 Dragon Wars: D-War Related Products

• Dragon Wars: D-War [Blu-ray]: Relive the epic battle of Dragon Wars in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition brings the visually spectacular CGI to life with enhanced picture and sound quality. A must-have for fans of creature features and fantasy action.
• Dragon Lore: Korean Dragons: Dive into the rich history and mythology of Korean dragons with this comprehensive book. Explore the legends, symbolism, and cultural significance of dragons in Korean folklore. A fascinating read for fans of Dragon Wars and mythology enthusiasts.
• Dragon Action Figure: Add to your collection with this detailed, poseable dragon action figure. Inspired by the designs in the film, this high-quality figure brings the mythical creatures of Dragon Wars to life.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Boilermaker” – performed by Love Hotel

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

All Buraki scenes -Dragon Wars (2007)

Want to see the evil dragon Buraki in action without watching the whole movie? This compilation has all his scenes, and honestly, it’s where the movie really shines visually!

Dragon Wars: D-War (2007) Carnage Count

Curious about just how much destruction happens in Dragon Wars? This video breaks down the entire death toll with some hilarious commentary – you won’t believe the numbers!

✨ Rate