Raya and the Last Dragon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A warrior princess collects dragon-themed puzzle pieces so she can reassemble a magic rock and revive her dad after a betrayal at a potluck goes horribly wrong.

🍿 Raya and the Last Dragon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Fall of Kumandra

Long ago, the land of Kumandra thrived with humans and dragons living in harmony. However, the arrival of the Druun, dark spirits that turn living beings to stone, shattered this peace. To save humanity, the dragons combined their magic into a powerful gem, sacrificing themselves in the process. The gem repelled the Druun, but the survivors fractured into five warring tribes: Fang, Heart, Tail, Spine, and Talon.

Raya’s Quest Begins

Centuries later, Raya, princess of the Heart tribe, is tasked with protecting the Dragon Gem. A betrayal leads to the gem’s shattering, unleashing the Druun once more. Guided by her father’s faith in unity, Raya embarks on a quest to find the last dragon, Sisu, hoping to restore the gem and save Kumandra. She traverses the divided lands, encountering diverse characters who join her cause.

Gathering the Gem Pieces

Raya and Sisu travel across Kumandra, seeking the scattered pieces of the Dragon Gem. Along the way, they recruit Boun, a young boat owner and cook; Tong, a formidable warrior; and Noi, a resourceful toddler con artist and her Ongi companions. Each piece grants Sisu unique powers. Meanwhile, Raya is pursued relentlessly by Namaari, a skilled warrior from the Fang tribe and a former friend.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Raya (Kelly Marie Tran): A determined warrior princess who seeks the last dragon to save her world from the Druun.
• Sisu (Awkwafina): The last dragon, who is optimistic and possesses magical abilities to aid Raya on her quest.
• Namaari (Gemma Chan): Raya’s rival and a skilled warrior from the Fang tribe, whose actions initially lead to the world’s destruction.
• Boun (Izaac Wang): A resourceful young entrepreneur who joins Raya’s group, providing transportation and cooking skills.
• Benja (Daniel Dae Kim): Raya’s father and the chief of the Heart tribe, who strives to unite Kumandra but is turned to stone by the Druun.
• Tong (Benedict Wong): A formidable warrior and the sole survivor of the Spine tribe, who offers his strength and guidance to Raya’s team.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Sisu: “Maybe it started that way, but it doesn’t have to end that way.” – Sisu says this to Raya to encourage her to trust others and believe that people can change.
• Raya: “The world’s broken. You can’t trust anyone.” – Raya’s initial belief, reflecting the distrust and division that plagues Kumandra.
• Chief Benja: “If we don’t learn to trust each other, then it’s just a matter of time before we tear each other apart.” – Chief Benja’s hope for unity and trust before he is turned to stone.
• Sisu: “I know it seems impossible, but sometimes you just have to take the first step, even before you’re ready.” – Sisu encourages Raya to have faith and take action despite her doubts and fears.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $100,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $54,723,032
• Worldwide Gross: $130,423,032

💥 Raya and the Last Dragon Reviews

Personal Review

I thought ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ was visually stunning! The animation style was so detailed and vibrant. It made Kumandra feel like a real place. I loved the action scenes, especially Raya’s fight sequences. They were fast-paced and creatively choreographed. The movie’s focus on trust and collaboration resonated with me. There’s a part where Raya has to choose to trust Namaari, despite their past. That scene felt so powerful, and I found myself genuinely invested in the characters and their journey.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Disney animated movies”
  • “Those interested in Southeast Asian culture”
  • “Families looking for an adventure film with a positive message”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Fantasy violence”
  • “Some scary images of beings turning to stone”
  • “Themes of loss and betrayal”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Raya and the Last Dragon is a visually stunning animated film. It champions a message of unity and trust, even when it’s hard to do so. Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina deliver strong vocal performances. The action sequences are engaging, and the world of Kumandra is beautifully realized.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The film features fantastic animation and some exciting action sequences. It delivers a message of unity which is especially relevant today. The movie might feel predictable at times, but it remains a worthwhile experience thanks to the artistry on display and voice performances.
• IGN: “Raya and the Last Dragon weaves a familiar but effective tale. The vibrant world-building and strong action sequences create a unique feel. It is elevated by Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina. While some plot points are familiar, the movie delivers a beautiful animated experience.

Audience Reactions

The animation quality and detail were absolutely breathtaking.: Viewers consistently praised the movie’s visual appeal and stunning animation.

Awkwafina’s performance as Sisu brought humor and heart to the story.: Many enjoyed Awkwafina’s comedic timing and portrayal of the dragon Sisu.

Overall Consensus: Raya and the Last Dragon is generally viewed as a visually impressive animated adventure with a positive message, although some viewers find the story predictable.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (Best Animated Feature)- 2021

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The filmmakers traveled to Southeast Asia for research, visiting countries like Laos, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia to draw inspiration for the film’s cultural elements, landscapes, and architecture.”
• “Raya is Disney’s first Southeast Asian princess, marking a significant step in representation for the region.”
• “The film was made remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 450 artists and crew members working from their homes.”
• “The Druun were designed to be a force of nature rather than traditional villains, representing the dangers of division and mistrust.”

🖥️ How to Watch Raya and the Last Dragon?

Raya and the Last Dragon is available to stream on Disney+. You can also purchase or rent the movie on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Raya and the Last Dragon, you might like these similar films:

• Moana (2016): Another Disney animated film featuring a strong female lead on a quest to save her people, with a focus on culture and mythology.
• Avatar: The Last Airbender (2010): Share similar themes of restoring balance to a divided world with elemental powers and diverse cultures.
• How to Train Your Dragon (2010): Features a unique bond between a human and a dragon.
• Mulan (1998): Both films feature a strong female warrior character inspired by Asian culture and mythology.

🛒 Raya and the Last Dragon Related Products

• Raya and The Last Dragon – Limited Edition Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Code: A limited edition combo pack of Raya and The Last Dragon including Blu-ray, DVD and a digital download code. Housed in a collectible slipcover with exclusive artwork, it provides the flexibility to watch the movie in multiple formats and offers hours of bonus content. This edition makes it a highly sought-after item for collectors and fans of the film alike.
• Disney Raya and The Last Dragon Sisu Dragon Plush: Capture the magic with this high-quality plush version of Sisu. Made from soft, huggable materials. Its detailed design and vibrant colors make it a perfect companion for fans of all ages.
• Raya and The Last Dragon Storybook: Relive the adventure of Raya and the Last Dragon. Beautiful illustrations and an engaging narrative will make the story come alive.
• Disney Raya and The Last Dragon Pop Adventures Palace Playset: This pop-up playset features Raya’s home palace, inspired by the movie. Includes Raya doll and accessories. Allows kids to recreate their favorite movie moments or imagine new adventures. The pop-up design makes it easy to store and transport, providing endless hours of imaginative play.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Lead the Way” – performed by Jhené Aiko
• “Trust Again” – performed by James Newton Howard

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Raya and the Last Dragon – Is It Good Or Nah? (Disney Review)

Hey, curious about Raya and the Last Dragon? Check out this in-depth review by Schaffrillas Productions. They break down the movie’s plot, characters, and themes, giving you a well-rounded analysis. I found their insights particularly interesting, especially their take on the film’s message about trust.

did we forget about Raya and the Last Dragon? #disney #rayaandthelastdragon #raya #movie

Want to hear an opinionated take on Raya and the Last Dragon? Bacon Guy gives his honest thoughts on the movie, highlighting its good points and why he thinks it may have slipped under the radar. It’s a fun and engaging review that might give you a fresh perspective on the film.

Binging with Babish: Kumandra Soup from Raya and the Last Dragon

Foodies, unite! Binging with Babish takes us into the kitchen to recreate the mouthwatering Kumandra Soup featured in Raya and the Last Dragon. If you’re a fan of cooking shows or simply love the movie, this video is a must-watch. Babish’s enthusiasm and culinary skills will have you craving a bowl of this delicious soup!

Raya’s Moral ISN’T A Good Lesson to Learn (Raya and the Last Dragon) | READUS 101

Hey, want to dive into the deeper meanings of Raya and the Last Dragon? This video essay by Readus 101 examines the film’s moral lessons and challenges the idea of blind trust. It’s a thought-provoking analysis that will make you question your own beliefs and see the movie in a new light.

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