A gorgeous visual feast, Raya and the Last Dragon is a Disney adventure movie set in the mythical land of Kumandra. The nation, once united, is now divided into five kingdoms named after the part of the dragon-shaped river they reside in. Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) lives in Heart with her father (Daniel Dae Kim), the leader of Heart, who has trained her to be a disciplined, skilled, yet compassionate warrior. When an evil Druun spirit turns her father to stone – along with many other Kumandra residents, including its many magical dragons – Raya sets out to find the last surviving dragon, Sisu (Awkwafina). As a dragon, Sisu has the power to restore the magic contained within an enchanted gem, which the five kingdoms constantly wage war over. In turn, this gem can vanquish the Druun and bring back those turned to stone.
Raya’s exciting journey sees her travel to each of the five kingdoms, which offer beautiful visual contrasts. The film, directed by Don Hall and Carlos Lopéz Estrada, has a lot to say about cultural traditions and shared trauma. Raya also finds a new family during her travels, finding that even in the most regressive places, there are characters who can empathize with her. The Oscar-nominated film was animated by Rob Dressel and Adolph Lusinsky, whose artistic vision helps bring these vibrant characters to life. With a diverse array of settings, Raya and the Last Dragon is a surprising medley of colors, landscapes, and fantastical spectacles.
