After the world that she loves crumbles before her, a young warrior named Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) must fight for that world and hope to bring it peace once more. On her journey she will encounter old faces and new, and an unsuspecting individual will help to guide her on her way. Sisu (Awkwafina), an ancient dragon will travel alongside Raya, and together they are a force to be reckoned with. Raya and the Last Dragon is a story of hope in the darkest and most harrowing of places.
Not all that long ago Tran’s Rose Tico of Star War: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi was faced with backlash and harsh criticism, and, honestly, it seemed as if Tran’s mainstream career was on the ropes, ready to end before it ever really started. However, just last year Tran was given the opportunity of a lifetime–to lead a talented cast of individuals in a Disney animated film. All the doubt that viewers and naysayers possessed were thrown out the window as the world was invigorated by how talented Tran is, and all that she brought to the table in Raya and the Last Dragon. She is passionate in her performance, and a potentially silly animated film rises through the ranks, becoming one of the best of the year as a result.
Tran is beautifully talented and her abilities shine so brightly throughout the course of Raya and the Last Dragon–and I’m not sure that she could have been better. Opposite Tran, however, exists Awkwafina, who has recently begun to make a name for herself and express to viewers just how impeccably talented, and funny, she is. Her comedic prowess, even with every other wonderful aspect of the film, is the driving force behind the animated feature. She’s laugh-out-loud funny, and she helps to facilitate the comedy, the drama, and the unique emotion present in Raya and the Last Dragon.
A talking dragon and a rolly polly (pill bug for you academics) help lead the way through Raya and the Last Dragon, and that seems like such a strange way to tell a story–partially through their eyes. However, the combination of Raya, Sisu, and the other characters (ultimately creating a motley crew) present in Raya and the Last Dragon conveys emotion with impeccable poise. It begs viewers to listen to what it has to say, but not just to listen, to act and follow in the film’s footsteps. It implores its viewers to be better and to do better, not only for others, but for themselves–a sentiment that I feel often gets lost in the shuffle of Hollywood. We always hear messages of being good to and for others–and this is a lesson that so many people truly need to learn, but many times it seems as if our own needs fall to the back, becoming overshadowed by the former. It seems that Raya and the Last Dragon aims to rectify this issue to a degree and present viewers with a lesson in self appreciation, self care, and self worth.
The visuals present throughout the film are astonishing, and they appeal to viewers both young and old. Bright, vibrant, colorful–this is all true of Raya and the Last Dragon, and the beauty of the film’s aesthetic never relents from beginning to end. Even in the dark, dreary scenes meant to depict loss and struggle, color and light ultimately manage to shine through, both continuing to invigorate viewers and express ideas of hope in the darkest places. This aspect of the film is phenomenal, alone being enough to warrant Raya and the Last Dragon high praise–but paired with everything else, the visuals shine even brighter.
No one would ever argue the fact that Disney, year after year, develops riveting content–and Raya and the Last Dragon continues that trend. Culturally and emotionally relevant, Raya and the Last Dragon touches on some serious topics, and paired with the tremendous comedy of Awkwafina, the film plays out in a fun but informative way. The visuals are so appealing, and children and adults alike are sure to love what the film offers in this regard. From acting to visuals to relevance, Raya and the Last Dragon, among the many animated films of 2021, is one of the best.
Directed by Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, Paul Briggs, & John Ripa.
Written by Qui Nguyen, Adele Lim, Paul Briggs, Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, etc.
Starring Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Izaac Wong, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Benedict Wong, Jona Xiao, Sandra Oh, Thalia Tran, Lucille Soong, Alan Tudyk, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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