Raya and the Last Dragon
2021 · Directed by Carlos López Estrada, Don Hall
Original language: English
- animation
- action
- adventure
- fantasy
- family
The story
Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people.
What it’s like
Lush, saturated 3D animation with painterly backdrops: jade rice terraces, misty mountain valleys, sunlit market streets crowded with color, and the glowing blue-green of the water dragon's realm. The camera swoops and tilts through fights with kinetic, almost handheld energy, while quieter scenes settle into warm, lantern-lit stillness. The score blends taiko-like percussion and sweeping orchestral swells with Southeast Asian instrumentation, and the sound design is crisp and physical, with every clash and splash given weight. The vibe is adventurous and bright with a melancholy undertow, the kind of film that suits a weekend afternoon, a family movie night, or a rewatch when you want momentum and heart in equal measure. Pacing is brisk, with set-piece action punctuating looser, character-driven stretches. A guarded young woman slowly learns to trust others, and the story leans on found family and reconciliation. Action is frequent and cartoonishly stylised, with some peril and a few tense moments, but little blood and no gore; it stays family-friendly rather than frightening. It suits viewers who want a warrior heroine, mythic worldbuilding, and an uplifting, hopeful tone.
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