From the creators of Frozen and Moana, Disney introduces a whole new tale of a Southeast Asian princess. Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) plays Raya, the Princess of Heart. But don’t let that title fool you; she is more of a warrior and fighter than most Disney damsels.

The film takes place in a land called Kumandra, a united world where humans and dragons live together in peace. After a fierce battle between the evil Druun and the dragons, the scaly warriors fall to save humanity. Instead of this event bringing humanity together, it tears it apart, and Kumandra becomes divided into different lands: Heart, Tail, Spine, Fang, and Talon.

The last remnant of the dragons is a gem left by the last dragon, Sisu, can be used to destroy the evil Druun. The gem is then protected by the chief of the Heart Lands, the Guardian of the Dragon Gem. Young Raya trains to become the guardian herself to protect the gem from the other lands.

During a gathering between the lands, the Druun awaken again and it is up to Raya, along with a group of misfits and a dragon, voiced by Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians), to come together to save their loved ones.

From the Raya and the Last Dragon Facebook Page

First and foremost, this film excels in its animation. The scenery, including the water, forest, trees, and many other natural features appears very realistic, not to mention the characters and their increasing “realistic features,” from the more three dimensional looking hair to the fur, appearing as though the audience could almost reach out and touch it.

Along with that, the writers and animators did an incredible job incorporating and representing Southeast Asian culture through the style, clothing, food, and the epic scenes featuring multiple martial arts skills.

Geared toward a more mature audience, Last Dragon can feel very depressing and somber, and the film’s message reflects the conflict of an older audience. However, comedic relief does arrive courtesy of an unexpected character, and the humor can be appreciated by all ages.

Raya, the protagonist of the film, is much more warrior than princess in so many ways. Headstrong, mature, and wise for her age, she is also a skilled fighter in martial arts and can handle herself in one-on-one combat.

Like most other Disney movies, this film has its share of adorable sidekicks and fun-loving characters. From a furbug to a con baby, the film features many characters with their own personal storylines. Having more information about each character in the movie provides the audience with a chance to better understand backgrounds and personalities, giving them a chance to “fall in love” and keep the viewers hooked until the very end.

Quite different from other Disney Princess movies, viewers cannot judge it based off the past, but rather as its own unique kind of film. For instance, none of the characters break into song, and a prince does not come along and save the day. These features seem a staple to Disney, but this film was intriguing and interesting in its own way.

Everyone should take the story’s theme to heart. Along her hero’s journey, Raya realizes that she has the ability to not only save her loved ones but bring the lands together to be one united Kumandra again. To do so, she has to put her trust to the test and learns to believe in others. It was as if the writers of Raya wanted viewers to learn something during this time of uncertainty and disunity: The only way the world can have peace and unity is if, despite our differences, we trust each other and have faith in the goodness of other people.

Raya and the Last Dragon is an exciting new tale that will surprise new viewers and Disney fans alike with an intriguing story line, a new era of female heroes, and more fun loving and humorous characters.

By Emma Olson

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue 6

March 25, 2021

Disney drops newly styled release with needed age-old lesson