Is Raya and the Last Dragon worth the Hype?
Trust. Five lands, five groups of people. They don’t trust each other and their world is a broken place. This storyline could be ripped from our headlines today. The fantasy world of Kumandra is the setting for Raya and the Last Dragon. The film has been released simultaneously into theaters and on Disney+ on March 5, 2021. But is this movie suitable for children? Read a Christian moms review of Raya and the Last Dragon.
Christian Movie Review: Disney Raya and the Last Dragon Synopsis:
Kumandra is a world composed of 5 different lands, Tail, Talon, Spine, Fang, and Heart. Dragons lived among the humans peacefully. However, an evil force threatened the lands 500 years ago, and the dragons sacrificed themselves to save the humans.
500 years later, Raya and her father, are the guardians of the last dragon gem. When her father invites the inhabitants of the other lands, selfishness causes the gem to explode into 5 pieces, and unleash the Druun which turns everyone it touches to stone. This evil fills the lands. And only a few humans are left.
6 years later, Raya is on a quest to try to gather the 5 pieces of the gem. Along her adventures, she unleashes the last dragon, Sisu (Awkwafina).
Christian Movie Review Disney Raya and the Last Dragon
The Good:
There is very little objectionable content in this PG-rated movie. The film is beautiful, with fantastic graphics. Visually it is a stunning film. Additionally, the chosen colors for the movie are an artistic masterpiece.
Another great aspect of the film is the humor and storyline. Raya and the Last Dragon explores a culture and story that we haven’t seen before. Furthermore, it is creative, unique and inspiring.
Raya’s father is kind, loving and patient. He embodies what parenting should look like. Additionally, he invites their enemies over for dinner to try to get to know one another better and to mend fences.
The entire message of this film embodies the power of forgiveness and trust to heal and move forward.
Things Parents May Want to Know about Raya and the Last Dragon
Violence:
In Disney Raya and the Last Dragon, there is mild violence, fighting, karate type fighting, and fighting with swords.
Language:
While there is some “potty humor,” overall this is a film that has very mild content.
Spiritual Elements:
Anytime the people of Kumandra see a dragon, they form a circle with their hands. It is unclear if this a form of worship. Additionally, people believed to be “dead” are brought back to life.
Magic, the power of the dragon stone, and other magical and mystical events happen throughout the film.
The phrase, “It was paradise,” is spoken about the land before the Druun was unleased on the land.
Additionally, there is talk about the “sacrifice” the dragons made to save the world from the Druun.
Is Raya and the Last Dragon worth the extra $30 on Disney+?
At $30, it is less expensive than taking the entire family to the movie theater. However, you may want the movie theater experience, and either way you see the film should be enjoyable and entertaining.
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My Viewing Recommendations of Disney Raya and the Last Dragon
Should you see Disney Raya and the Last Dragon? Our family enjoyed the film. Overall, the film is a clean family movie that is worth seeing. My age recommendation is 4 and up. This is a film that your family will want to watch more than once,and for that reason I recommend buying it on Disney+.
Movie Review: Raya and the Last Dragon Christian Teaching Moments in Disney’s Latest Film:
Raya, voiced by Kelly Marie Tran, says, “The world’s broken. You can’t trust anyone.” “Maybe it’s broken because you don’t trust anyone,” responds Sisu.
The Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
The world is a broken place, and since the fall man has been trying to figure out how to get back to a state of unbrokenness. There is only redemption and wholeness through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
When we don’t understand other cultures, it creates fear. This fear leads to distrust. Raya and the Last Dragon depicts what happens when we allow others to become our enemies.
Educational Elements in Raya and the Last Dragon
The culture of Southeast Asia inspires the film from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Raya and the Last Dragon. Disney has long embraced other cultures when they are making a film, and for this film it was no different. They took research trips to Laos, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia to study the people, foods, landscape, fabrics, and colors.
When you are teaching your children and want to ensure you are teaching Christian values, make sure you point your children back to the Bible. Review what the Bible says about trust, salvation, and magic. The cultures of Southeast Asia, include Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and more. Read and watch documentaries about the cultures that the movie was based on.
In Raya, you see the characters greet one another by bringing their hands together. Similar greetings are used to welcome another person throughout Asia.
Ask your children about a time in the Bible where Jesus eats dinner with a person who is going to betray them. In the movie, Raya’s father invites the people of the other lands over for dinner. However, he is ultimately betrayed by his guests. Jesus knew he would be betrayed, yet he broke bread with Judas anyway.
Other Questions You May Want Answered
What is Tuk Tuk?
Tuk Tuk is part pill bug and part pug. This is from Disney, however, many people think that Tuk Tuk is a pangolin.
What is Raya’s dad’s name?
Raya’s dad is the Chief of Heart Land, and his name is Benja.
What Ethnicity is Raya?
Raya is Southeast Asia’s first Disney princess. Furthermore, she is the second princess from Asia after Mulan. Kelly Marie Tran who is the voice of Raya is a Vietnamese American
Is Betty White in Raya and the Last Dragon?
According to entertainment sources, Betty White does not have a voice part. The voice is that of Lucille Soong. In the film, Lucille voices Dang Hu, Dang Hai’s mother and the Talon chief.
What does the name Raya mean?
The name Raya is a girl’s name of Hebrew origin meaning “friend”.
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Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!
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I noticed you did not do a “sexual” section on this one. I was watching it with my kids and they stuck a homo-erotic sexual tension in, that went over their heads, but I felt like was super obvious, and done quite purposely. Raya’s character was oblivious to it.
I can not wait to see it
I am glad you gave a positive review
I am looking forward to seeing it next week (spring break) with the grandkids
Thank you for this review. Its honest and very helpful in making our decision in getting the movie. I appreciate your help from a Christian point of view.