Paper Dragons (1996)

Paper Dragons Poster

A small-time hood, left for dead after double-crossing drug dealers, is taken in by a monastery and taught the art of kung fu.

Background
"Paper Dragons" is a 1996 drama movie directed by Robert Marcarelli. It includes an ensemble cast including Josh Reimer, Darlanne Fluegel and Bo Svenson. The story revolves around a young man named Will dealing with different challenges as he navigates the complex truths of life. It resolves styles such as bullying, self-discovery, relationship, and resilience.

Plot
The movie follows the protagonist, Will, a boy who finds himself trapped in the terrible truth of bullying in his school. In spite of being humiliated and tormented by his peers, he collects the courage to face his challenges head-on. He invests his extra time sparking his imagination by designing and constructing paper dragons.

Character Development
Will is a reserved character who has a hard time to fit into the social scene at his school, which causes him being bullied. He discovers solace in crafting paper dragons, an activity that assists him leave his grim truth into a fantastical world where he rules supreme. The paper dragons on the other hand represent Will's perseverance and strength, each carefully created dragon representing a stage in his emotional and individual development.

Drama, Bullying, and Self-Discovery
Central to the movie's narrative is the style of bullying. Will's journey of self-discovery unfolds in the middle of harsh bullying from his peers. This difficult experience yields an uplifting message, as Will learns how to defend himself, showcasing his strength and durability. It's these trials and tribulations that change the shy and meek Will into a confident young man by the end of the film.

Friendship and Moral Support
Along his journey, Will forges some unlikely relationships which supply him with the much- needed moral support. These relationships play a significant role in shaping Will's course to resilience, reminding him that he is not alone in his battles. One notable friendship is with his classmate Tony, who was when a bully himself. Their camaraderie helps Will direct his energy into his enthusiasm for creating paper dragons, ultimately leading him towards healing and self-discovery.

Conclusion
In the end, "Paper Dragons" deals with the improvement of a bullied schoolboy into a confident youth. It clarifies the young man's strength, as he turns his unpleasant experience into a source of strength. Will uses his enthusiasm for crafting paper dragons as an emotional outlet, which ultimately becomes a sign of his courage and decision. The film is a testimony to the endurance of the human spirit, demonstrating that imagination and relationship can supply solace and strength in the face of misfortune.

Impact
"Paper Dragons" leaves a long lasting impact on audiences, as it fearlessly explores issues like school bullying, individual growth, and strength. It promotes the message that everyone has the power within them to overcome the adversities they deal with. This movie may have been launched in 1996, but its themes about self-expression, relationship and strength in the face of adversity continue to remain pertinent today.

Top Cast

  • Adolfo Swaya
    Paul Marcos
  • James Hong (small)
    James Hong
    Master Tsai
  • Ernie Reyes Jr. (small)
    Ernie Reyes Jr.
    Wu
  • Michael Paul Chan (small)
    Michael Paul Chan
    Lee Hongpo
  • Victor Wong (small)
    Victor Wong
    Master Chang
  • Frank Van Keeken
    Vincent
  • Kathryn Morris (small)
    Kathryn Morris
    Kate
  • Jeremy Renner (small)
    Jeremy Renner
    Jack
  • Paul Bates (small)
    Paul Bates
    Sammy