Wish Dragon (2021)

Wish Dragon Poster

Determined teen Din is longing to reconnect with his childhood best friend when he meets a wish-granting dragon who shows him the magic of possibilities.

Film Overview
"Wish Dragon" is a 2021 American-Chinese computer-animated movie directed by Chris Appelhans. The motion picture, produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Base FX, and Flagship Entertainment, combines Chinese culture and contemporary perceptiveness with a company structure in an ancient Chinese myth about "Wish Dragons".

Plot
Fixated a working-class university student, Din, who resides in a shabby Shanghai area, the movie weaves a heartening tale of friendship, love, and bridging social distinctions. The plot pivots when Din comes across a wonderful teapot that houses Long-- a powerful but negative and unstable "Wish Dragon" capable of giving 3 dreams.

Din's primary goal is to reconnect with his childhood best friend, Lina, now a popular model living in Shanghai's abundance. The power to give dreams is occasionally checked out, ushering scenes where Din's innocent demands typically translate into disorderly, comedic repercussions. The narrative charts Din's developing friendship with the dragon, his personal development, and his increasing understanding of the true expense and worth of dreams.

Characters
Jackie Chan voices the titular character, Long the Dragon, in the Chinese version, instilling humor, gravitas, and charm into a memorable character. The film's lead character, Din, is illustrated as resourceful, kind, and driven by commitment and love instead of greed despite his newfound magical capability to grant desires.

Din's childhood friend, Lina, characterizes the classic trope of a rich lady caught in her sleek yet constrained world. Her character arc shows her yearning for genuine connection and her subconscious desire to escape her superficial lifestyle. Supporting characters include Din's mom, an industrious single mom, and Mr. Wang, an antagonist driven by greed.

Themes and Symbolism
"Wish Dragon" addresses themes of class distinction, relationship, love, and individual growth. The concept that happiness and satisfaction originate from relationships and personal worths rather than product wealth is a core theme woven throughout the narrative. The film also highlights that life's basic enjoyments can not be purchased with dreams or wealth.

Animation and Visuals
The motion picture's animation leans heavily into a lively color combination, using a juxtaposition between Shanghai's dynamic city life and humble neighborhoods. The visualization of the wish-granting sequences and Long's dragon kind are extremely detailed, showcasing top quality animation.

Important Reception
"Wish Dragon" got a warm reception, gathering gratitude for its rich visuals, engaging story, and for effectively integrating cultural subtleties into the story. Critics have drawn comparisons between "Wish Dragon" and "Aladdin" due to their similar storylines of a boy finding a magical genie who approves dreams. However, "Wish Dragon" distinguishes itself with its comical style, its contemporary setting, and the focus on Chinese culture.

Conclusion
"Wish Dragon", in its essence, offers an interesting, modern retelling of the ancient "Wish Dragons" tale, wonderfully teaming up traditional Chinese culture and contemporary perceptiveness. It serves as a heartwarming tale of a humble kid and his dragon, advising its audience of the real worth of relationships and personal growth over materialistic desires.

Top Cast

  • Jimmy Wong (small)
    Jimmy Wong
    Din (voice)
  • John Cho (small)
    John Cho
    Long (voice)
  • Constance Wu (small)
    Constance Wu
    Mom (voice)
  • Natasha Liu Bordizzo (small)
    Natasha Liu Bordizzo
    Lina (voice)
  • Jimmy O. Yang (small)
    Jimmy O. Yang
    Short Goon / Security Guard 2 (voice)
  • Aaron Yoo (small)
    Aaron Yoo
    Pockets (voice)
  • Will Yun Lee (small)
    Will Yun Lee
    Dad (voice)
  • Bobby Lee (small)
    Bobby Lee
    Tall Goon (voice)
  • Nico Santos (small)
    Nico Santos
    Buckley (voice)
  • Ronny Chieng (small)
    Ronny Chieng
    Pipa God (voice)
  • Ian Chen (small)
    Ian Chen
    Young Din (voice)