The first major animated feature for a post-Trump era, “Raya and the Last Dragon” is as leftie a toon as Disney has ever made, though its core message of unity and come-togetherness should hardly seem political at all. Notably, it’s a movie with no villain, no love interest, no musical numbers and no talking animals — unless you count Awkwafina’s loquacious (and potentially world-saving) water dragon Sisu. Progressive as this formula-bending family movie may be, “Raya” still feels every bit a Disney offering — one whose proactive princess ought to entertain and inspire kids to do more than passively await true love’s kiss.
Set in the make-believe realm of Kumandra — inspired by that region of Southeast Asia represented by Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam (all toured by the production team on research trips) — “Raya” opens with an elaborate prologue, the gist of which suggests that humans are their own worst enemy.
Set in the make-believe realm of Kumandra — inspired by that region of Southeast Asia represented by Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam (all toured by the production team on research trips) — “Raya” opens with an elaborate prologue, the gist of which suggests that humans are their own worst enemy.
- 3/1/2021
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
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