Dragons are creatures that have enchanted the world for generations, and some form of the mystical creatures have appeared across most of the globe at one time or another. As such it's not surprise when they appear in fiction. It feels like recent years have given us some great dragon related media, such as the adaptations of How to Train Your Dragon and A Song of Ice and Fire on both the big and small screens, as well as subsequent spin-offs and live action remakes that have come our way. Animated movies seem to be a perfect realm for dragons, however, and Dragonkeeper joins these ranks as a fun, easy to enjoys, and beautiful new addition to this genre.
Based upon the book series of the same name by Caroline Wilkinson, the story takes viewers to Han Imperial China, where a young orphan girl named Ping (Mayalinee Griffith) has grown up in a remote shrine where she helps her grandmother gather food for offerings at the shrine. However, when the evil Diao (Anthony Howell) arrives at the shrine Ping learns what lays within; two dragons.
With Diao nurturing a hatred for dragons, and wanting to harvest them to help grant himself immortality and power, Ping finds herself caught in the middle of a battle. With only one dragon left alive, Long Danzi (Bill Nighy), and a dragon egg stolen by Diao, Ping joins up with the wise and ancient dragon to save his child.
The plot for Dragonkeeper is fairly simple, it's about a young girl helping to rescue and egg from some villains whilst learning about the world from a wise old mentor. And this make the film wonderfully accessible for viewers of all ages. Whilst the movie is clearly aimed at younger viewers it absolutely entertains and holds the attention of people of all ages (everyone who was watching the film with myself was very much an adult as we had a great time). Whilst the film might not have a huge twisting narrative or multiple layers, there's enough to keep you interested, with double crosses, secret plots, and ancient mysteries that Ping and the audience discover together.
Visually, the film is a delight to look at, and is the first thing that drew me to watch it. The film is filled with gorgeous, bright colours, with locations that have a lot of care and attention put into them. Every location feels different and unique from each other, and whether it's the Imperial Palace, Ping's home, or Diao's sinister underground lair, you know where you are immediately thanks to every location having a unique look to it. It makes the film easy to follow, and whilst these locations all have their own look it very much feels like a coherent, thought out world.
Perhaps the stand out of the movie is Long Danzi, who looks absolutely gorgeous. He feels regal, ancient, and wise at times, yet also has a lot of playful energy to him, and his interactions with the young Ping are a delight to watch. Every time he engages in action, moving around the screen in a fluid way, almost like he's swimming through the air rather than flying, it makes you want to see more of him. The fact that Bill Nighy is voicing him is just the cherry on top of what's absolutely going to become some kids favourite dragon.
Whilst the film isn't short, sitting at just shy of an hour and forty minutes, it moves as a decent pace, and come the end of the movie I was surprised the time had gone by as quickly as it had. You end up getting swept away in the story, becoming enthralled in the narrative, marvelling at the visuals. With the book that the film is based upon being a part of a six book series, and the film ending in such a way that it feels like there's more to come I'm very much hoping that Dragonkeeper finds the audience that it deserves so that we can get more.
Dragonkeeper is a delightful, visually lovely movie. It's got a lot of heart, some great moments, and mixes heartfelt drama, comedic moments, and adventure well. Whether you're looking for a film to watch with your youngsters, or just want some easy going viewing that you're going to enjoy, Dragonkeeper will be a great choice.
Dragonkeeper is released in UK cinemas from 27th September 2024.
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