Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) Christian Movie Review

Disney’s animated film, Raya and the Last Dragon, has enjoyed the attention of audiences worldwide since its release in March 2021. Blending Southeast Asian cultural influences with a gripping fantasy narrative, the movie offers a mix of adventure, humor, and heartfelt lessons.

Raya and the Last Dragon is set in Kumandra, a fictional land once united but now fractured into five warring tribes: Heart, Fang, Spine, Talon, and Tail. Centuries ago, dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity from the Druun, an evil force that turns people to stone. The dragons left behind a magical gem, but greed and mistrust shattered both the gem and Kumandra’s unity, allowing the Druun to return.

The story follows Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran), a fierce warrior princess from the Heart tribe, who embarks on a quest to find Sisu (Awkwafina), the last surviving dragon. Raya’s mission is to recover the gem’s pieces, defeat the Druun, and reclaim her father, Chief Benja (Daniel Dae Kim), who was turned to stone. She teams up with a ragtag group of allies, including a young entrepreneur, a baby con artist, and a gentle giant, contending with her rival from the Fang tribe, Namaari (Gemma Chan). The film builds to a climax where trust and sacrifice become the keys to saving Kumandra.

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How Successful Has Raya and the Last Dragon Been?

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Though Raya and the Last Dragon didn’t reach the cultural phenomenon status of films like Frozen or Encanto, it enjoyed respectable success despite its hybrid release during the COVID-19 pandemic, debuting in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access. It grossed over $130 million worldwide, with an opening weekend of $8.5 million in the U.S. and Canada, topping the box office for three weeks. Critics praised its animation, voice acting, and Southeast Asian representation, earning it a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Raya’s action-packed story and relatable characters and cross-cultural appeal have made it a rare COVID-era success story.

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What Themes Are Portrayed in Raya and the Last Dragon?

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Raya’s journey begins with betrayal by Namaari, leading her to distrust others, yet Sisu teaches her that trust is essential for unity and healing. Forgiveness is another key theme, as Raya learns to let go of her grudge against Namaari, along with hope and perseverance, embodied by Raya’s determination to restore her father and her world. Self-sacrifice also plays a part, with characters risking their lives for the greater good, culminating in a moving finale where Raya and her allies entrust Namaari with the gem to banish the Druun.

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How Does Raya and the Last Dragon Compare to Biblical Teachings?

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In Raya, as with any successful story, the moral nature of the world God has created cannot be denied or ignored, including viewers’ instinct and expectation that heroes should act morally, even nobly, and that good should (often, at least) triumph over evil. However, the film’s depictions of dragons and the magical gem draw from Southeast Asian mythology, not biblical perspectives. Still, the cultural background of Raya’s setting or action can be seen as interesting and informative, especially for viewers who generally know not to expect Christian-friendly or biblically-informed content from Disney (or Hollywood generally).

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Is Raya and the Last Dragon Appropriate for Children?

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Raya and the Last Dragon is rated PG for “some violence, action, and thematic elements,” so it is generally suitable for children aged 7 and up. There’s no inappropriate language or sexual content, but the violence—sword fights, martial arts, and the Druun’s threat of turning people to stone—may unsettle younger or sensitive kids (though it’s animated and there’s no blood or gore). Themes of grief and loss (for example, Raya’s father’s petrification) add emotional weight, but the film balances this with humor, cute characters like Tuk Tuk, and a hopeful resolution.

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Is Raya and the Last Dragon Acceptable to Christian Families?

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Raya’s pagan elements, such as the dragon lore and magic involved, may recommend “extreme caution” to families (as Movieguide does), but others may find the content unobjectionable, even charming, especially if parents are able to discuss and field questions about the film.

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Explore a Fantasy World that Conveys Biblical Truth

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Today’s parents and kids don’t have to settle for media that have to be filtered, curated, or explained. There are choices that not only don’t compromise but can actually reinforce Christian character and Biblical values.

A perfect example: the TruPlay app, which offers countless hours of games, comics, and animated shorts that feature high quality art, action-packed games, and thoughtful storytelling that are not only entertaining but are also infused with God’s Truth. A Christian resource for all ages, but especially for children, it is sometimes referred to as “the Netflix of Christian mobile games for children.” And it's intentionally structured to avoid the dangers inherent in many games and apps.

TruPlay employs a subscription-based model, which allows children and adults to play, read, and have fun in an environment with no in-app purchases, no ads, and no in-app texting or chats. This means, of course, that kids can't spend money, buy "loot," click to go to outside and unknown sites, and "chat" with possible predators.

Beyond that, however, TruPlay offers even more than safety; its ever-expanding selection of games includes Bible stories, Christian themes and values, and countless hours of engaging fun for children, youth, and adults.

TruPlay's website (TruPlayGames.com) clearly details the app's offerings, and free downloads and trials are available in both the Apple App Store and GooglePlay. Start your free 7 day trial at TruPlay Games today to unlock a safer gaming experience for your kids!