Long ago, when necromancers waged war against all living beings, the Chinese Empire allied with the dragons. A sacred bond was created between the dragons and a select few individuals with pure hearts. However, as the ashes of victory settled, people became jealous of their power. The new emperor began to hunt the dragons, imprisoning them and persecuting their fellow humans.
When she was just a baby, Ping (Mayalinee Griffiths) was abandoned and orphaned, left to be raised by strangers. The only connection to her past is a necklace containing details about her family history. Now, she is cared for by an older woman named Lao Ma (Sarah Lam), who loves her as if she were her own child. Lao Ma and Ping work as servants daily, feeding chickens and gathering food for their rude and overdemanding master. During her difficult days, Ping finds solace in Lao Ma’s care and her pet mouse, who brings her much joy. However, as Ping grows into a young girl, unexplainable dreams often visit her.
One day, while delivering food to her master, Ping makes a startling discovery. She learns that her master secretly kept a pair of dragons, one of which is protecting an egg. She secretly interacts with them and learns that the dragons have been waiting for her. Unbeknownst to Ping, she is destined for a greater purpose and possesses an intense spiritual energy that she must learn to harness. Ping will soon embark on a journey unlike anything she could have imagined.
Dragonkeeper is a family animated film directed by Jian-Ping Li, marking his directorial debut, and Salvador Simó. Simó has previously worked on animated titles such as Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles (2018) and Descendants: The Royal Wedding (2021).
Visually, Dragonkeeper has some impressive elements. The animation beautifully depicts landscapes, costumes, and intricate details such as weaponry, houses, and furniture. The dragons are also a major highlight, especially Danzi, who Bill Nighy voices. However, I found the characters’ facial expressions lacking; they seemed less polished than the rest of the visuals, which sometimes diminished their emotional impact. Additionally, it is disappointing that Danzi communicates only through thoughts that Ping can hear, meaning he lacks expressive facial features.
I found it challenging to feel invested in the story. The film’s opening is terrific, and the introduction to Danzi is exciting. However, once Ping learns what is required of her, the film drops in quality. It becomes much less engaging as we watch Ping confront various subplots, such as understanding her spiritual chi, coming to terms with her role as a Dragonkeeper and being destined for great things.
The dialogue is another mixed bag for me. As a family feature, some lines may be too complex for younger audiences, given the heavy themes of spirituality, magic, rituals, and chi. Additionally, some lines are incorrect or nonsensical. For example, when the villain tells Ping, “That’s mine; give me that now,” her response is “No, I’m not,” instead of a sensible answer such as “No, I won’t.” Moments like this are distracting and detract from the film’s overall impact. On a positive note, I appreciated one of the film’s primary messages: instead of worrying about how one will die, focus on how to live, which is more important. This concept is excellent and suitable for audiences of all ages.
Overall, Dragonkeeper features impressive visuals, particularly in its landscapes. The dragons are colourful, and there are fine details in the costumes and interiors, including small objects within the houses. The film also offers positive messages suitable for all ages, which is a nice touch. However, the main characters often appear emotionless, making them a weaker aspect of the animation. Some lines of dialogue may seem complex for younger audiences as they touch on themes like chi, rituals, magic, and spirituality. As for the plot, it was a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed various moments, such as the film’s opening and touching finale. However, there were times when I struggled to stay engaged, excited, or invested in the primary adventure. Ultimately, it’s a fine animated film without any major standout elements for family audiences and lovers of animations.
Dragonkeeper (2024) will be available at Australian Cinemas starting January 16th!
FILM SCORE: 4.9/10
Published: 9th January 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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