

Film is such a powerful medium in which to do that.Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Raya and the Last Dragon" travels to the fantasy world of Kumandra, where humans and dragons lived together in harmony long ago. I think that is crucial in the development of a young person as they find their own identity and get help and assistance in understanding that identity through media. Finally, right? And in a really fun, vivacious fantasy setting, which is very approachable for children. Obviously we've discussed about the culture and the importance of that, and from my perspective, this is so good – long overdue and all those things – but it's important to showcase stories like this for young girls and boys as they will see themselves in these films. I want one.Īlso, what’s really important is that this is Disney's first Southeast Asian Princess. Leigh: That is a pretty cool sword that Raya’s got, though. Tim: Actually, maybe subconsciously that's what I was doing. Leigh: Clenching like you had a sword in your hand, too? I was clenching my fists, I think, while I was watching because I was like, “This is good!”. It was atmospheric and really, really intense. I was especially wowed by the final sword fight scene. Speaking of the Asian culture and traditions, you mentioned the martial art sequences in this film. So those voices are really important to hear because we can't represent them.


That is really important, because the certain lens that we come into these reviews with is different to someone of a culture that is being represented on screen. Tim: I couldn't have said that better myself. But importantly, I am not of Southeast Asian descent and I think it's really important that people seek out reviews from people who are of Southeast Asian culture to get the understanding and the deeper levels in this film. I don't think it's lumping everyone under the same banner. There's been some criticism that Raya and the Last Dragon stitches together different cultures under one umbrella, which can be offensive, and I understand why that would be offensive, but this is a fantasy film and some of the biggest fantasies draw from everywhere to create new worlds. I think they've done a great job of that. Leigh: I can see there was a lot of work and care that went into drawing from cultures and traditions respectfully.
