Wish Dragon
Wish Dragon

Wish Dragon

2021
Movie
99 min
English

Determined teen Din is longing to reconnect with his childhood best friend when he meets a wish-granting dragon who shows him the magic of possibilities.

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Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes71%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users85%
Director: Chris AppelhansGenres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Plot Summary

Din, a working-class college student in modern-day Shanghai, yearns to reconnect with his childhood friend Li Na. When he discovers an old teapot containing a wish-granting dragon named Long, Din sees an opportunity to win back Li Na's friendship and prove to her that he's still the same person she once knew. However, Din must learn to distinguish between his desire for Li Na and the true meaning of friendship, all while evading a relentless bounty hunter.

Critical Reception

Wish Dragon received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, praising its vibrant animation, humor, and heartfelt story that blends modern Shanghai with traditional Chinese folklore. While some found the plot predictable, many appreciated its fresh take on the Aladdin-esque wish-granting genie trope, offering a culturally specific and charming adventure.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning animation and unique cultural setting.
  • Appreciated for its humor and heartwarming message about friendship.
  • Seen as a charming and engaging take on a classic wish-fulfillment story.

Google audience: Audiences generally loved the vibrant animation and the relatable story of Din trying to reconnect with his friend. The humor and the magical elements, particularly the wish-granting dragon, were frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects. Some viewers found the plot a bit predictable but were still won over by the film's charm and positive themes.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 49th Annie Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's character design for the dragon, Long, was inspired by Chinese guardian lions, also known as 'foo dogs'.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
sank99

sank99

To be fair, I didn't expect much. Having pretty much watched everything on Netflix over the past 18 months, I had spent over 30 minutes scrolling and clicking, seemingly in vain, for something interesting. So, in an effort to avoid defe...