Raya and the Last Dragon
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27555)
Philippines
March 15, 2021 7:01am CST
Raya was supposed to be Disney's Asian heroine. Waited excitedly to see if Raya would be the epitome of an Asian.
Right away, the problem is already there - Asia is as diverse as the number of its people, ethnic tribes, cultural backgrounds, physical features, etcetera.
Raya couldn't be an embodiment of an Asian per se. She looks a tat Vietnamese, her father Japanese, and the other characters vary from Malayan to Chinese, Indonesian to Mongols.
The Disney film though delves on trust and unity for a theme, using the resolve of the young Raya to pursue the mythical dragon believed to be the only shining light that could overcome the evil of darkness.
Don't get me wrong, Disney, because much as I appreciate the purpose of creating the 'Asian girl,' it would have been better if you created a team of Asian girls in the likes of Mulan and Moana.
Honestly, Raya and the Last Dragon is only for the enjoyment of children.
5 people like this
4 responses
@allen0187 (59648)
• Philippines
16 Mar 21
@eileenleyva ok.
I mean comparing the visuals and story telling of the two, which is better in your opinion.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
16 Mar 21
@allen0187 A comparison of Raya to Mulan the animation or the real life version? If the animation, Mulan was created more than two decades back. If the latter, there is no point for comparing.
Okay, the technology in film making has progressed tremendously. The cinematic effects are definitely better with Raya. As to the narration, Mulan is simplistic. Raya has a thicker plot with lots of action. The writers got the grip presenting Asia's diversity but not quite. Though I like the idea of the woman being the unifying factor, with Asia mostly matriarchal, Disney could have made something like an Avengers team - Raya et al. That is more believable.
But who am I to suggest. If Disney gets this idea, I want compensation. Thus, I say no more.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
15 Mar 21
Raya is mythical and Mulan is legend.
1 person likes this
@aureategloom (11025)
• Bosnia And Herzegovina
15 Mar 21
hm i haven't seen it yet. and you seem kinda irritated with it.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
15 Mar 21
Not exactly irritated because the animation has a strong protagonist of a young Asian girl. There's much about friendship, trust, betrayal, cultural differences encompassed in a young girl's quest for that shining moment that could lead to understanding and unity.
There's an image of soup as a good meal to serve guests. This is a stroke of genius for the researchers and the writers of the movie. Soup is Asian. But as in a soup, there's sometimes a spice too many the taste of which could suit the taster. Didn't suit mine.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
15 Mar 21
Disney had Mulan of China and Moana of the Pacific islanders. Am sure Japan has a female character who could be as strong. India, too, most definitely.
Far as the Philippines is concerned, we have an Urduja much like Diana of the Amazon.
1 person likes this
@choijungeun (2710)
• Hangzhou, China
15 Mar 21
Disney now makes the movies for the money,i have read many comments about this movie.It seems a hotchpotch of the Asian cultures.And to be honest,i really don't like it.I've seen too many similar movies and stories.It's just not special,i wish Disney can make more special and excellent movies like "The lion king","Frozen" and "Bambi"etc.
1 person likes this
@eileenleyva (27555)
• Philippines
15 Mar 21
For all its worth, Raya could subliminally teach children to prepare for the unexpected and gather courage and resolve not to give up. A learning kit for values and good behavior.
Disney could have been too ambitious to produce an 'Asian heroine' by concocting the perfect soup. Thai soup is just too spicy and Vietnamese soup too bland. Ramen is always according to taste.
Yet, there is one technique Disney used in Raya that surpassed other stories - her willingness to be first so that others will do the same.
Let's enjoy the movie for what it is worth.
