Raya and the Last Dragon Movie Review

Disney’s latest animated movie Raya and the Last Dragon is officially out!

For the first time EVER in the Walt Disney Company’s nearly 100 year history, Raya and the Last Dragon features the first Southeast Asian Princess and we love her so much already!  

What is Raya and the Last Dragon about?

Raya and the Last Dragon takes place in a mystical world known as Kumandra which is divided into five lands: Heart, Talon, Spine, Fang and Tail. 

The officially movie synopsis reads: 

“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. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. 

Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a loner warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world - it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well.” 

Where can you watch Raya and the Last Dragon?

The new animation has already gained a great deal of popularity amongst fans but is currently only available to stream on Dinsey + as a Premier Access download. With wanting to watch Raya and the Last Dragon, comes a price. If you have a Disney + subscription then you will have to fork out £19.99 to watch the movie. 

When will Raya and the Last Dragon be free to watch on Disney + you ask?

Unfortunately, there is quite a wait for this moment to arrive. The movie will eventually be released as a free download on the platform, but you will have to wait until June 4 to do so.

Raya and the Last Dragon - Our Thoughts 

Here at VU we could not wait until June 4th to watch the movie so we spent our ££££ over the weekend and sat down and watched Raya and the Last Dragon.

Let’s start off by saying that Disney did not disappoint once again. When we first heard about the movie, we were a little unsure as we weren’t given too much information about the plot. However, going in with little info on the synopsis was actually a blessing in disguise.

Raya and the Last Dragon is a gorgeous film by Disney and continues Disney’s track record of top-quality releases.

Most people who have watched the movie already have said that Raya is more of a warrior than royalty, but why can't she just be both?

One of the many things we love about Disney movies is the messages that ride alongside them. This movie has a hard lesson to teach but is most definitely one that both kids and adults need to hear right now, especially in 2021. Raya and the Last Dragon has no problem showing its optimism and highlighting how acceptance, kindness and trust can bring the light.

This movie is just Disney through and through. It is truly a stunning piece of animation and holds a beautiful message of trust and community. Hats off to Disney for creating such a beautiful movie!

Raya and the Last Dragon is the complete package in our eyes with something for everyone to enjoy. With an inspiring young warrior princess at the forefront, this spirited fantasy defines women empowerment in such a magical way.  

There are plenty of funny moments to ease the tension at times too, and there is a lot of cuteness for the little ones. (We are totally obsessed with Tuk Tuk!)

This animation is worth celebrating because of its ethnic and gender diversity, not just through the cast but the crew too - with boasting an all-female technical leadership team. 

Raya and the Last Dragon is remarkably beautiful and a very powerful movie that is a must-see film for this year.

Oh, and without giving too much away, the last 30 minutes will have you on the verge of tears - so get your tissues ready!

Raya and the Last Dragon is now available to stream on Disney + for an extra charge of £19.99 and is in theaters now in the US.