How to Train Your Dragon - Film Review

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The movie How to Train Your Dragon is an animated adventure film produced by DreamWorks Animation. It was directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, and it was released in 2010. The movie is based on a book of the same name by Cressida Cowell, which was published in 2003. The story follows a young Viking named Hiccup, who befriends a dragon he calls Toothless, and learns to train it.

How to Train Your Dragon is set in a Viking village called Berk, which is constantly under attack from dragons. The protagonist, a young Viking boy named Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel), dreams of killing dragons like his father, Stoick the Vast (voiced by Gerard Butler), the chief of the village. However, Hiccup is not like the other Vikings in his village - he is scrawny, clumsy, and often fails to live up to his father's, and everyone's, expectations.



One night, during a dragon raid, Hiccup uses a homemade device to shoot down a type of dragon known as a Night Fury. However, when he goes to find the dragon, he discovers that it is still alive, but injured and trapped in his net. Hiccup approaches the dragon and tries to cut it free, but the dragon initially reacts aggressively. However, Hiccup realizes that the dragon is not dangerous and instead of killing it, he sets it free.

The injury means the dragon can't fly away, so over time, Hiccup begins to study the Night Fury and learn more about dragons. He discovers that the dragons are not the fierce, fire-breathing monsters that his village believes them to be, but instead, they are simply misunderstood creatures that have been attacking Berk in self-defence. Hiccup begins to bond with the dragon he saved, which he names Toothless due to its retractable teeth, and the two become close friends.

Hiccup soon becomes an expert on dragons and trains Toothless to become more obedient and loyal, even helping him fly again. Hiccup also develops a plan to convince the other Vikings in his village that the dragons are not the enemy, but instead, they can coexist peacefully. He enlists the help of his friends, including the tough and confident Astrid (voiced by America Ferrera), to teach them how to train dragons as well.

However, Hiccup's plan is threatened when his father and the rest of the Vikings discover his secret friendship with Toothless. The Vikings capture Toothless and Hiccup is punished for his "treason" against his people. Meanwhile, a massive dragon called the Red Death, which controls all the other dragons, threatens to attack Berk. Hiccup decides to take matters into his own hands and goes to rescue Toothless and defeat the Red Death.

In the end, Hiccup and Toothless save the day and bring peace between the Vikings and the dragons. Hiccup is celebrated by the village as a hero, and the other Vikings begin to see the dragons in a new light. The movie ends with Hiccup and Toothless flying off into the sunset, ready for new adventures together.

The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $494 million worldwide and receiving universal acclaim for its story, animation, characters, and music. It was also nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature.

How to Train Your Dragon has a strong message about the importance of understanding and empathy. It encourages viewers to look beyond appearances and stereotypes and to see the value in others, no matter how different they may seem. The film also celebrates the power of friendship and teamwork, showing how people and dragons can achieve great things when they work together.

The animation in the movie is stunning, with breathtaking landscapes, dynamic flight scenes, and intricate dragon designs. The dragons are given distinct personalities and behaviours, making them feel like real creatures with their own quirks and traits. The voice acting is also top-notch, with the cast bringing the characters to life with humour, emotion, and sincerity.

The movie also has a fantastic musical score composed by John Powell. The score features epic orchestral pieces, lively Celtic-inspired tunes, and catchy pop songs by the band Jónsi. The music enhances the emotions of the scenes and adds to the overall sense of adventure and excitement.

How to Train Your Dragon has spawned a franchise that includes two sequels, a television series, and multiple video games. The sequels continue the story of Hiccup and Toothless as they face new challenges and explore new territories. The franchise has expanded the world of the movies and introduced new characters, dragons, and settings.

In conclusion, How to Train Your Dragon is an amazing movie that combines adventure, humour, and heart to create a memorable and inspiring story. The movie has a strong message about empathy and understanding, and it celebrates the power of friendship and teamwork. The animation, voice acting, and music are all top-notch, making the movie a visual and auditory feast. The movie has spawned a successful franchise that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

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