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Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2019 · 102 min · English
Echo score 75
JustWatch #3,628 12
Directed by
James Bobin
Starring
Isabela Moner, Benicio Del Toro, Temuera Morrison, Michael Peña, Haley Tju, Adriana Barraza
Budget
$49M

When Dora is unexpectedly thrust into high school, she must leave her familiar jungle behind. Joined by Boots, Diego, and a group of newfound friends, she embarks on a dangerous quest to find her missing parents. Their journey leads them through perilous landscapes as they search for a legendary lost city. Along the way, Dora and her friends face numerous challenges, testing their courage and friendship while uncovering ancient secrets.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Dora and the Lost City of Gold
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019)

Where can you watch Dora and the Lost City of Gold? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Paramount Plus Essential, Paramount Plus Premium and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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6 main characters · contains spoilers

Dora and the Lost City of Gold Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Dora

    played by Isabela Moner

    Dora is a spirited and adventurous teenager with an innate curiosity about the world. She embodies optimism and bravery, often leading her friends through challenges with her resourcefulness. Despite the trials she faces, her determination to rescue her parents and find her place in the world remains unwavering.

    • 🧒 Explorer
    • 🚀 Adventurous
    • 🌼 Optimistic
  • Cole

    played by Michael Peña

    Cole, Dora's father, is a passionate explorer deeply committed to his quest for the fabled city of Parapata. He is protective and nurturing, providing a moral compass for Dora and emphasizing the importance of caution in their adventurous endeavors. His absence during Dora's teenage years highlights the struggle between parental protection and the desire for independence.

    • 👨‍🔬 Explorer
    • 💖 Protective
  • Elena

    played by Eva Longoria

    Elena is Dora's mother and a fellow explorer who shares a strong bond with her daughter. She is characterized by her nurturing instincts and desire to keep Dora safe from the dangers of both exploration and urban life. Her determination to support her family’s adventures while ensuring Dora’s well-being reflects her dual role as a mother and an adventurer.

    • 👩‍🦰 Explorer
    • ❤️ Caring
  • Diego

    played by Jeffrey Wahlberg

    Diego is Dora’s cousin and childhood companion who initially struggles with the transition from their jungle adventures to the realities of urban life in Los Angeles. He epitomizes the tension between familial loyalty and adolescent peer pressure, ultimately rediscovering his courage alongside Dora as they embark on their shared quest.

    • 👦 Adventurer
    • 🤝 Loyal
  • Swiper

    played by Benicio Del Toro

    Swiper is a sly and mischievous fox known for his attempts to thwart Dora and her friends by stealing their map. Despite his antagonism, he adds an element of humor and tension to the narrative. His character represents the challenges and obstacles that must be faced in every adventure.

    • 🦊 Antagonist
    • 😏 Mischievous
  • Alejandro

    played by Eugenio Derbez

    Alejandro is portrayed as a charming yet duplicitous figure who initially appears to aid Dora and her friends. His character symbolizes betrayal and the complexity of trust in the wilderness. Despite his deceit, he helps propel the story forward and add urgency to the search for Dora's parents.

    • 🕴️ Betrayer
    • ⚠️ Complex

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:06

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Setting

Where and When Does Dora and the Lost City of Gold Take Place?

The setting of Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The story spans over a decade, highlighting Dora's transition from childhood to her teenage years. It juxtaposes the innocence of her early explorations in the jungle with the trials of adolescence and the pressures of fitting in as she navigates city life.

Location

Peruvian jungle, Los Angeles, Parapata

The movie unfolds primarily in the lush Peruvian jungle, a vibrant ecosystem known for its rich biodiversity and rugged terrain. It contrasts sharply with the bustling city life of Los Angeles, filled with the complexities of urban culture and youth challenges. Parapata, the mythical Inca city, is portrayed as an ancient place shrouded in mystery and legend, rumored to hold unimaginable treasures.

  • 🌴 Jungle
  • 🌆 Urban
  • 🏞️ Ancient City

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:06

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3 major themes

Dora and the Lost City of Gold Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Adventure

    Adventure defines the heartbeat of Dora’s journey, propelling her into the depths of both the jungle and the complexities of her own identity. Her quest to find her parents drives the narrative forward, embodying courage and resilience. Alongside friends, she explores the wonders and challenges of exploration, forging bonds that are crucial for survival.

  • Friendship

    Friendship is a pivotal theme, showcasing the importance of camaraderie and support among Dora, Diego, Sammy, and Randy. Their relationship dynamics evolve throughout the movie, highlighting the need for understanding and teamwork to overcome adversities. These bonds are tested but ultimately strengthen as they face challenges together.

  • Growth

    Dora's character arc illustrates the theme of personal growth, both in terms of her exploration skills and her journey to find acceptance. Transitioning from an adventurous jungle child to a high schooler in LA, she learns valuable life lessons about individuality and resilience. This growth is central to her adventure as she navigates the complexities of friendship and family.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:06

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Character & theme questions

Dora and the Lost City of Gold Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Dora and the Lost City of Gold set?

The movie is set in two primary locations: the lush Peruvian jungle, known for its biodiversity and rugged terrain, and Los Angeles, representing urban city life. A key fictional location is Parapata, the mythical Inca city shrouded in mystery and legend.

  • setting
  • peru
  • los angeles
  • parapata
  • jungle
Q2

What is Parapata in the movie?

Parapata is the mythical Inca city that Dora's parents have been searching for. It is portrayed as an ancient place shrouded in legend, rumored to hold unimaginable treasures. The city plays a central role in motivating the expedition to find Dora's missing parents.

  • parapata
  • inca city
  • treasure
  • legend
Q3

What are the main themes of Dora and the Lost City of Gold?

The three main themes are Adventure, Friendship, and Growth. Adventure drives the narrative as Dora quests to find her parents with courage and resilience. Friendship showcases the importance of camaraderie and teamwork among Dora, Diego, and their friends. Growth follows Dora's transition from an adventurous jungle child to a high schooler learning about individuality and resilience.

  • themes
  • adventure
  • friendship
  • growth
  • coming of age
Q4

Who is Alejandro in Dora and the Lost City of Gold?

Alejandro is a character played by Eugenio Derbez who initially appears to help Dora and her friends. He is portrayed as charming but ultimately duplicitous, symbolizing betrayal and the complexity of trust in the wilderness. His deception helps propel the story forward and adds urgency to the search for Dora's parents.

  • alejandro
  • villain
  • betrayal
  • trust
Q5

Who is Dora in the movie?

Dora is the protagonist, a spirited and adventurous teenager portrayed by Isabela Moner. She has an innate curiosity about the world and embodies optimism and bravery. Her determination to rescue her parents and find her place in the world remains unwavering throughout her journey from the jungle to high school.

  • dora
  • protagonist
  • adventurous
  • curious
Q6

What is the relationship between Dora and Diego?

Diego is Dora's cousin and childhood companion. They share a history of jungle adventures together, but Diego struggles with the transition from their jungle life to the realities of urban Los Angeles. Their relationship evolves throughout the movie as they rediscover their courage and work together on the quest.

  • diego
  • cousin
  • childhood friends
  • family
Q7

Who are Dora's parents in the movie?

Dora's parents are Cole and Elena, both passionate explorers. Cole, her father, is committed to finding Parapata and serves as a moral compass, emphasizing caution. Elena, her mother, shares a strong bond with Dora and balances her adventurous spirit with nurturing instincts. Their absence during Dora's teenage years highlights the struggle between parental protection and the desire for independence.

  • cole
  • elena
  • parents
  • family
  • explorers
Q8

When does Dora and the Lost City of Gold take place?

The story spans over a decade, following Dora's transition from childhood to her teenage years. It juxtaposes her early explorations in the jungle with the trials of adolescence in Los Angeles, highlighting the contrast between the innocence of jungle life and the pressures of fitting in at high school.

  • time period
  • childhood
  • teenager
  • growth
Q9

Who is Swiper in the movie?

Swiper is a sly and mischievous fox known for attempting to steal Dora's map and thwart her plans. Despite his antagonistic role, he adds humor and tension to the narrative. His character represents the challenges and obstacles that must be faced in every adventure.

  • swiper
  • fox
  • antagonist
  • obstacle
Q10

How does friendship play a role in the movie?

Friendship is a pivotal theme showcasing camaraderie and support among Dora, Diego, Sammy, and Randy. Their relationships evolve throughout the movie, highlighting the need for understanding and teamwork to overcome adversities. These bonds are tested but ultimately strengthen as they face challenges together in the jungle and beyond.

  • friendship
  • teamwork
  • camaraderie
  • bonds
Q11

Why is the Peruvian jungle important to the story?

The Peruvian jungle serves as the primary setting where Dora's original adventures took place and where the legendary city of Parapata is believed to be located. Its rich biodiversity, rugged terrain, and ancient mysteries create the perfect backdrop for the adventure quest. The jungle represents both danger and wonder, testing the characters' survival skills and courage.

  • peruvian jungle
  • adventure
  • setting
  • exploration

Movie threads

More Movies Like Dora and the Lost City of Gold, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Dora and the Lost City of Gold tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Quirky Fish-Out-of-Water Adventures like Dora and the Lost City of Gold

Optimistic heroes thrive in strange new worlds. Explore movies like Dora and the Lost City of Gold where optimistic and quirky main characters find themselves in completely new settings, from high school to new worlds. These films blend comedy, adventure, and heart as the heroes use their unique perspectives to succeed and find friendship.

  • quirky
  • uproarious
  • hopeful
  • energetic
  • playful
  • triumphant
  • Tone: light, hopeful
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories follow an archetypal 'fish-out-of-water' structure. The protagonist, often defined by their unwavering optimism or specialized knowledge, enters a new social or physical landscape that initially rejects them. Through a series of challenges, their unique qualities prove invaluable, earning them allies and leading to a successful, uplifting conclusion.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core narrative of displacement and triumphant adaptation. They feature a light, humorous tone, a fast-paced mix of social and action-oriented challenges, and a central character whose perceived weaknesses are ultimately revealed as strengths, creating an uplifting and energetic viewing experience.

Fast-Paced Family Treasure Hunts like Dora and the Lost City of Gold

A race against time to find legendary secrets. If you liked the jungle exploration and treasure hunting in Dora and the Lost City of Gold, you'll enjoy these movies. They feature adventurous quests, ancient puzzles, and loyal friendships, all presented with a fast pace and a light tone suitable for family audiences.

  • adventurous
  • energetic
  • puzzle-solving
  • exploration
  • teamwork
  • hopeful
  • Tone: light, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, quest-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative is a linear, goal-oriented race. The discovery of a map, artifact, or legend sets the heroes on a path filled with environmental obstacles, cryptic puzzles, and a rival or antagonist. The focus is on the thrill of the chase and the bonds formed between the characters, culminating in a successful discovery and a happy resolution.

Why they belong together: This thread groups movies based on their core adventure structure and consistent tone. They share a straightforward, fast-paced plot driven by exploration and puzzle-solving, a light emotional weight that keeps the stakes exciting but not frightening, and an overwhelmingly positive, uplifting outcome that celebrates friendship and discovery.

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Every angle

Dora and the Lost City of Gold (2019) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Dora and the Lost City of Gold in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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