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Dragon Wars: D-War (2007) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Dragon Wars: D-War (2007) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2007 · 90 min · English
JustWatch #7,263 155
Directed by
Hyung-rae Shim
Starring
Robert Forster, Amanda Brooks, Jason Behr
Budget
$32M

A mysterious energy awakens within young Ethan at an antique shop, setting him on a dangerous journey. He discovers a warrior's spirit has inhabited him, and the shop owner, Jack, explains that Ethan must find Sarah, a woman with a significant connection to an ancient prophecy. When dragons attack Los Angeles, searching for souls, Ethan and Sarah must work together to survive and confront their destiny.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (2)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Dragon Wars: D-War
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Dragon Wars: D-War (2007)

Where can you watch Dragon Wars: D-War? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on fuboTV, Amazon Video and Apple TV Store: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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3 main characters · contains spoilers

Dragon Wars: D-War Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Dragon Wars: D-War (2007), 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.

  • Ethan Kendrick (Jason Behr)

    Ethan is an investigative reporter driven by a need to uncover the truth behind a series of mysterious disasters linked to an ancient prophecy. He embodies a mix of determination and compassion, showcasing his deep love for Sarah. His character represents the struggle to balance personal relationships with a greater purpose as he navigates the chaos unleashed by the Imoogies.

    • 📰 Reporter
    • 💔 Lover
    • 🦸‍♂️ Protector
  • Sarah Daniels (Amanda Brooks)

    Sarah is a pivotal character, reincarnated from the original Narin, carrying within her the Yeouijoo. She is portrayed as vulnerable yet courageous, grappling with her destiny of potential sacrifice. Her connection with Ethan showcases a profound emotional bond that defies their fated roles, illustrating a powerful conflict between love and destiny.

    • 👩‍🦰 Reincarnated
    • ⚔️ Chosen One
    • ❤️ Devoted
  • Bochun (Robert Forster)

    Bochun serves as the mentor and protector of Narin, exemplifying wisdom and bravery. His role adds depth to the narrative, representing the guardianship over ancient legends and the profound knowledge of the Imoogi's nature. His commitment to ensuring the balance of good and evil highlights the broader stakes at play.

    • 🧙‍♂️ Mentor
    • 🛡️ Guardian
    • 🌌 Wise

Last updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:40

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Setting

Where and When Does Dragon Wars: D-War Take Place?

The setting of Dragon Wars: D-War (2007): 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

500 years ago, Present Day

The narrative spans across two significant time periods: five hundred years ago when the love story of Narin and Haram unfolds, and the present day in Los Angeles where their reincarnated selves, Ethan and Sarah, find themselves drawn back into the saga. These contrasting times highlight the enduring nature of their bond and the cyclical nature of legends that resonate through the ages.

Location

Korean village, Los Angeles

The movie features a small Korean village that served as the backdrop for the birth of Narin, the chosen one carrying the Yeouijoo. This ancient village is steeped in mythology, known for its sacrificial rites and cult-like shrines dedicated to the Good and Dark Imoogi. The modern setting transitions to Los Angeles, a bustling city where the ancient legend reawakens, rife with chaos and unexplainable disasters linked to the mythical creatures.

  • 🏞️ Village
  • 🌆 City

Last updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:40

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2 major themes

Dragon Wars: D-War Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Dragon Wars: D-War (2007) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Love

    Central to the movie is the theme of love, depicted through the relationship between Narin and Haram, and later, Ethan and Sarah. Their love, transcending time and sacrifice, illustrates the conflict between duty to a higher power and personal desires. It poses questions about fate and the lengths one will go to protect the ones they love, even when facing divine mandates.

  • Mythology

    The film richly weaves in elements of mythology, primarily focusing on the Imoogi and the legend surrounding dragons. This theme provides a framework for the narrative, encouraging explorations of cultural beliefs, the significance of ancient rituals, and the powerful nature of sacrifice. The narrative is steeped in mythos that shapes the characters' trajectories and the unfolding events.

Last updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:40

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Character & theme questions

Dragon Wars: D-War Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Dragon Wars: D-War (2007): 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 the movie set?

The story is set in two main locations: a small Korean village steeped in mythology where Narin was born, and modern-day Los Angeles where the ancient dragon legend resurfaces. The Korean village serves as the origin of the prophecy and houses cult-like shrines dedicated to the Imoogi, while Los Angeles becomes the battleground where the mythical creatures unleash chaos.

Foreshadowing: The ancient village's history with Imoogi worship foreshadows why the dragons ultimately target a major modern city.

  • korean village
  • los angeles
  • setting
  • location
  • imoogi shrine
Q2

What time period does the story cover?

The narrative spans two distinct time periods: five hundred years ago in Korea when the original love story between Narin and Haram unfolded, and present-day Los Angeles where their reincarnated selves, Ethan and Sarah, are drawn back into the saga. This cyclical structure emphasizes how legends persist through generations.

Foreshadowing: The 500-year-old prophecy sets up the inevitability of the present-day conflict.

  • 500 years ago
  • present day
  • time period
  • reincarnation
  • prophecy
Q3

What is the Yeouijoo?

The Yeouijoo is a sacred object or essence that the chosen one, Narin, carries. In the context of the film, Sarah is the reincarnation of Narin and therefore carries this significant artifact connected to the ancient dragon prophecy.

Foreshadowing: The ancient legend establishes that the Yeouijoo is the key to either appeasing or awakening the Imoogi.

  • yeouijoo
  • prophecy
  • sacred object
  • narin
  • chosen one
Q4

What are the Imoogi in the movie?

The Imoogi are mythical dragon-like creatures central to Korean mythology featured in the film. There are both Good and Dark Imoogi, representing opposing forces. The story revolves around the conflict between these forces and the prophecy surrounding the chosen one who carries the Yeouijoo.

Foreshadowing: The village shrines dedicated to the Good and Dark Imoogi hint at the ongoing battle between these forces.

  • imoogi
  • dragons
  • mythology
  • mythical creatures
  • korean legend
Q5

Who is Buraki?

Buraki is the malevolent Imoogi that seeks to claim Sarah and the Yeouijoo. As the primary antagonist, Buraki represents the Dark Imoogi and is responsible for the dragon attacks on Los Angeles, pursuing the protagonists throughout the film.

Foreshadowing: The presence of Dark Imoogi shrines in the ancient village hints at Buraki's malevolent nature.

  • buraki
  • dark imoogi
  • antagonist
  • villain
  • dragon
Q6

What are the main themes of the movie?

The film explores two primary themes: love that transcends time and sacrifice, and the power of ancient mythology. The love story between Narin and Haram, reincarnated as Ethan and Sarah, illustrates the conflict between duty to a higher purpose and personal desires. The mythology theme provides the framework for the narrative, weaving in ancient rituals and the significance of sacrifice.

Foreshadowing: The cyclical nature of the legend, spanning 500 years, reinforces these themes of eternal struggles.

  • love
  • sacrifice
  • mythology
  • destiny
  • fate
  • themes
Q7

Who is Narin?

Narin is the original chosen one from 500 years ago who carried the Yeouijoo. Her love story with Haram forms the historical core of the film's mythology. In the present day, Sarah is revealed to be Narin's reincarnation, making her the key to fulfilling or breaking the ancient prophecy.

Foreshadowing: The Korean village setting is established as Narin's birthplace, grounding the reincarnation concept.

  • narin
  • reincarnation
  • chosen one
  • sarah
  • history
Q8

Who is Bochun?

Bochun is the mentor and protector of Narin, serving as the guardian of the ancient legend. He possesses wisdom and deep knowledge of the Imoogi's nature, guiding the chosen one and ensuring the balance between good and evil. In the present day, he continues this role for Sarah.

Foreshadowing: His role as guardian connects directly to his centuries-long commitment to the prophecy.

  • bochun
  • mentor
  • guardian
  • protector
  • robert forster
Q9

What is the prophecy about?

The prophecy centers on the Yeouijoo and the chosen one destined to carry it. The legend dictates that this person must face the Imoogi, with the outcome determining whether the forces of good or evil prevail. The story explores whether the chosen one must sacrifice themselves or if love can defy fate.

Foreshadowing: The sacrificial rites mentioned in the village establish the prophecy's weight.

  • prophecy
  • destiny
  • chosen one
  • sacrifice
  • legend
Q10

Who is Ethan and why is he involved?

Ethan Kendrick is an investigative reporter who becomes the reincarnation of Haram, Narin's love from 500 years ago. He is inhabited by a warrior's spirit and discovers the truth behind the mysterious disasters. His deep love for Sarah drives him to protect her, creating the central conflict between following destiny and following his heart.

Foreshadowing: The warrior spirit that awakens in Ethan connects directly to his past-life identity as Haram.

  • ethan kendrick
  • jason behr
  • reporter
  • warrior spirit
  • reincarnation
Q11

Does the movie address fate versus free will?

The movie explores the tension between fate and personal choice through the reincarnation cycle. Ethan and Sarah are bound by an ancient prophecy that seems inescapable, yet their love challenges whether they must accept the predetermined sacrifice or can forge their own destiny.

Foreshadowing: The cyclical nature of the legend, with reincarnation across 500 years, poses the question of whether the cycle can be broken.

  • fate
  • free will
  • destiny
  • choice
  • reincarnation

Movie threads

More Movies Like Dragon Wars: D-War, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Dragon Wars: D-War tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Epic urban fantasy with mythological invasions like Dragon Wars: D-War

Ancient forces and epic creatures bring destruction to a modern city. If you enjoyed the high-stakes action of Dragon Wars: D-War, you'll find similar movies here featuring ancient prophecies, mythological creatures, and the epic destruction of modern cities. These stories blend fantasy, action, and drama for a tense, large-scale spectacle.

  • epic
  • destructive
  • chaotic
  • mythic
  • high stakes
  • anxious
  • Tone: tense, epic, destructive
  • Pacing: fast, action-packed
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically begin with the awakening of an ancient power or prophecy in the contemporary world, triggering an invasion by mythological beings. The plot follows protagonists, often chosen ones or reincarnated souls, who must navigate the ensuing urban chaos and confront a fated, epic conflict to save the city or the world.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here for their shared core experience: the spectacle of a modern metropolis under siege by forces from myth and legend. They share a fast pace, high intensity, and a tone of tense urgency, centered on a massive, destructive threat.

Movies about fated love and sacrifice like Dragon Wars: D-War

A destined romance tested by the weight of a world-saving sacrifice. For viewers who liked the tragic romance and heavy choices in Dragon Wars: D-War, this section features movies where a fated love is central to a high-stakes plot. These films blend heavy emotional weight with epic conflict, often leading to ambiguous or bittersweet endings.

  • tragic
  • love
  • fated
  • high stakes
  • sacrifice
  • heavy
  • Tone: tense, tragic, heavy
  • Pacing: fast, driven by urgency
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves protagonists discovering a profound connection that transcends their current lives, often through reincarnation or prophecy. This love becomes the emotional core of a larger, world-threatening conflict, forcing the characters to grapple with the potential cost of their destiny, which usually involves a significant personal sacrifice.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their emotional focus on a love that is inseparable from a dire prophecy or fate. They share a heavy emotional weight, a tense tone driven by impossible choices, and often conclude with an ambiguous or somber resolution regarding the lovers' ultimate sacrifice.

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Every angle

Dragon Wars: D-War (2007) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Dragon Wars: D-War 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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