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Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2021 · 107 min · English
Echo score 80
JustWatch #26,464 10
Directed by
Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, John Ripa, Paul Briggs
Starring
Benedict Wong, Gemma Chan, Awkwafina, Alan Tudyk, Kelly Marie Tran, Sandra Oh
Budget
$100M

In the land of Kumandra, humans and dragons once lived in harmony until a dark force threatened their existence, leading the dragons to sacrifice themselves. Centuries later, that darkness returns, dividing the land into fractured realms. Raya, a lone warrior, sets out on a quest to find the last dragon and restore balance to Kumandra. Her journey will require her to overcome formidable challenges and forge alliances with unexpected companions, ultimately discovering that saving her world depends on rebuilding trust and unity among its people.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  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 Raya and the Last Dragon
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)

Where can you watch Raya and the Last Dragon? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Disney Plus, fuboTV and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Raya and the Last Dragon Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), 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.

  • Raya

    played by Kelly Marie Tran

    Raya is a fiercely determined young warrior driven by the desire to restore harmony to Kumandra. As the daughter of Chief Benja, she embodies bravery and resilience, evolving from a solitary figure to a leader who values collaboration. Her journey teaches her the importance of trust and understanding as she confronts both external threats and her past friendship with Namaari.

    • ⚔️ Warrior
    • 🦸‍♀️ Leader
    • 🌟 Protector
  • Sisu

    played by Awkwafina

    Sisu is the last dragon of Kumandra, possessing a carefree demeanor and an optimistic spirit. Though initially unsure of her strength, she learns to channel powers from her siblings, ultimately becoming a vital ally to Raya. Sisu represents hope and the belief in a better future, encouraging others to fight for their dreams.

    • 🐉 Dragon
    • 😊 Optimist
    • 🌈 Hope
  • Namaari

    played by Gemma Chan

    Namaari is the complex heir of the Fang Tribe, whose initial betrayal stems from a deep-seated desire to prove herself. Her character illustrates the conflict between loyalty to her tribe and her bond with Raya. Ultimately, she becomes a pivotal figure in the fight against the Druun, showcasing her growth from rivalry to alliance.

    • ⚔️ Warrior
    • 🛡️ Betrayal
    • 🤔 Complexity
  • Tong

    played by Benedict Wong

    Tong is a fierce warrior from the Spine Tribe who initially appears as an adversary. His strength and combat skills reflect his dedication to his tribe and their survival. As he joins forces with Raya and Sisu, he reveals a more nuanced character depth, illustrating growth through camaraderie and the importance of fighting for a common goal.

    • ⚔️ Fighter
    • 🔥 Resilience
    • 🤝 Ally

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:41

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Setting

Where and When Does Raya and the Last Dragon Take Place?

The setting of Raya and the Last Dragon (2021): 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 after the shattering of the orb

The story unfolds in a fantastical world, 500 years after the peace of Kumandra was shattered by the Druun. This period is marked by turmoil and division among the tribes, with a lingering history of conflict and betrayal due to the loss of the orb that once protected their land. It's a time of desperation, where the fragments of unity are necessary to confront the revived threat of the Druun.

Location

Kumandra, Fang, Heart, Tail, Spine, Talon

Kumandra is a beautifully depicted, mythical land that was once united and thrived in harmony. Following the emergence of the malevolent Druun, it fractured into five tribes representing different regions of a dragon-shaped river. Each tribe—Fang, Heart, Tail, Spine, and Talon—has its own unique culture and characteristics, contributing to the rich tapestry of this fantastical setting.

  • 🏞️ Fantasy
  • 🌊 Water
  • 🏰 Kingdom

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:41

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2 major themes

Raya and the Last Dragon Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Unity

    The central theme of unity resonates throughout the narrative as the characters from different tribes learn to trust one another. Despite their past conflicts and grievances, they discover strength in collaboration, leading to profound resolutions in the face of adversity. Ultimately, it is their combined efforts that lead to the revival of hope in Kumandra.

  • Courage

    Courage is exemplified through Raya's relentless quest to restore the orb and her willingness to confront both her fears and former friend Namaari. As she evolves from a solitary protector to a symbol of collaboration, her bravery inspires others to face their own insecurities and embrace vulnerability, shaping a transformative journey for all involved.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:41

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Character & theme questions

Raya and the Last Dragon Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Raya and the Last Dragon (2021): 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 does Raya and the Last Dragon take place?

The movie is set in Kumandra, a mythical land shaped like a dragon and divided into five distinct tribes: Fang, Heart, Tail, Spine, and Talon. Each tribe occupies a different region沿着龙形河流,对应龙的不同身体部位。

  • kumandra
  • five tribes
  • fang
  • heart
  • tail
  • spine
  • talon
  • setting
Q2

What are the five tribes in Kumandra?

Kumandra is divided into five tribes representing different regions of a dragon-shaped river: Fang (the head), Heart (the heart), Tail (the tail), Spine (the spine), and Talon (the claws). Each tribe has its own unique culture and characteristics, reflecting different aspects of the dragon symbol.

  • tribes
  • fang
  • heart
  • tail
  • spine
  • talon
  • kumandra regions
Q3

When does the story of Raya take place?

The story unfolds 500 years after the shattering of the orb that once protected Kumandra. This period is marked by turmoil and division among the tribes, with a lingering history of conflict and betrayal following the loss of their protective orb.

  • 500 years
  • timeline
  • orb
  • shattering
  • era
Q4

What is the Druun?

The Druun is the malevolent dark force that threatens Kumandra. These entities turn people to stone, and they were the reason the dragons sacrificed themselves centuries ago to protect humanity. The Druun return when the land falls into disunity, representing the consequence of fractured trust.

  • druun
  • dark force
  • stone
  • villain
  • threat
Q5

Who is Sisu in Raya and the Last Dragon?

Sisu is the last remaining dragon in Kumandra, voiced by Awkwafina. She possesses a carefree demeanor and optimistic spirit, representing hope for a better future. Although initially unsure of her own strength, she learns to channel powers from her siblings and becomes a vital ally to Raya.

  • sisu
  • last dragon
  • awkwafina
  • hope
  • dragon powers
Q6

Who is Namaari in the movie?

Namaari is the heir of the Fang Tribe, voiced by Gemma Chan. She is a complex character whose initial betrayal of Raya stems from a deep desire to prove herself to her tribe. Her character illustrates the conflict between loyalty to her people and her personal bond with Raya, ultimately evolving from rivalry to alliance.

  • namaari
  • gemma chan
  • fang tribe
  • heir
  • betrayal
Q7

Who is the main character Raya?

Raya is the film's protagonist, a fiercely determined young warrior and the daughter of Chief Benja. She is driven by the desire to restore harmony to Kumandra. Her journey teaches her the importance of trust and collaboration, evolving from a solitary figure to a leader who values unity among the tribes.

  • raya
  • kelly marie tran
  • protagonist
  • warrior
  • chief benja
Q8

What is the theme of unity in Raya and the Last Dragon?

The central theme of unity explores how characters from different tribes must learn to trust one another despite past conflicts and grievances. The movie emphasizes that strength comes from collaboration, and only by working together can the characters revive hope and restore balance to Kumandra.

  • unity
  • trust
  • collaboration
  • tribes
  • teamwork
  • reconciliation
Q9

What is the theme of courage in the film?

Courage is exemplified through Raya's relentless quest to restore the orb and her willingness to confront both her fears and former friend Namaari. Her bravery inspires others to face their own insecurities and embrace vulnerability, transforming not just herself but everyone around her.

  • courage
  • bravery
  • Raya
  • transformation
  • vulnerability
Q10

What is Kumandra?

Kumandra is a beautifully depicted, mythical land that was once united and thrived in harmony with dragons. Following the emergence of the Druun, it fractured into five separate tribes. The entire land is shaped like a dragon沿着龙形河流, with each tribe representing a different part of the dragon's body.

  • kumandra
  • fantasy land
  • dragon-shaped
  • united kingdom
Q11

Why is Sisu important to the story?

Sisu represents hope and the belief in a better future. As the last dragon, she encourages others to fight for their dreams and provides the key to defeating the Druun. Her character demonstrates that even when one feels powerless, combining strengths with others can unlock great power.

  • sisu importance
  • hope
  • last dragon
  • inspiration
Q12

What happened to the dragons in Kumandra?

Centuries before the story, dragons and humans lived in harmony in Kumandra. When the Druun threatened their existence, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. This sacrifice shattered the unity of Kumandra, leading to the fragmentation of the land into the five tribes.

  • dragons sacrifice
  • druun
  • history
  • past
  • extinction

Movie threads

More Movies Like Raya and the Last Dragon, by Mood & Story

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

Movies like Raya and the Last Dragon: Hopeful Quests to Save a Fractured World

Journeys of hope and unity to restore a broken, magical land. Discover other inspiring tales where a hero embarks on a journey to restore a broken world. If you liked the hopeful spirit and high-stakes adventure of Raya and the Last Dragon, you'll find similar fantasy stories about unity, trust, and saving the day against all odds.

  • hopeful
  • adventurous
  • uplifting
  • tense
  • mystical
  • dangerous
  • Tone: hopeful, adventurous
  • Pacing: fast, quest-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically follows a classic hero's journey: a protagonist, often a lone warrior, is tasked with collecting magical artifacts or forging alliances to defeat a world-ending threat. The central conflict is as much about mending societal divides as it is about battling a physical enemy.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core optimism, fast-paced quest structure, and a focus on collaborative problem-solving. They balance tense action with lighter moments, resulting in an emotionally engaging and ultimately uplifting experience centered on themes of hope and reconciliation.

Found Family Adventure Movies like Raya and the Last Dragon

A lone warrior gathers a ragtag crew to face a great danger. Explore more films where a solo hero finds companionship and strength in a ragtag group. If you enjoyed watching Raya build her team in Raya and the Last Dragon, you'll love these similar stories full of humorous banter, heartfelt loyalty, and high-stakes action.

  • found family
  • humorous
  • heartwarming
  • adventurous
  • tense
  • uplifting
  • Tone: hopeful, humorous
  • Pacing: fast, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot begins with a self-reliant character who learns that they cannot succeed alone. As they travel, they collect a diverse set of companions, each with unique skills and personalities. The emotional arc focuses on the protagonist learning to trust and rely on others, culminating in a powerful celebration of their newfound family.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their central theme of 'found family' developing during an adventure. They share a specific emotional mix: combining tense action sequences with character-driven humor and touching moments of loyalty, creating a satisfying and heartwarming viewing experience.

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Movies Like Raya and the Last Dragon

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Every angle

Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Raya and the Last Dragon in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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