From the water to the stone texture of the Druun’s victims, sometimes you won’t be able to tell if you’re watching a live-action or animated film. Of course, this message is accompanied by some of Disney animation’s most realistic-looking work yet. After all, trust is a universal theme that can be relatable to all. With much of the world divided, the film’s messaging of a unified world is something that we all need right now. With each princess film they create, Disney animation takes the tried-and-true formula and tweaks it to serve the overall storyline and message.

Then again, if it isn’t broke, then why fix it?

The modern-day Disney princess pattern of losing a family member and being driven by grief plays a big part in this, much like it did in Moana and Frozen. So you’ll recognize a lot of the Disney tropes within the film. This is Disney animation doing their version of an action film. Like the Hong Kong wuxia flicks it’s inspired by, Raya is full of spectacle and adventure. Raya and the Last Dragon isn’t like any Disney princess film you’ve ever seen before.

Ryan the last dragon full movie