MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE MOVIE AND DISCUSSION OF TRAUMA
I finally got around to watching this movie. I don't keep up with Disney movies anymore because the quality has deteriorated. This one looked really interesting though, I'm southeast asian so I wanted to see what they did with our mythology, and I have heard overwhelmingly good things about it.
I'm sad to say I'm quite disappointed. The moral of the movie, though a good one generally, is poorly executed. It left a really bad taste in my mouth that Namaari not only gaslit Raya for Sisu's death, she also got off the hook without so much as an apology!
The movie tells you to trust others (no matter what), but it also shows you that people can't be trusted. It kind of gives me whiplash when Sisu hammers in her moral lesson, and then gets betrayed immedietly after. I also think some development for Sisu would've been good. She really didn't have a character arc at all (see The Wish Dragon). She was the same naive, overly trusting character from start to finish. I was really anticipating her becoming jaded after enough betrayals, and then healing and becoming trusting again. But it never came.
The movie does Raya so dirty too. What she experienced when she gave her trust to the wrong person, resulting in an apocalypse and her father getting turned to stone, was trauma. And who caused that trauma? Namaari. Namaari in a way is her ab*ser. It feels really wrong for the narrative to constantly push her to trust and forgive her ab*ser. I feel for her so much.
I thought the humour was really offputting. It was some really "hello fellow kids" stuff. It broke immersion instead of the 4th wall.
I don't like Sisu's design. It's been said before that she looks like an MLP version of Elsa and I think that's an accurate description. They should've gone with her original design that is more true to southeast asian nagas. I think it would've made her more interesting, that despite her tusks and scales, she's really friendly and goofy. Human Sisu also could've been done better. She didn't look like she fit in with the other characters, and it's not her blue hair. It's her clothes that really don't match the period.
The story moved way too fast and none of the side characters were given any depth. I have already forgotten them except for Boun, the boat guy.
It's not a terrible movie, but it's not fantastic either. What are your thoughts on it?
Edit: I'm seeing all the critique for it now that I've searched for it. I'm not on any social media platforms so I pretty much live under a rock. I wish I'd have known it was a disappointing movie before watching it. But then again I should've went in with zero expectations. I guess I was just so excited at seeing elements of my culture get the limelight in an international movie that I thought I'd see something that would do SEA justice. Nope lol.
MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE MOVIE AND DISCUSSION OF TRAUMA
I finally got around to watching this movie. I don't keep up with Disney movies anymore because the quality has deteriorated. This one looked really interesting though, I'm southeast asian so I wanted to see what they did with our mythology, and I have heard overwhelmingly good things about it.
I'm sad to say I'm quite disappointed. The moral of the movie, though a good one generally, is poorly executed. It left a really bad taste in my mouth that Namaari not only gaslit Raya for Sisu's death, she also got off the hook without so much as an apology!
The movie tells you to trust others (no matter what), but it also shows you that people can't be trusted. It kind of gives me whiplash when Sisu hammers in her moral lesson, and then gets betrayed immedietly after. I also think some development for Sisu would've been good. She really didn't have a character arc at all (see The Wish Dragon). She was the same naive, overly trusting character from start to finish. I was really anticipating her becoming jaded after enough betrayals, and then healing and becoming trusting again. But it never came.
The movie does Raya so dirty too. What she experienced when she gave her trust to the wrong person, resulting in an apocalypse and her father getting turned to stone, was trauma. And who caused that trauma? Namaari. Namaari in a way is her ab*ser. It feels really wrong for the narrative to constantly push her to trust and forgive her ab*ser. I feel for her so much.
I thought the humour was really offputting. It was some really "hello fellow kids" stuff. It broke immersion instead of the 4th wall.
I don't like Sisu's design. It's been said before that she looks like an MLP version of Elsa and I think that's an accurate description. They should've gone with her original design that is more true to southeast asian nagas. I think it would've made her more interesting, that despite her tusks and scales, she's really friendly and goofy. Human Sisu also could've been done better. She didn't look like she fit in with the other characters, and it's not her blue hair. It's her clothes that really don't match the period.
The story moved way too fast and none of the side characters were given any depth. I have already forgotten them except for Boun, the boat guy.
It's not a terrible movie, but it's not fantastic either. What are your thoughts on it?
Edit: I'm seeing all the critique for it now that I've searched for it. I'm not on any social media platforms so I pretty much live under a rock. I wish I'd have known it was a disappointing movie before watching it. But then again I should've went in with zero expectations. I guess I was just so excited at seeing elements of my culture get the limelight in an international movie that I thought I'd see something that would do SEA justice. Nope lol.
@
Vasarul
I haven't watched it myself but the trailers themselves were enough to put me off. I love watching Disney movies but they keep using the same styles in every movie. I also agree with the Sisu design. I love dragons but i really just don't like Sisu and her design. I also agree with the problem of the contrast in the message of the movie. Again I haven't watched it and I never really will.
@
Vasarul
I haven't watched it myself but the trailers themselves were enough to put me off. I love watching Disney movies but they keep using the same styles in every movie. I also agree with the Sisu design. I love dragons but i really just don't like Sisu and her design. I also agree with the problem of the contrast in the message of the movie. Again I haven't watched it and I never really will.
[font=American Gothic][size=4]@Vasarul
I’m disappointed (but not surprised) with this movie. Because I am the sad dragon nerd, I’ll focus on Sisu’s design. When her first [url=https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/disney/images/0/05/Sisu_the_Dragon_concept_art.png/revision/latest?cb=20190824201501]design[/url] was announced, I was thinking she was a mix of a naga and a Vietnamese dragon in design. Not bad, although I think it could’ve been pushed a bit more. I was cautious, though, considering the Light Fury’s concept art vs. final design. I had been let down before and would not be surprised again. Sadly, when the trailers for the movie were released, I was right.
In the movie, I felt like the biggest problem with the design was that It felt… out of place. If it was in MLP or a setting with that vibe, I wouldn’t be bothered by it. But considering the setting and the inspiration behind it, it looked off. The concept art… dear heck the[url=https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Sisu/Gallery] concept art[/url] (scroll down a bit) is SO GOOD. [i]This[/i] is what I wanted to see. It looks like the dragons Sisu was inspired by. It also looks like a visually pleasing, distinctive character. It The teeth! The scales! The horn! Wonderful! But it was a risk and Hollywood isn’t one to take risks. Currently, we live in an era outside of Renaissance in the safety of tradition. If there was the slightest chance it wouldn’t sell merchandise, then they wouldn’t go for it. Thus, we got the worm on a string design. Oh well. [emoji=bogsneak sad size=1]
@Vasarul
I’m disappointed (but not surprised) with this movie. Because I am the sad dragon nerd, I’ll focus on Sisu’s design. When her first design was announced, I was thinking she was a mix of a naga and a Vietnamese dragon in design. Not bad, although I think it could’ve been pushed a bit more. I was cautious, though, considering the Light Fury’s concept art vs. final design. I had been let down before and would not be surprised again. Sadly, when the trailers for the movie were released, I was right.
In the movie, I felt like the biggest problem with the design was that It felt… out of place. If it was in MLP or a setting with that vibe, I wouldn’t be bothered by it. But considering the setting and the inspiration behind it, it looked off. The concept art… dear heck the concept art (scroll down a bit) is SO GOOD. This is what I wanted to see. It looks like the dragons Sisu was inspired by. It also looks like a visually pleasing, distinctive character. It The teeth! The scales! The horn! Wonderful! But it was a risk and Hollywood isn’t one to take risks. Currently, we live in an era outside of Renaissance in the safety of tradition. If there was the slightest chance it wouldn’t sell merchandise, then they wouldn’t go for it. Thus, we got the worm on a string design. Oh well.
Call me Requacy (Pinging Allowed!)(Note to self: Make art for signature)
I watched the trailers and Saberspark's review and just... It looks and sounds bad. The Elsa dragon looks offputting, the main character spews the same line over and over again ('I have trust issues [emoji=coatl angry size=1]') because she trusted some random person she met like 3 hours prior.
Also, why would they choose awkwafina
I watched the trailers and Saberspark's review and just... It looks and sounds bad. The Elsa dragon looks offputting, the main character spews the same line over and over again ('I have trust issues
') because she trusted some random person she met like 3 hours prior.
Also, why would they choose awkwafina
[quote name="Vasarul" date="2021-07-03 10:52:03" ]
I thought the humour was really offputting. It was some really "hello fellow kids" stuff. It broke immersion instead of the 4th wall.
I don't like Sisu's design. It's been said before that she looks like an MLP version of Elsa and I think that's an accurate description. They should've gone with her original design that is more true to southeast asian nagas. I think it would've made her more interesting, that despite her tusks and scales, she's really friendly and goofy. Human Sisu also could've been done better. She didn't look like she fit in with the other characters, and it's not her blue hair. It's her clothes that really don't match the period.
[/quote]
I really feel the humor part. It just felt so out of place. I definitely understand you there. The design for both the dragon and human form is definitely not a favorite too. Looking at the concept arts shown by someone else, it is a shame to see this direction.
I did enjoy the movie, I won't lie on that. For the story, I can see what you're saying. Sisu did feel too happy for what happened to her siblings, and the disaster going on. The lesson for Raya...I know there are a few people who faced that situation and forgave. You don't see it much though, and I'm usually surprised when there's forgiveness.
Vasarul wrote on 2021-07-03 10:52:03:
I thought the humour was really offputting. It was some really "hello fellow kids" stuff. It broke immersion instead of the 4th wall.
I don't like Sisu's design. It's been said before that she looks like an MLP version of Elsa and I think that's an accurate description. They should've gone with her original design that is more true to southeast asian nagas. I think it would've made her more interesting, that despite her tusks and scales, she's really friendly and goofy. Human Sisu also could've been done better. She didn't look like she fit in with the other characters, and it's not her blue hair. It's her clothes that really don't match the period.
I really feel the humor part. It just felt so out of place. I definitely understand you there. The design for both the dragon and human form is definitely not a favorite too. Looking at the concept arts shown by someone else, it is a shame to see this direction.
I did enjoy the movie, I won't lie on that. For the story, I can see what you're saying. Sisu did feel too happy for what happened to her siblings, and the disaster going on. The lesson for Raya...I know there are a few people who faced that situation and forgave. You don't see it much though, and I'm usually surprised when there's forgiveness.
Concept art of Sisu, btw
[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eu8Y6pCVgAASF2v.jpg[/img]
Why? Just why did they make her furry??
Concept art of Sisu, btw
Why? Just why did they make her furry??
I thought the movie was cute and fine. It feels weird to call Namaari her ab*ser though. They were both children when the opening scene happened, she was obviously being manipulated and told what to do by her mother. She’s been shown that the motivation for her actions is because she wants to do her mother and country proud. Yes, she helped cause Raya’s trauma but that doesn’t make it abuse. In that case every country’s leader is also her ab*ser. People hurt each other, kids make awful choices at the behest of the adults around them. I think it was nice that the movie let them make up and learn that working together is always better than working against each other.
I thought the movie was cute and fine. It feels weird to call Namaari her ab*ser though. They were both children when the opening scene happened, she was obviously being manipulated and told what to do by her mother. She’s been shown that the motivation for her actions is because she wants to do her mother and country proud. Yes, she helped cause Raya’s trauma but that doesn’t make it abuse. In that case every country’s leader is also her ab*ser. People hurt each other, kids make awful choices at the behest of the adults around them. I think it was nice that the movie let them make up and learn that working together is always better than working against each other.
[quote name="birding" date="2021-07-03 17:53:08" ]
I thought the movie was cute and fine. It feels weird to call Namaari her ab*ser though. They were both children when the opening scene happened, she was obviously being manipulated and told what to do by her mother. She’s been shown that the motivation for her actions is because she wants to do her mother and country proud. Yes, she helped cause Raya’s trauma but that doesn’t make it abuse. In that case every country’s leader is also her ab*ser. People hurt each other, kids make awful choices at the behest of the adults around them. I think it was nice that the movie let them make up and learn that working together is always better than working against each other.
[/quote]
Yeah I see that now that it's kind of extreme to say that. When I had just watched it, my aversion towards the badly executed moral lesson was fresh in my mind. I have dealt with horrible stuff happening, not getting an apology, and then forced to make nice with the person who hurt me. So I saw myself there and it made me all fired up.
birding wrote on 2021-07-03 17:53:08:
I thought the movie was cute and fine. It feels weird to call Namaari her ab*ser though. They were both children when the opening scene happened, she was obviously being manipulated and told what to do by her mother. She’s been shown that the motivation for her actions is because she wants to do her mother and country proud. Yes, she helped cause Raya’s trauma but that doesn’t make it abuse. In that case every country’s leader is also her ab*ser. People hurt each other, kids make awful choices at the behest of the adults around them. I think it was nice that the movie let them make up and learn that working together is always better than working against each other.
Yeah I see that now that it's kind of extreme to say that. When I had just watched it, my aversion towards the badly executed moral lesson was fresh in my mind. I have dealt with horrible stuff happening, not getting an apology, and then forced to make nice with the person who hurt me. So I saw myself there and it made me all fired up.
The concept art for Sisu is beautiful. They got the horn right. The actual movie version has it too high on her forehead, it just makes her look like a unicorn. It looks so silly.
The issue I have with her clothes is mostly the top. It just looks too much like an oversized sweater that I associate very much with modern times. Like human Sisu looks like she's ready to stay home all day and drink boba. Nothing wrong with that but it's so out of place in the setting.
The concept art for Sisu is beautiful. They got the horn right. The actual movie version has it too high on her forehead, it just makes her look like a unicorn. It looks so silly.
The issue I have with her clothes is mostly the top. It just looks too much like an oversized sweater that I associate very much with modern times. Like human Sisu looks like she's ready to stay home all day and drink boba. Nothing wrong with that but it's so out of place in the setting.
Honestly, before the movie was even released I was seeing the opinions of actual southeast Asian folks saying how terrible it was as a representation of their culture, so I never watched it. I actually blocked someone on another site who had gifs from it in their forum signature because I didn’t want to see it.
I’m also boycotting Disney, so there’s that.
Honestly, before the movie was even released I was seeing the opinions of actual southeast Asian folks saying how terrible it was as a representation of their culture, so I never watched it. I actually blocked someone on another site who had gifs from it in their forum signature because I didn’t want to see it.
I’m also boycotting Disney, so there’s that.