‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ promotes southeast asian representation

A split nation, a hurtful betrayal, a broken family. For many years, an evil force called the Drunn was kept under control in Kumandra by the magic of the deceased dragons. When things go awry, the five nations of the world grow further away from their former sisterhood, and Raya is determined to unite them before everything shatters to pieces.

“Raya and the Last Dragon” hit the box office on March 5 as the 59th animated feature in the Disney Animated Canon. Starring a lone warrior princess, the movie has accumulated $122.7 million. With popular voice actors such as Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, and Sandrah Oh, “Raya and the Last Dragon” became an absolute hit. 

The story follows a Southeast Asian female princess, Raya, and her quest to search for the last dragon, a legend that few believe in. The five separated nations of Heart, Fang, Talon, Spine, and Tale all blame each other for the destruction of the dragon gem, which holds the power to ward off the evil Drunn that rampaged the world hundreds of years ago. 

The Drunn spirits turn anyone in their way into stone, and are unstoppable without the power of the dragons. Unfortunately, dragons no longer existed in the world, as they were all turned into stone by the Drunn. Raya is determined to find the fabled last dragon, collect the gem pieces from each tribe, and turn everyone back from stone to reunite Kumandra, the former whole nation. 

Cultural representation is crucial, especially for our children. As the first Disney movie featuring a Southeast Asian princess, the film was heavily based on the rich and beautiful cultures of Southeast Asia. For the first time, many young kids were able to witness a Disney hero who looked like them. It is groundbreaking, yet some raise a questionable eye as to why this is the first Disney movie with Southeast Asian representation. 

Writer Adele Lim shared, “When you truly look at what makes our culture amazing, whether it’s our arts or our food, the best street food in the world, it is because of all these different elements really coming together and creating something transcendent.” 

This film emphasizes the importance of community, togetherness, and love. Nothing is ever resolved by splitting apart and taking sides. “Raya and the Last Dragon” shows us how beautiful of a world we create if we extend our wings to our brothers and sisters.