 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Dragon Hunters (Chasseurs de Dragons)
- Review Date: June 16, 2009
- PG
- Genre: Fantasy
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Old tale told with stunning but scary animation.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this is an animated adventure story, many of the images are scary and our heroes face great danger in scene after scene. The hunted "dragons" are ugly and vicious, and include a giant skeletal monster with blazing eyes, sinister creatures made of sharp needles, and fire-spitting, swarming insects on the attack. Eerie music combined with visual images of dark caverns, a teeming jungle, and crushed cities to indicate the end of the world create what might be a terrifying experience for the tender-hearted. Some mild "bad words" that kids usually find funny are sprinkled throughout, as well.
What's the story?
It's a fearful time in the kingdom governed by Lord Arnold. The World Gobbler, a terrifying dragon who wreaks destruction wherever he ventures, is set to attack. There are no noble knights left to challenge him. Only Zoe (voiced by Mary Mouser), Lord Arnold's young niece, seems to have the courage and desire to save her homeland. Escaping from her uncle's castle against his wishes, Zoe enlists two wannabe dragon hunters to slay the World Gobbler. Gwizdo (Rob Paulsen), a cunning scam artist, initially agrees to the task motivated only by gold; Lian-Chu (Forest Whitaker) is a soft-centered warrior who questions the motives of his partner. The three set off together and, after a series of battles with other fierce monsters and creatures, make their way to meet their nemesis.
Is it any good?
In the style of the Japanese master Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke), French animators Arthur Qwak and Guillaume Ivernel have created a stunning visual experience with DRAGON HUNTERS, which began as a French television series. Dazzling images of cities made of floating islands, dense jungles, and wild, dangerous beasts deadly in their quest for power, combine to bring an original look, sensibility, and form to the quickly evolving world of computer animation.
The story is thin, familiar, and predictable. The characters are sketchy and prototypical rather than living, breathing originals. Still, with the playful, imaginative, and brave Zoe; the kindly gentle giant Liu-Shan; and the shady practices of the film's most humorous character, Gwizdo, there's enough to hold the film together as it weaves its visual magic and carries its audiences to places never seen before.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the animation in this French film is different from the family-friendly animated movies usually seen in the U.S. How does the music add to the feelings that the visual pictures create?
What methods did the filmmakers use to show that the brave, strong
warrior Lian-Chu is also a sensitive, caring man?What did Gwizdo learn
about "doing the right thing?"How did Zoe's presence help the Dragon
Hunters?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
ok for not-so-easily frightened kids, great animation
My 6 year old has watched it twice in 1 week. He loves it. It is visually a very beautiful, creative film with gorgeous animation. Dragons were very scary but my son likes that! I liked the story too but could have done without a few choice language tidbits - b*ttwipe, fart, p*ss to name a few. Why were those needed? But I guess I can deal with it because it *was* a creative story and yes, did bring to mind Miyazaki who we absolutely LOVE.
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AGE
Exciting for KIds 9 and Older
My 9 year old and I watched this film together and both enjoyed it. Yes, it was intense, and the dragons were a bit frightening, but the messages were positive. Characters grew emotionally and demonstrated many virtuous traits - compassion, courage, and loyalty. I could have done without the crass language, but overall it was refreshing to watch a non-Hollywood production.
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Kid, 12 years old
June 19, 2010
AGE
weird movie!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Knight Lian-Chu to the Rescue!
The series itself being a true diamond in the rough with its surreal landscapes and beautiful art style, the adaptation to the computer generated medium is flawless and perfect. With the combination of solid voice-acting and amazing designs on not only the character but the dragons, this is one movie I watch every chance I get.
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Kid, 9 years old
February 6, 2011
AGE
AWESOME MOVIE!
It was very violent, but I liked the ending when Zoe was very generous. It would be great for anyone who likes Futuristic+Ancient japan+Ancient china stuff.
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AGE
fine but kinda weird
This movie isnt bad or scary. I watched it last year at a friends house and I think 7 and older can watch it. There is some fantasy violence and a giant dragon-like thing may be scary to very young viewers (age 8 at the lowest).The language is basically just butt, fart, poopoo, buttwhipe, and p-ss (only said once). I approve it for an entire family. It is a bit strange though...
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AGE
We will enjoy it more, when we are older
Its cute.
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AGE
A Visual Feast
The animation in this is amazing, the world they live in and the various 'dragons' are unlike anything I've seen before. A visual feast.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures |
| Studio: | Futurikon |
| Directors: | Arthur Qwak, Guillaume Ivernel |
| Cast: | Forest Whitaker, Mary Matilyn Mouser, Rob Paulsen |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Run time: | 80 minutes |
| DVD release date: | June 23, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | for some scary images, fantasy action and language |
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