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Dragon Hunters (Chasseurs de Dragons) (PG)

common sense media says

Old tale told with stunning but scary animation.

parents & educators say
  • 60% say there are positive messages
  • 40% say language is an issue
See all 8 reviews | Review it

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.

Positive messages: Good triumphs over evil; opportunists learn that doing the right thing is always the better motivation; and bravery and belief in oneself wins the day. Even the orphaned "damsel-in-distress" has the heart of a lion and the brains with which to save herself... most of the time. Her guardian, however, has much to learn about being a compassionate, reasonable surrogate parent.
Violence: Fantasy violence throughout.  All manner of monsters, creatures, and dragons on the attack, including flying bats, lizard-like animals with jagged teeth, a giant caterpillar, speeding blobs of massive needles, swarms of fire-spitting flying insects, and an enormously powerful dragon with fiery eyes and sharp claws. The heroes are under siege again and again. Nightmares, scary music, and explosions heighten the danger to a little girl and three "knights" who continually come to her rescue.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Mild potty language: "barf," "doo-doo," "fart," "butt," "butt-wipe," "boogers," "piss," "s--t."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Dragon Hunters (Chasseurs de Dragons)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • 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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Futurikon
Director: Arthur Qwak, Guillaume Ivernel
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Mary Matilyn Mouser, Rob Paulsen
Genre: Fantasy
Run time: 80 minutes
DVD release: June 23, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: for some scary images, fantasy action and language
This review was written by Renee Schonfeld
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
  • 60% say there are positive messages
  • 40% say language is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

SithLordBeast
teen, 13 years old
7
 
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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Mastermond
adult
13
 
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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sepmom
parent
9
 
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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bubbleg20
kid, 8 years old
8
 
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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cziebart
parent of 5 year old
8
 
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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Jenoi
parent of 12 year old
9
 
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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timmycuddlebea ...
kid, 12 years old
10
 
weird movie!!!!!!!!!!!
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percys mom
parent
9
 
We will enjoy it more, when we are older
Its cute.
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