The Secret of the Magic Gourd

Back to the main review

What’s the Story?

Raymond (voiced by Drake Johnston and played by Peisi Chen) is a quintessential dreamer. He wakes up late, nearly missing the opportunity to say goodbye to his parents as they embark on a business trip. He lags behind in school, bringing his classmates' grades down, and he's not athletic enough to be on the swim team. All of this changes when he goes fishing and meets a magic gourd named Bailey (voiced by Corbin Bleu.) Though he might be dreaming, Raymond discovers that the magic gourd grants everything his heart desires. This includes getting great grades in school, breaking swimming records, eating tantalizing meals, and having his room cleaned for him. Not everything goes as planned, though, and Raymond begins to behave like a spoiled brat. He soon learns a powerful lesson, which brings him back to earth and back to harmony with his family and friends.

Is It Any Good?

Based on the story "The Secret of the Magic Gourd," by Zhang Tian Yi, this film broaches a cultural subject that will appeal to young American viewers: what happens when a child is given everything he desires. In the telling, there are some interesting cultural markers not often seen in American films for kids. For example, Raymond's grandmother does all of the cooking and cleaning for the family. She cares for the children in a traditional way, telling them stories and clipping their toenails. Raymond's father rarely smiles, grinning only when Raymond wins the swimming championship.

Look closely and notice the advanced math and science that the kids are doing in class. See how they ride their bikes without helmets and hike in the forest with a fishing rod and a bucket. Moreover, a strange-looking gourd with mythological powers transforms a kid's life on a grand scale. Traditional ways and the modern themes marry nicely in this enchanting film. Kids can discover a bit about what it means to grow up in China today, while learning a moral lesson about hard work and integrity.