Dragon Hunters (Chasseurs de Dragons)
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
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.
Community Reviews
A great example of how direct to DVD movies are HORRIBLE ... storyline is VERY poor...
Report this review
Knight Lian-Chu to the Rescue!
Report this review
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 , French animators Arthur Qwak and Guillaume Ivernel have created a stunning visual experience with DRAGON HUNTERS. 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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 23, 2009
- Cast: Forest Whitaker, Mary Matilyn Mouser, Rob Paulsen
- Directors: Arthur Qwak, Guillaume Ivernel
- Studio: Futurikon
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures
- Run time: 80 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: for some scary images, fantasy action and language
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride
Magical, with scares most 10-year-olds can handle.
-
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe
A classic tale of good vs. evil.
-
Coraline
Cool but creepy animated fantasy too scary for young kids.
-
The Triplets of Belleville
Offbeat animated French tale has violence, sex.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate