Dragon

Just gotta add in another review to highly recommend this adorable romantic fantasy, as, sadly, would seem was big screen distribution marginalised and so criminally underseen on release, thus seeming to have been not only a 'failure' at the box office (to date making less than half of its 18 million budget), but that likely because it didn't get its surely deserved viewing outting on the big screen, on which then its clearly, gorgeous, high production values, cinematography (Sergey Trofimov) - complete with the occasional obvious 3D effects, now all lost - would have been the best way to see this visual treat.

In effect a sort of 'Blue Lagoon' meets 'Beauty and the Beast' concoction - (although, on the box, billed as more modern / relevant 'Game of Thrones' meets the latter ...!), it's been a long time that I've seen a fantasy deliver its romance so believingly, and for a change, gently so through non-frantic pacing, giving plenty of time to enjoy the visuals; sets (dragon lair island geology particularly inspired), costumes (topping and tailing the tale), and besides the eponymous creature rendered really quite believingly realisstc, with even, for a change, a leading handsome hunk, emoting well to deliver his character's bewildered burdens* (so: kudos to Matvey Lykhov, in what could have otherwise been an easily wooden / mischaracterised role). * although, well, yes, true, some of the Russian (anti-feminst?) reputation of (our?) 'men are just bad tempered but misunderstood beasts, but must still be tolerated / loved, despite ..' did occasionally seem to intrude .. but what the heck, it's an opposite's attract, love conquers - and tames - all trope, innit?

In short this is a gorgeous sweet and innocent romance: yes, innocent; despite what might otherwise be made of the dvd box blurb synopsis: "In time, Princess Mira (Maria Poezhaeva) learns the truth which both shocks and excites her .." (ohh! - for nevertheless, never fear (parent?*) as throughout no inapparopriate 'naughtiness' ever inferred!) and so sweet - almost as to be verging on over-egged at the close ... but if you like your romance simple and syrupy, this is a top entry into the genre niche.

*P.S. Oh, so also for the younger audiences, also complete with cute critter sidekick, but again, for a nice change, without any cleverdick 'spokeness' attitude that those on the other side of the world usually always tediously imbue theirs with: you surely know what I mean, Disney and Pixar ....!

It would be so easy to overlook this movie. The trailer alone is enough to turn you off as being a predictable sweet romance. It is that. But then it isn't. There's a simplicity and beauty and .... dare I say it ....humility to this movie that is quite simply captivating. It's disarming in its simplicity. It's beautifully filmed, beautifully acted and the music is magical. There are beautiful films that almost seem to parade their beauty: Look at me, they proclaim, look how gorgeous I am. There is none of that in this movie. It simply is. Unpretentious, yet moving. I would say this baby sister to the big sister charm of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. And that is a credit to both films - so completely different though they are.

On Drakon is actually quite good. The whole mythology was well crafted and nicely presented. The settings and costumes helped a lot with it, as they looked original and not cheap. The CGI were decent and did not ruin it too. As for the story, was pretty nice, predictable, but had the fairy tale feeling to it throughout it. The performances were good too.

This was a stunning movie. It felt like a fairy tale from old Russia told through beautiful imagery and storytelling. As a non Russian speaker - the visuals and acting were only enhanced by the Russian language that sounded almost poetic and added to the romantic feel of the movie.

The cinematography was lovely and fit perfectly with with the story and the Russian actors were perfect for their roles. Their facial expressions truly brought the story to life.

It is nice to see Russia can make such movies and Hollywood could learn a thing or two from them !

(Please note: this review is by someone unfamiliar with Russian language, film industry, and ignorant of Russian folklore, fairy-tales, etc., lured into watching by the Beauty-and-the-Beast-like trailer without subtitles) Production design: sumptuous. Cast: enchanting. Artistic direction: magical. Script: at times witty with depth, not undermined by the lavish set and costumes. Pace: just right. Background music: soul-stirringly moving. Perfect film for cuddling with beloved, sharing with fellow romantics, and watching again. And again. (Personally, I enjoyed it even more when I re-watched without subtitles, and this is the first time ever I've done for a language I can't understand)