Dragonkeeper: Dragon Guardian is a Spanish-Chinese animated film directed by Salvador Simó and Li Jianping, based on the novel of the same name by Carole Wilkinson. The story is set in ancient China during the Han dynasty, where dragons, once allies of humans, have been persecuted and imprisoned. The plot follows a young slave girl, Ping, who helps the last living dragon, Danzi, escape, and together they embark on a mission to recover the last dragon egg, stolen by an evil sorcerer who seeks its power to achieve immortality.
Production and reception
The film was released in theaters in Spain on April 19, 2024 by A Contracorriente Films.
- It has received mixed reviews. Some critics have praised the charm of the protagonist and the quality of the animation, while others have pointed out problems in the narrative and in the animation of some backgrounds.
- There was controversy with the production team, as more than 60 employees reported not being credited in the final credits due to business disputes between the producers.
Technical details
- The film has a duration of 99 minutes and is rated as suitable for all audiences.
- In terms of animation, although it does not reach the level of studios like Pixar, it stands out for its 24 million euro budget, which is reflected in the visual quality.
Cultural impact and awards
"Dragonkeeper" has been nominated for various awards, including:
- Best animated film at events such as the Cygnus Awards.
- The Círculo de Escritores Cinematográficos.
The film is available on streaming services like Movistar Plus+ and can also be rented or purchased on platforms like Amazon Video and Apple TV.
This film not only represents a significant co-production between Spain and China but also seeks to revive the magic and adventure of 1980s films, drawing inspiration from classics like "Indiana Jones" or "The Goonies".