The comparisons to Aladdin are apt. A funny genie, a lower-class guy and upper-class girl connecting on similar emotional state, inability to wish for love, wishes to be a prince(ling), the villain has been looking for genie for a long time, themes of trust and lies. It gets away with it, though, by recognizing the connection and finding ways to subvert it. Long the Dragon's arc is strong, there are several very funny moments (traffic scene is excellent), and the animation is beautiful.
170 Reviews
Unlike the Aladin remake, I COULD wish for more
GiraffeDoor6 August 2021
Chic and appealing adventure that makes one think of Aladin more than once but does have a very different story to tell.
The depiction of Asian technocracy living right next door to the ghetto is very immersive and the visual humor is well polished.
To be honest, I liked these characters best as kids; Dong is still OK but the other one just seems to have lost her personality in puberty. The plot is somewhat confusing because he appears to squander his wishes and is way too suggestable to the dragon.
He's the best character and he's fun to watch.
The most impressive aspect of this movie is that they were able to create a villain that was formidable and yet still no less comedic for it.
The depiction of Asian technocracy living right next door to the ghetto is very immersive and the visual humor is well polished.
To be honest, I liked these characters best as kids; Dong is still OK but the other one just seems to have lost her personality in puberty. The plot is somewhat confusing because he appears to squander his wishes and is way too suggestable to the dragon.
He's the best character and he's fun to watch.
The most impressive aspect of this movie is that they were able to create a villain that was formidable and yet still no less comedic for it.
Nice Film
Hitchcoc11 August 2021
Though I am not much for modern animation, my grandkids talked me into seeing this. It is a delightful romp as it takes a young guy who was in love as a child and connects him with a dragon/genie, who can grant three wishes. The girl in question moved away from humble roots and the young man began to search for her. The fun in the story is that the dragon has a great personality. Reviewers say it's not Aladdin but it really is. Obviously, there are other plot elements (it takes place in China), but there are way too many similarities. It's a cure movie that moves along and stays engaging.
Lovely
atractiveeyes16 June 2021
Its main idea is taken from Aladdin and his genie so it has nothing original or special to deliver but it's still a very good enjoyable family movie. The story is beautiful, emotional and has a nice important message. The animation is so beautiful and characters are so likable. Wish Dragon is somehow a modern version of Aladdin, that kids and adults would enjoy.
What a wonderful movie
Shadow244220 June 2021
First, this is not Aladin... this is based partly on chinese mythology and represents the gap between poor and rich in China pretty well and how people behave in China, comparing more like what people own and represent instead of their live experience and happiness. Life in China during these times is pretty hard if you are poor and have nothing to show and it's very rare that a couple coming from a poor and rich side, can come together and are "allowed" to fall in love. Some wealthy families will not allow here daughter / son to marry someone poor. That's a fact.
Back to the movie.... i was very pleasantly surprised of all the work which was put into this, story, characters and of course the special effects... this movie has more spirit (pun!) than most of the Disney stuff of today.
Heartful, enjoyable storyline which concentrates on the good in people. The Wish Dragon is not only for kids, every adult should watch it as well and let the spirit capture you. I loved the movie personally 10/10
btw. Long is so cute :) and so is Li Na.
Back to the movie.... i was very pleasantly surprised of all the work which was put into this, story, characters and of course the special effects... this movie has more spirit (pun!) than most of the Disney stuff of today.
Heartful, enjoyable storyline which concentrates on the good in people. The Wish Dragon is not only for kids, every adult should watch it as well and let the spirit capture you. I loved the movie personally 10/10
btw. Long is so cute :) and so is Li Na.
Aladdin coming to China
Movi3DO13 June 2021
Aladdin has come to China, sort of.
Based on its own folk tale that is similar to Aladdin, a young man trying to reconnect with his childhood friend acquired a cup that spawned a dragon that could grant him 3 wishes.
Even though the premise sounded like an Aladdin copycat, the style and tone were completely different from the classic Arabian tale. The best aspect was the humor, which came mostly from the dragon, voiced by John Cho, experiencing the modern world. For the first half, I was laughing at the silly moments. The jokes weren't fancy or elaborated, but I'm a simple man, so goofy jokes were enough to get my facial muscles going.
The animation was pretty typical like the modern Disney animations. The dragon was fluffy and pink, which looked goofy.
The relationship between our main boy, Din, and the wish dragon was also another fun part. Again they were goofy and annoyed each other, which provided more funny jokes.
The weakest part was the story, which followed many tropes of a Disney-like animated movies. The theme follows a common yet valuable lesson that money can't buy happiness, and that people should cherish those around them. I did like the theme, but I didn't feel a lot of impact because of the predictable storyline and the theme itself, which was told a hundred of times before (but it's still important and relevant).
Overall, a simple, enjoyable, and funny story despite the predictable story and theme. 7/10.
Based on its own folk tale that is similar to Aladdin, a young man trying to reconnect with his childhood friend acquired a cup that spawned a dragon that could grant him 3 wishes.
Even though the premise sounded like an Aladdin copycat, the style and tone were completely different from the classic Arabian tale. The best aspect was the humor, which came mostly from the dragon, voiced by John Cho, experiencing the modern world. For the first half, I was laughing at the silly moments. The jokes weren't fancy or elaborated, but I'm a simple man, so goofy jokes were enough to get my facial muscles going.
The animation was pretty typical like the modern Disney animations. The dragon was fluffy and pink, which looked goofy.
The relationship between our main boy, Din, and the wish dragon was also another fun part. Again they were goofy and annoyed each other, which provided more funny jokes.
The weakest part was the story, which followed many tropes of a Disney-like animated movies. The theme follows a common yet valuable lesson that money can't buy happiness, and that people should cherish those around them. I did like the theme, but I didn't feel a lot of impact because of the predictable storyline and the theme itself, which was told a hundred of times before (but it's still important and relevant).
Overall, a simple, enjoyable, and funny story despite the predictable story and theme. 7/10.
If only you know China, you will get the story so much better..
Pingelingeling11 June 2021
First of all: it is not a Chinese copy of Aladdin, but a modern-day Chinese version of the story. The main character is literally named 'Din', after Alladin, Din is't even a Chinese name.
And second of all: why is nobody talking about how the movie adresses the gap between poor and rich and the fast developing Chinese society (namely Shanghai)? Not only that, but also about how the Chinese society is nowadays all about money and material?
This movie has so many depths, but most people will never know this, because they don't know China. They only see another thing that the Chinese has copied, and made into a cheaper ripped off product. Sigh.
And second of all: why is nobody talking about how the movie adresses the gap between poor and rich and the fast developing Chinese society (namely Shanghai)? Not only that, but also about how the Chinese society is nowadays all about money and material?
This movie has so many depths, but most people will never know this, because they don't know China. They only see another thing that the Chinese has copied, and made into a cheaper ripped off product. Sigh.
Fun, well done Chinese-ish version of Disney's Aladdin
Erik_Stone26 October 2021
The movie is like Chinese food . . . It's for Americans, but with a Chinese flavor and the menu in English.
The almost pure ripoff moments from Disney's Genie, in Aladdin, were a bit cringe, but they were different enough to keep it watchable.
The almost pure ripoff moments from Disney's Genie, in Aladdin, were a bit cringe, but they were different enough to keep it watchable.
Surprisingly original and funny
alfredolepine12 June 2021
Going into this film I was worried it was going to be a soulless piece of entertainment for babies but after watching to the end it's quite funny and has a personality with a likeable array of Characters and with jokes for all ages. It's a good family film and if you have nothing to do I suggest you go give it a watch. It doesn't shake the industry and it's a bit predictable but it's a good time.
Even though it would look somewhat familiar, The movie still has its own lovable and enjoyable identity ...
Aktham_Tashtush14 June 2021
The movie is as some reviews say a modern era Chinese Aladdin .. and there were actually a lot of similarities in the story of the Dragon/genie but still it felt so enjoyable and the story does feel promising and purposeful with an adequate amount of genuinity.
The animation is very well done ,, not like some of the last animations I've watched last year ,, it does look professional, glamorous and easy on the eye.
The plot is familiar but again entertaining and put in a modern way, the script is very quick, very connected and definitely very funny which what added that bit originality of movie.
The movie is very recommended.
The animation is very well done ,, not like some of the last animations I've watched last year ,, it does look professional, glamorous and easy on the eye.
The plot is familiar but again entertaining and put in a modern way, the script is very quick, very connected and definitely very funny which what added that bit originality of movie.
The movie is very recommended.
Good message for children, reflection for adults...
RosanaBotafogo21 June 2021
How cute, the action scenes always seem boring and tiring, but except for this detail, which all good animation has, the film manages to inspire and conquer, Din and the Dragon, cute, perfect chemistry, but what won all my love were Din and Li Na children, so highly enthralling, nice to watch, good message for children, reflection for adults...
It's fine
KristineHaase30 June 2021
It's fine, I felt the retelling of the exact same jokes from Disney's Aladdin kind of cringy but I guess either I'm a bigger Disney nerd than most others and they didn't catch that or they don't care. I'm all for retelling of same stories and myths, that doesn't bother me it was just the recycled jokes that bothered me. Needed better writing for sure.
Quite an interesting film
crazychainsaw15 June 2021
I don't usually enjoy kids movies as much anymore but this one felt a bit different than a lot of them. The writing was a bit unique despite the plot seeming a bit simple and overall a good movie. Also, it taught a bit of a different lesson than most kids films.
My only complaints would be that some moments were a bit predictable and the animation could've had a bit more detail, not to mention in a few scenes the lip syncing was a bit off.
But at the end of the day, it's a nice family movie that your kids will love. So I recommend at least giving it a shot.
My only complaints would be that some moments were a bit predictable and the animation could've had a bit more detail, not to mention in a few scenes the lip syncing was a bit off.
But at the end of the day, it's a nice family movie that your kids will love. So I recommend at least giving it a shot.
"Chinese Aladdin "
shashipol11 June 2021
Dragon wishes
MB-reviewer18511 June 2021
Great movie! One of my favourite!
natskywalker11 June 2021
Wholesome and funny if derivative
briancham199418 June 2021
As the reviewers have pointed out, this film is a clear derivative of the Aladdin folktale with a setting update to modern Shanghai and some comedic shades of the Disney adaptation. However, it transcends its roots with memorable characters, a compelling emotional storyline, exciting fights, a wholesome message and expressive animation. In particular, the realistic depths of the setting and main personalities were very lifelike and totally immersed the audience in the story.
It invites more than a few comparisons to Disney's Aladdin, but Wish Dragon does enough to give itself its own unique identity
IonicBreezeMachine2 January 2023
Set in Shanghai, China, Din Song (Jimmy Wong) is a working class college student living with his strict but loving mother (Constance Wu) while working a side-job as a delivery driver hoping to one day reunite with his childhood friend Li Na Wang (Natasha Liu Bordizzo). During a delivery Din delivers a meal to an eccentric old man (Ronny Chieng) in a demolished part of the city who claims to be a god and instead of paying with money he gives Din a jade teapot saying Din is pure of heart. Din soon discovers the teapot contains Longzhu (John Chu) a wish dragon who has the power to grant Din three wishes and encourages Din to wish for gold and opulence so he may ascend to the spirit world but Din being of humble means only desires to reunite with Li Na. However a trio of mysterious thugs lead by Pockets (Aaron Yu) are searching for the Jade teapot at the behest of an unknown third party.
Wish Dragon is a 2021 animated film from Sony Pictures Animation produced as a co-production with Chinese based companies Base FX and Tencent Pictures. The film is the writing and directing debut for Chris Appelhans a concept in Visual Artist who has worked on several projects in the industry including Monster House, Princess and the Frog, and Rise of the Guardians just to name a few. The movie covers the well worn tale of "three wishes" down to even having similar parallels to the original Aladdin story from the original Arabian Nights (such as taking place in China and the protagonist having a mother) but despite covering well worn ground Wish Dragon manages to keep it engaging.
While the animation is slightly more frugal than comparable titles such as Mitchells vs. The Machines, the design work on the characters and Shanghai gives the film a unique visual identity so that we become engrossed in the film's depiction of Shanghai and the modern day residents. Jimmy Wong makes for a likable protagonist as Din and has some fun exchanges with Constance Wu as his mother, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo is quite strong as Li Na with some solid moments of chemistry between her and Wong. But stealing every scene he's in is John Cho's portrayal of Longzhu "Long" the titular wish dragon and while the animation used to convey the character does bare some similarities to Robin Williams' Genie from 1992's Aladdin, Cho manages to find his own identity for the character playing the wish granter as a cynic who thinks he knows everything there is to know about humans and desire. The character is more at the forefront of this story than the Genie was in Aladdin and it really is Long's story of redemption rather than Din since Din is a goodhearted man who appreciates his situation and it makes for a dynamic that separates itself from comparable pieces.
Wish Dragon is a solid rendition on the well worn story well of wish fulfillment and with a likable cast of characters and stylish and unique locale I was kept entertained.
Wish Dragon is a 2021 animated film from Sony Pictures Animation produced as a co-production with Chinese based companies Base FX and Tencent Pictures. The film is the writing and directing debut for Chris Appelhans a concept in Visual Artist who has worked on several projects in the industry including Monster House, Princess and the Frog, and Rise of the Guardians just to name a few. The movie covers the well worn tale of "three wishes" down to even having similar parallels to the original Aladdin story from the original Arabian Nights (such as taking place in China and the protagonist having a mother) but despite covering well worn ground Wish Dragon manages to keep it engaging.
While the animation is slightly more frugal than comparable titles such as Mitchells vs. The Machines, the design work on the characters and Shanghai gives the film a unique visual identity so that we become engrossed in the film's depiction of Shanghai and the modern day residents. Jimmy Wong makes for a likable protagonist as Din and has some fun exchanges with Constance Wu as his mother, and Natasha Liu Bordizzo is quite strong as Li Na with some solid moments of chemistry between her and Wong. But stealing every scene he's in is John Cho's portrayal of Longzhu "Long" the titular wish dragon and while the animation used to convey the character does bare some similarities to Robin Williams' Genie from 1992's Aladdin, Cho manages to find his own identity for the character playing the wish granter as a cynic who thinks he knows everything there is to know about humans and desire. The character is more at the forefront of this story than the Genie was in Aladdin and it really is Long's story of redemption rather than Din since Din is a goodhearted man who appreciates his situation and it makes for a dynamic that separates itself from comparable pieces.
Wish Dragon is a solid rendition on the well worn story well of wish fulfillment and with a likable cast of characters and stylish and unique locale I was kept entertained.
ALADDIN MADE IN CHINA.
andrewchristianjr20 June 2021
This film is literally an Aladdin made in China, with one or two "wow" moments. You'll discover who is the antagonist on the first 10 minutes. It's the most predictable animation since The Secret Life of Pets (which one I liked).
Easy yet deep animation for all ages
witra_as10 July 2021
An easy yet deep animation for all ages. Chris Appelhans might draw inspiration from Aladdin but actually brought purposeful familiar story based on Chinese culture. Eye-candy dragon offered 'wishes' with plenty of lessons about what truly matters in life.
Chinese animated film produced by Jackie Chan
MK_Movie_Reviews21 May 2022
This is an animated film produced by Jackie Chan.
This was a high quality animated film with carefully crafted character building. And this film is full of many gags!
There are many Chinese animated films these days, and this film is one of the highest quality among them.
It taught me that human connections such as friendship, love, and family are more important than visible luxury goods.
This was a high quality animated film with carefully crafted character building. And this film is full of many gags!
There are many Chinese animated films these days, and this film is one of the highest quality among them.
It taught me that human connections such as friendship, love, and family are more important than visible luxury goods.
Modern day Aladdin
haw-9894910 August 2021
The movie was pretty good I'd honestly watch that again someday but some things didn't really make sense. Also it feels like there's a 100 different story-lines in one movie. I recommend if you have nothing better to watch.
Its beauty is in the details. That's real China!
alicefontana-9743225 June 2021
I loved this movie! Everything is so real!
If you've ever been to China and Shanghai you can see that city, those people, that food... even the ads were the copy of real ones! I think Din is actually wearing Feiyue (a popular shoes' brand in China).
Plus, the story is amazing. For me, it's not a copy of Aladdin. It has some important lessons to teach about the inequalities among rich people and poor people. It shows the importance of friendship and family. It's the picture of modern China but has something to tell to Western countries too.
Needs to be seen: 10/10!
If you've ever been to China and Shanghai you can see that city, those people, that food... even the ads were the copy of real ones! I think Din is actually wearing Feiyue (a popular shoes' brand in China).
Plus, the story is amazing. For me, it's not a copy of Aladdin. It has some important lessons to teach about the inequalities among rich people and poor people. It shows the importance of friendship and family. It's the picture of modern China but has something to tell to Western countries too.
Needs to be seen: 10/10!
Nice visuals
Gordon-1112 June 2021
A really fun wholesome family film
Sir_AmirSyarif21 June 2021
While it rehashes a similar fairytale formula from Disney's 'Aladdin' (John Musker, Ron Clements, 1992), Chris Appelhans' 'Wish Dragons' offers enough new elements, charming characters, and gorgeous animation to be entertaining and sweet. Silly at times, but definitely a really fun wholesome family film with a whole lot of genuine heart and good vibes to it.
See also
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