A modern Shanghai retelling of a classic fable explores the cost of human ambition
In short: In the 2021 animated film Wish Dragon, a working-class college student in Shanghai discovers a teapot housing a cynical, wish-granting dragon. As they navigate the pressures of modern social status and hustle culture, the duo embarks on a journey that forces them to confront the true meaning of life.
Directed by Chris Appelhans in his directorial debut, Wish Dragon is set against the backdrop of contemporary China. The story follows Din Song, a student who dreams of reconnecting with his wealthy childhood friend, Li Na. His life changes when he encounters Long, a dragon who has been trapped in a teapot for centuries. Long, once a powerful and selfish lord, was punished by the gods after a life of tragedy and loneliness. His current servitude is intended to teach him the value of existence, a lesson he has failed to learn through his previous nine masters.
The film has been widely compared to the classic tale of Aladdin, with critics noting its transposition to 21st-century Shanghai. While some reviewers found the narrative predictable, others praised its colorful animation and its thoughtful, if occasionally underbaked, commentary on the socioeconomic disparities and the intense hustle culture defining modern life. The production itself was a collaborative effort, marking the first time Sony Pictures Animation partnered with Base Animation to create world-class content specifically for the Chinese market and international audiences.
The film's emotional core rests on the bond between Din and Long, as they face off against a trio of goons hired by Li Na's father to reclaim the teapot. The stakes escalate when the antagonist, Pockets, attempts to use the dragon's power for his own gain. Ultimately, the film serves as a meditation on friendship and sacrifice, with Long choosing to protect Din rather than pursue his own freedom. Following its release on Netflix in June 2021, the project garnered mixed to positive reviews, and a sequel is currently scheduled for release in the summer of 2027.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Wish Dragon
- Also: Wish Dragon
- Also: Wikidata — Wish Dragon · CC0
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