The Movie “How to Train Your Dragon”
Introduction
“How to Train Your Dragon” is a beloved animated film released in 2010, directed by Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders. Based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the movie tells the story of a young Viking boy who befriends a dragon and learns that dragons aren’t as fearsome as his people believe. The film is praised for its stunning animation, engaging story, and emotional depth.
Plot Overview
The film is set in a fictional Viking village called Berk, where the inhabitants are known for their dragon-fighting skills. The story follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a young Viking who doesn’t quite fit in with the traditional dragon-fighting ways of his tribe.
Main Characters
- Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III: Voiced by Jay Baruchel. Hiccup is the protagonist of the film. He is a curious and inventive young Viking who struggles to live up to his father’s expectations and the village’s dragon-fighting traditions.
- Toothless: The dragon who becomes Hiccup’s best friend. Toothless is a Night Fury, a rare and misunderstood dragon species. He is intelligent, gentle, and playful, and he forms a special bond with Hiccup.
- Stoick the Vast: Hiccup’s father, voiced by Gerard Butler. Stoick is the chief of the village and a skilled dragon hunter. He is strong and determined but struggles to understand Hiccup’s unconventional ways.
- Astrid Hofferson: Voiced by America Ferrera. Astrid is a skilled and brave Viking girl who initially views Hiccup as an outsider but eventually becomes his friend and ally.
- Gobber the Belch: Voiced by Craig Ferguson. Gobber is a mentor to Hiccup and a skilled blacksmith. He helps train the young Vikings and is supportive of Hiccup’s unique approach.
The Story
The film begins with Hiccup living in Berk, where dragons are considered fierce enemies that must be fought off. Hiccup wants to prove himself as a worthy Viking but lacks the skills and confidence of his peers. During a dragon attack, he uses a contraption he built to capture a dragon, which turns out to be a rare Night Fury named Toothless.
Instead of harming Toothless, Hiccup befriends him and learns that dragons are not the dangerous creatures they are thought to be. Hiccup discovers that Toothless is friendly and intelligent, and the two form a strong bond.
As Hiccup spends more time with Toothless, he learns about the true nature of dragons and their role in the ecosystem. He starts to challenge the village’s beliefs about dragons and finds a way to communicate and coexist with them peacefully.
The conflict escalates when the village faces a new threat: a massive dragon called the Red Death that controls other dragons and poses a serious danger to Berk. Hiccup, with the help of Toothless and his friends, devises a plan to defeat the Red Death and save the village.
Key Moments
- Hiccup’s Discovery: Hiccup captures Toothless and realizes that he can communicate with and befriend the dragon rather than fight him.
- Training Toothless: Hiccup and Toothless develop a unique bond as Hiccup trains the dragon and learns about his abilities. This sequence showcases their growing friendship and teamwork.
- Village Training: Hiccup tries to convince the villagers that dragons can be allies rather than enemies. He demonstrates this by showing them how he and Toothless can work together.
- The Red Death: The climactic battle involves the village confronting the Red Death. Hiccup and Toothless lead the effort to defeat the massive dragon and save Berk.
- Hiccup’s Transformation: By the end of the film, Hiccup has proven himself as a true leader who has changed the way his people view dragons, showing that understanding and friendship can overcome fear and conflict.
Impact and Legacy
“How to Train Your Dragon” was widely acclaimed for its beautiful animation, engaging story, and well-developed characters. The film was praised for its positive messages about acceptance, understanding, and the value of friendship.
The success of the film led to two sequels: “How to Train Your Dragon 2” (2014) and “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” (2019). Each sequel continues the story of Hiccup and Toothless, further exploring their adventures and the evolving relationship between dragons and humans.
The film also inspired a range of spin-off media, including television series, merchandise, and theme park attractions, making it a lasting favorite among audiences of all ages.
Conclusion
“How to Train Your Dragon” is a heartwarming and visually stunning film that tells the story of a young Viking who changes the world’s view of dragons through friendship and understanding. Its captivating story, memorable characters, and beautiful animation make it a timeless classic in animated cinema.