Raya's First Encounter with Sisu, Reelive

Raya
Raya

Are you really the last dragon?

Sisu
Sisu

Yep! The last dragon. In the flesh!

Raya
Raya

I’m pretty sure you’re just a big snake.

Sisu
Sisu

Uh, no offense, but you’re not in a position to judge on appearances.

Raya
Raya

I’m gonna need you to prove you’re a dragon.

Sisu
Sisu

Fine! Watch this!

Sisu
Sisu

Sisu’s number one rule: always look fabulous!

Raya
Raya

Fab? This isn’t about looks. We need your help!

Trust Issues, Reelive

Sisu
Sisu

You think trust is an easy thing?

Raya
Raya

It’s not. But we don’t have a choice.

Sisu
Sisu

What was it like, you know, before?

Raya
Raya

Peaceful. We were a family.

Sisu
Sisu

Sounds nice. And now?

Raya
Raya

Now? Now we’re broken.

The Journey Begins, Reelive

Raya
Raya

I’m going to find the last gem.

Sisu
Sisu

Careful! Gems can be dangerous.

Raya
Raya

So can dragons.

Sisu
Sisu

Touché! But I promise I won’t bite.

Raya
Raya

Your word means a lot.

Sisu
Sisu

And so does yours! Let’s do this!

Facing Betrayal, Reelive

Raya
Raya

You betrayed me!

Sisu
Sisu

I didn’t mean to!

Raya
Raya

Then why did you?

Sisu
Sisu

I thought it was the right decision!

Raya
Raya

You can’t keep making decisions for everyone!

Sisu
Sisu

I was only trying to help!

Healing Together, Reelive

Raya
Raya

I didn't think I could feel this way.

Sisu
Sisu

Feel what?

Raya
Raya

Hope. After all that’s happened.

Sisu
Sisu

Hope is like a gem—rare and precious.

Raya
Raya

But hard to find.

Sisu
Sisu

Then let’s search for it together.

A Moment of Humor, Reelive

Sisu
Sisu

Being a dragon is great! Imagine flying through the clouds!

Raya
Raya

Yeah, I’d probably freak out.

Sisu
Sisu

What are you talking about? You’re all about adventure!

Raya
Raya

Adventure is different from flying!

Sisu
Sisu

Fair point. But imagine the views!

Raya
Raya

Amazing. If I survive the fall!

Choosing Trust, Reelive

Raya
Raya

I want to trust you, but...

Sisu
Sisu

But you’re scared.

Raya
Raya

What if I make the wrong choice?

Sisu
Sisu

Then we learn from it. That’s what we do.

Raya
Raya

It’s not that simple.

Sisu
Sisu

It can be, if you let it.

Final Confrontation, Reelive

Sisu
Sisu

Raya! You have to believe in yourself!

Raya
Raya

What if I fail?

Sisu
Sisu

Then we get back up and try again!

Raya
Raya

But what if it’s too late?

Sisu
Sisu

It’s never too late as long as you keep fighting!

Raya
Raya

Okay, I’m ready.

The Importance of Unity, Reelive

Raya
Raya

We have to unite.

Sisu
Sisu

You really think they’ll listen?

Raya
Raya

They need to. We can’t let the past divide us.

Sisu
Sisu

You’ve grown, haven't you?

Raya
Raya

We all have to grow together.

Sisu
Sisu

Then let’s start now.

Hope Against Fear, Reelive

Raya
Raya

It’s hard to be hopeful.

Sisu
Sisu

I get it. Fear is easier.

Raya
Raya

Then why have hope?

Sisu
Sisu

Because hope means there’s a chance for change.

Raya
Raya

What if we get hurt?

Sisu
Sisu

Then we heal. We fight for a better tomorrow.

The Power of Belief, Reelive

Sisu
Sisu

Belief is powerful, Raya.

Raya
Raya

But it feels like a gamble.

Sisu
Sisu

Maybe it is. But what’s life without a little risk?

Raya
Raya

Life or death is a pretty big risk.

Sisu
Sisu

True, but it can also lead to amazing things.

Raya
Raya

Like reuniting Kumandra?

Sisu
Sisu

Exactly!

Moments of Reflection, Reelive

Sisu
Sisu

Being the last is lonely.

Raya
Raya

You’re not alone anymore.

Sisu
Sisu

But what happens if I fail?

Raya
Raya

Then you won’t be alone in that either.

Sisu
Sisu

You really believe that?

Raya
Raya

Yes. We've got each other's backs.

The Final Stand, Reelive

Raya
Raya

This is it. We either do this or lose everything.

Sisu
Sisu

I’m scared, Raya.

Raya
Raya

So am I.

Sisu
Sisu

What if it doesn't work?

Raya
Raya

Then we’ll find another way.

Sisu
Sisu

Together?

Raya
Raya

Always.

A New Beginning, Reelive

Sisu
Sisu

We did it! We really did it!

Raya
Raya

I can’t believe it.

Sisu
Sisu

What do you want to do now?

Raya
Raya

Help others.

Sisu
Sisu

That’s a great idea!

Raya
Raya

Let’s make Kumandra a place for everyone.

Hope Restored, Reelive

Raya
Raya

We’ve all made mistakes.

Sisu
Sisu

But we can learn from them.

Raya
Raya

I’d rather walk together than alone.

Sisu
Sisu

Agreed. Against all odds.

Raya
Raya

Together is better.

Sisu
Sisu

The first step is to believe!

Raya

You have to trust your instincts, and you have to trust every single person who is a part of your team.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

We need to work together... or we will fight each other.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

My heart is not a weapon. It’s a gift.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

You are worth fighting for.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Sisu

What do you want to be remembered for?

Sisu

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Sisu

You can’t give up hope. We can’t do this alone.

Sisu

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

I’ll never stop fighting for you.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

The world is broken because of us, but it can also be healed by us.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

Fear is not our enemy. It can be a good motivator.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

My family has been divided for too long. It’s time we come together.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

We have to face the darkness together, if we want to defeat it.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

Hope is like a thread; it can unravel if it's not held tight.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

We can’t let fear consume us.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

Finding trust is the hardest thing to do.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

Together we can make the impossible possible.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

People can change; we just have to give them a chance.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

You are brave. You are strong. You are a part of this family.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

Sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Sisu

Every time we unite, we can create magic.

Sisu

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

No more running. We stand and fight.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

Trust takes time, but it’s worth it.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

We may be different, but together we are strong.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

The past can't be changed, but the future is ours to shape.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive
Raya

Something worth fighting for is worth taking a risk for.

Raya

Raya and the Last Dragon, Reelive

Lead the Way

Lead the Way by Jhené Aiko, Played during key moments of self-discovery

All of My Friends

All of My Friends by Ariana DeBose, Baby Ariel, and more, Used in the closing credits


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Raya Meets Sisu

In a moment filled with hope and wonder, Raya finally finds Sisu, the last dragon. The lush colors and playful animation create an engaging visual experience. Their first interaction is mixed with skepticism and excitement, illustrating the different perspectives on trust. This pivotal moment signifies the start of Raya's journey with Sisu, emphasizing themes of belief and friendship.

Context: Raya has been searching for Sisu to help unite the fractured lands of Kumandra and defeat the Druun.

The Betrayal

The tension escalates when Raya’s trust is betrayed by Namaari during the meeting to reclaim the Dragon Gem. The scene is filled with swirling emotions as friendships are tested and hearts break. The sound of the gem shattering is haunting, marking a turning point in the film's narrative.

Context: Raya's quest is deeply tied to uniting the tribes of Kumandra, and Namaari’s betrayal sets off a chain of tragic events.

Raya Finds Her Dad

In a tender flashback, we see young Raya with her father, Chief Benja, who teaches her about trust and unity. This moment is layered with warmth and nostalgia, highlighting the deep bond they share. It becomes particularly poignant as we later witness the loss that impacts Raya’s character arc.

Context: The relationship between Raya and her father establishes her motives and the importance of unity throughout the film.

Sisu's Transformation

Sisu transforms into a human for the first time, showcasing her playful personality. The colors burst to life, and the joyous music adds a layer of whimsy. This moment is essential as it marks a shift in their dynamic, beginning a new partnership filled with laughter and learning.

Context: Sisu’s transformation signifies the idea that trust can lead to unexpected friendships.

The Heart-Wrenching Loss

Raya and Sisu experience profound loss when Sisu sacrifices herself to save Raya and the others from the Druun. The animation beautifully captures the weight of this moment, with dark and somber tones that amplify the grief and desperation. Raya's tear-filled eyes communicate her heartbreak and the stakes of their quest.

Context: This moment deepens the struggle within Raya as she faces the loss of a friend and the weight of leadership.

Raya's Moment of Doubt

In a quiet forest, Raya reflects on her journey, questioning her choices and the futility of her quest. The soft, ambient sounds and muted colors draw viewers into her emotional turmoil. This scene allows audiences to connect deeply with Raya's sense of isolation and doubt.

Context: This moment highlights the challenges of leading and the toll it takes on characters who bear such responsibilities.

The Final Stand

In the climactic battle, Raya channels her inner strength, rallying others to fight against the Druun. The intensity peaks as the animation portrays breathtaking action, while the score elevates the emotions. This is where Raya learns the power of unity and collaboration.

Context: This confrontation is critical for the universe’s survival and represents all that Raya has fought for.

Sisu's Wisdom

In a heartfelt exchange, Sisu shares valuable lessons about trust and vulnerability. The visuals shift to serene, glowing surroundings that embody Sisu’s wisdom. This dialogue is meaningful as it encapsulates the core message of the film.

Context: Sisu's words serve as a guiding light for Raya and the audience, emphasizing the importance of coming together.

The Power of Forgiveness

Raya extends forgiveness to Namaari, solidifying their alliance. The animation slows, capturing the moment's gravity as emotions hang in the air. This act symbolizes healing and the overcoming of deep-rooted animosities.

Context: Raya's choice reflects her growth and reinforces the film's message about the necessity of forgiveness for unity.

The Reunion of the Tribes

The tribes come together to honor Sisu after the battle, showcasing colorful celebrations and heartwarming interactions. The visuals are filled with joy, demonstrating a collective step towards unity. This moment embodies the film's triumphant message about collaboration.

Context: This scene wraps up the narrative, illustrating the importance of community and togetherness.

Raya's Growth

Raya delivers a heartfelt speech at the end, declaring her belief in a united Kumandra. The camera captures her determination, as the surrounding characters react with enthusiasm. This moment represents her transformation from a lone warrior to a hopeful leader.

Context: Raya’s evolution feels complete as she moves from isolation to embracing connection with others.

The Rescue Attempt

Raya courageously attempts to rescue Sisu from the Druun, showcasing her bravery and love. The visuals are charged with tension, as danger looms around. This scene is crucial for highlighting the strong bond between the characters.

Context: Raya’s determination reinforces the depth of her commitment to Sisu and their mission.

A Mother's Love

Namaari’s mother tries to protect her daughter from the pain of conflict, revealing her own struggles as a leader. The emotional weight of her words strikes a chord, highlighting the complexities of familial bonds amid chaos. This moment connects two opposing characters on a deeper level.

Context: This scene illustrates the ripple effects of conflict on families and the sacrifices made for love.

The First Encounter

When Raya meets each tribe for the first time, the animation showcases unique designs, colors, and cultures. Each interaction is tinged with suspicion and hope, reflecting Raya's mission to restore trust. The diverse visuals draw the audience into the richness of Kumandra.

Context: These encounters set the stage for the complexities involved in uniting the tribes.

Raya's Reflection

After a particularly tough battle, Raya looks at the scar on her palm, a reminder of the sacrifices made along her journey. The soft lighting casts a poignant shadow, emphasizing her internal conflict. This moment invites viewers to consider the cost of leadership.

Context: Raya’s journey is fraught with pain, and this scene humanizes her struggles.

Sisu and the Water

Sisu floats effortlessly on water, embodying serenity and wit. This moment is visually stunning, full of bright colors that symbolize freedom. Their playful back-and-forth provides comic relief while deepening their bond, establishing a friendship built on trust.

Context: This scene showcases the relationship between Raya and Sisu as they navigate the challenges ahead.

The Dragon Gem's Legacy

As the gem glows to life, Raya realizes its deeper meaning and potential to heal. The scene is shot with close-ups of emotions on the characters’ faces, revealing hope and unity. This realization becomes a turning point in the fight against the Druun.

Context: The gem symbolizes both the past struggles and the future potential of Kumandra.

Sisu's Courage

Sisu takes a bold step forward in the face of danger, demonstrating that courage can come in many forms. The animation captures her bravery, and the surrounding characters' awe reflects her change from a myth to a real hero. This moment is empowering and transformative.

Context: Sisu embodies the spirit of hope and bravery that's essential to overcoming obstacles.

The Quiet Before the Storm

Before the final confrontation, Raya and her companions share quiet moments of reflection and camaraderie. The soft color palette and gentle music create a serene atmosphere, contrasting the impending conflict. This scene amplifies the emotional stakes, as audiences sense the gathering storm.

Context: Amidst the chaos, this tranquil moment highlights the characters' bond.

Raya's Realization

Raya realizes that isolation has only led to more conflict. As she stands atop a cliff overlooking Kumandra, her expression shifts from determination to understanding. This scene's cinematography beautifully captures her transition, symbolizing growth.

Context: This realization is pivotal in shaping her commitment to uniting the people of Kumandra.

The Last Goodbye

The moment when Raya says goodbye to Sisu is a heart-wrenching farewell. The animation lends a surreal quality, and the emotional weight is palpable. The visuals fade into darkness, encapsulating loss and the need for remembrance.

Context: This loss underscores the film’s themes about sacrifice and the bonds formed along the journey.

The Strength of Unity

Raya stands shoulder to shoulder with the once-hostile tribes against the Druun. The colors explode in a triumphant display, embodying unity. This powerful moment solidifies the film's message about the importance of coming together.

Context: This scene encapsulates the film’s emotional and thematic peak – the victory of collaboration.

Choosing To Trust

As Raya extends her hand to Namaari, the tension is thick in the air. The moment stretches, dissolving fears as they choose to trust each other. The colors mirror the shifting dynamics, moving from dark to vibrant, signifying hope. This is a pivotal moment that marks a path toward healing.

Context: Choosing to trust captures the essence of Raya’s journey and the transformative power of vulnerability.

Hope Rekindled

In the final moments, as Sisu reappears and the tribes rejoice, the air fills with laughter and life. Bright visuals signify renewal and the rekindling of hope. This beautifully animated scene captures the essence of joy and community.

Context: This culmination reflects the film’s overarching theme: hope can rise from even the darkest places.


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Casting Kelly Marie Tran

Kelly Marie Tran was cast as the voice of Raya after an extensive search for someone who could bring both strength and vulnerability to the character.

Why it matters: Tran's ability to convey deep emotional range added significant depth to Raya, making her relatable as a reluctant hero facing insurmountable odds.

The Importance of Southeast Asian Culture

Filmmakers worked closely with cultural experts from Southeast Asia to accurately represent the diverse cultures in Kumandra.

Why it matters: This grounded the film in authenticity, allowing audiences to connect with the world of Kumandra, and fostering appreciation for Southeast Asian cultures.

Inspiration from Mixed Media

The animation style of 'Raya and the Last Dragon' drew from a blend of traditional 2D techniques and modern 3D animation to evoke a storybook feel.

Why it matters: This unique visual approach enhanced the storytelling, allowing the fantasy elements to stand out while still feeling rooted in realism.

A New Type of Dragon

Sisu, the dragon, was designed to defy traditional dragon tropes, featuring a more playful and whimsical nature which mirrors her character arc.

Why it matters: By deviating from the fierce dragon archetype, Sisu provides a refreshing contrast and emotional balance, attracting a younger audience.

Vocal Performances During the Pandemic

The voice recordings for the film took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring actors to record from their homes.

Why it matters: Despite these challenges, the performances still retained a natural camaraderie, showcasing the professionalism and adaptability of the cast.

A Personal Journey

Co-director Carlos López Estrada infused personal elements into the script, reflecting his experiences with identity and belonging.

Why it matters: This personal touch brought emotional weight to the narrative, resonating with viewers who may face similar struggles in their own lives.

Real-Time Emotional Animation

Disney utilized advanced performance capture technology to translate the actors’ emotional expressions into the animation.

Why it matters: This allowed the animators to capture nuanced performances, making characters more relatable and dynamic in their emotional arcs.

Deep World-Building

The world of Kumandra was meticulously designed, with each of the five lands representing different aspects of its culture and themes.

Why it matters: This depth in world-building enriches the audience's understanding of each character's motivations, enhancing thematic complexity.

The Role of Friendship

Creating the bond between Raya and Sisu was a focal point, emphasizing themes of trust and collaboration amidst adversity.

Why it matters: This core relationship serves as the emotional heart of the story, resonating with audiences about the importance of friendship and unity.

Influence of Martial Arts

The animation team studied various martial arts forms to create authentic and fluid action sequences for Raya's fighting style.

Why it matters: This not only showcased Raya's skills but also respects and celebrates martial arts as an integral component of the character's identity.

Designing Namaari's Character

Namaari's character was crafted as a complex antagonist, showing her motivations and struggles rather than presenting her as purely evil.

Why it matters: This complexity provides a richer narrative experience that encourages viewers to empathize with her perspective, challenging traditional villain roles.

Environmental Themes

The destruction of Kumandra's lands symbolizes broader themes of environmentalism and the consequences of division.

Why it matters: This underlying message aligns with contemporary global issues, adding relevancy and depth that prompts audience reflection.

The Music of 'Raya'

Composer James Newton Howard collaborated with local musicians to blend traditional Southeast Asian sounds into the score.

Why it matters: This fusion created an immersive auditory experience that complements the film's visual elements and enriches its cultural authenticity.

Cameos and Easters Eggs

The production team included subtle nods to previous Disney films, creating a sense of continuity and connection for long-time fans.

Why it matters: These easter eggs serve as delightful surprises for attentive fans, deepening their engagement with the broader Disney universe.

Underwater Animation Techniques

Innovative techniques were developed for the sequences involving water, allowing animators to depict realistic water dynamics.

Why it matters: The stunning visuals create a breathtaking experience, drawing audiences further into the magical world of Kumandra.

On-Screen LGBTQ Representation

The film subtly includes LGBTQ+ representation, particularly through the character interactions and community themes.

Why it matters: This inclusivity adds layers to the narrative, promoting acceptance and diverse representations within animated films.

Raya's Weapon Design

Raya's weaponry was designed not only for combat but to embody her character's cultural heritage and personality.

Why it matters: The thoughtful design reflects her values and background, making her character more authentic and relatable to the audience.

Collaboration Across Borders

Filmmakers collaborated with Southeast Asian communities worldwide, gaining insights into various cultures, myths, and histories.

Why it matters: This global perspective resulted in a richly textured narrative, making the film resonate with diverse audiences.

Sibling Dynamics

Raya's relationship with her father and her connection with her people were influenced by director Don Hall's own relationships.

Why it matters: These personal insights allowed the exploration of familial bonds to feel genuine, enhancing emotional stakes throughout the film.

Visual Contrast in Scenery

The filmmakers created distinct visual styles for different lands of Kumandra to highlight the division in the world and its cultures.

Why it matters: This visual storytelling device effectively illustrates the themes of unity versus division, reinforcing the film's core message.

Artistic Visual Research

The art team traveled to Southeast Asia to conduct visual research, documenting landscapes, architecture, and everyday life.

Why it matters: This immersive research ensured authenticity in storytelling and visual representation, setting a respectful tone for the film.

The Last Dragon's Role

Sisu's role as the last dragon was originally conceived as merely a side character, evolving into a central figure throughout the story.

Why it matters: This shift allowed the narrative’s exploration of themes around loss, hope, and regeneration to flourish through her character's journey.

Humor in Serious Situations

The writers intentionally infused humor into tense moments to provide levity and balance the film's more serious themes.

Why it matters: This approach ensures that audiences of all ages can engage with the story, making it accessible and enjoyable.

Diverse Character Designs

Character designs were influenced by various cultural elements within Southeast Asia, resulting in a cast with varied appearances and styles.

Why it matters: This representation emphasizes diversity, making it a more inclusive animated feature that reflects a spectrum of identities.


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First Blood

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