Review: How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

A Thrilling, Heartwarming Tale of Friendship, Courage, and Personal Growth

How to Train Your Dragon (2010), directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, is a masterful animated film from DreamWorks that blends heart-pounding action, beautiful animation, and a touching coming-of-age story. Based on the book by Cressida Cowell, the film transports audiences to the mythical Viking village of Berk, where dragons are considered deadly enemies. At its core, however, the film is a celebration of friendship, courage, and challenging preconceived notions about the world around you. With stunning visuals, memorable characters, and a powerful emotional journey, How to Train Your Dragon stands out as one of the best animated films of its time.

Plot Overview

The story takes place in the Viking village of Berk, a place plagued by dragons that frequently raid the community. Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) is a young Viking boy who doesn’t quite fit in with his warrior-focused village. His father, Stoick the Vast (Gerard Butler), is the chief of Berk and wants Hiccup to follow in his footsteps as a fearsome dragon slayer. However, Hiccup is more interested in invention and thinking outside the box rather than traditional Viking ways.

When Hiccup manages to capture a mysterious dragon, Toothless, he discovers that not all dragons are the vicious creatures that the villagers believe them to be. Instead, Toothless is intelligent, gentle, and in need of a friend. Hiccup’s relationship with Toothless grows as he learns to communicate with the dragon, leading him to question the longstanding animosity between Vikings and dragons.

As Hiccup trains Toothless, he uncovers the truth about dragons and their role in the world, while facing the internal and external conflict of trying to prove himself to his father and the village. The film builds toward an epic battle against a massive dragon, where Hiccup must choose between loyalty to his village and his newfound understanding of the creatures they once feared.

The Good: Stunning Animation, Rich Characters, and Emotional Depth

1. Breathtaking Animation and Visuals
The animation in How to Train Your Dragon is nothing short of spectacular. DreamWorks animators have created a vivid and immersive world, filled with sweeping landscapes, towering mountains, and lush forests. The dragon designs are incredibly imaginative, with each dragon having its own unique personality and abilities. The film’s action sequences, particularly the aerial flights with Toothless, are exhilarating, with stunning visuals that make you feel as if you’re soaring through the skies alongside the characters.

The use of 3D technology enhances the beauty of the flying scenes, making them an unforgettable cinematic experience. The motion and detail in the dragons, especially the fluidity of Toothless’ movements, are a testament to the dedication to creating a realistic and magical world.

2. Hiccup’s Journey: A Relatable Protagonist
Hiccup is a wonderfully relatable protagonist, and his journey is at the heart of the film’s emotional power. As a young Viking who doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a warrior, Hiccup feels like an outsider in his own village. His internal conflict of wanting to please his father and live up to expectations, while also forging his own path, resonates with viewers of all ages. Hiccup’s awkwardness and vulnerability make him a character that is easy to root for, and his growth throughout the film is both inspiring and heartwarming.

Jay Baruchel’s voice acting brings Hiccup to life, capturing the character’s mix of humor, intelligence, and determination. Hiccup’s relationship with Toothless, which begins with tentative trust and grows into a deep, unbreakable bond, is a highlight of the film and gives the story its emotional core.

3. Toothless: A Memorable and Endearing Character
Toothless, the dragon that Hiccup befriends, is one of the most memorable characters in the film. The design of Toothless is both fierce and adorable, with his sleek black body, bright green eyes, and expressive face. His personality shines through in his interactions with Hiccup, and the connection between the two characters is genuine and heartfelt.

Toothless is a symbol of trust and loyalty, and his bond with Hiccup evolves throughout the film from one of mutual curiosity to deep friendship. The relationship between Hiccup and Toothless is a central theme of the film, demonstrating the power of understanding and empathy, even when it comes to creatures that are initially seen as enemies.

4. Strong Supporting Cast
The supporting characters in How to Train Your Dragon add depth and flavor to the story. Stoick, Hiccup’s father, is a stern but loving character who wants what’s best for his son, though his rigid worldview initially creates tension between them. Gerard Butler’s deep voice adds authority and gravitas to the character, and Stoick’s emotional journey mirrors Hiccup’s own.

Astrid (America Ferrera), a fellow Viking who initially sees Hiccup as weak, becomes an important ally as she eventually recognizes his strength and leadership qualities. The film does a great job of portraying Astrid as a strong, independent character, and her relationship with Hiccup evolves naturally over the course of the story.

Other supporting characters, including Gobber (Craig Ferguson), the village blacksmith, and the various Viking trainees, bring humor and warmth to the film. The cast of characters adds a sense of community and togetherness, showing how Hiccup’s journey is not just about his individual growth but also about changing the way his entire village views the dragons.

The Weaknesses: Villain Underdevelopment and Predictability

1. The Main Villain: The Red Dragon
While the film excels in character development and emotional storytelling, the main antagonist, the Red Dragon, is somewhat underdeveloped. While the Red Dragon presents a significant threat to the village, its motivations aren’t explored in much detail, and its character feels more like a plot device to propel the story toward its climax rather than a fully fleshed-out villain.

The focus of the film is clearly on Hiccup’s internal struggle and his relationship with Toothless, so the lack of depth in the Red Dragon’s character is understandable. However, a more nuanced exploration of this antagonist could have made the final battle feel more emotionally weighty.

2. Predictability in Story Beats
While the film’s overall structure is solid, certain story beats may feel predictable, particularly for viewers familiar with classic coming-of-age tales. The tension between Hiccup and his father, as well as the inevitable moment of reconciliation, follows a familiar pattern. While these moments are still emotionally resonant, the film doesn’t necessarily break new ground in terms of narrative structure.

However, the emotional payoff of these moments is so well-executed that the predictability doesn’t detract too much from the overall enjoyment of the film.

Themes and Messages

At its heart, How to Train Your Dragon is about challenging preconceived notions, overcoming personal limitations, and embracing differences. Hiccup’s journey represents the idea that true strength comes not from brute force or following tradition, but from understanding, empathy, and creativity. His relationship with Toothless exemplifies the idea that enemies can become allies, and that preconceived notions can be shattered when one is open to new possibilities.

The film also explores themes of family and self-discovery. Hiccup’s relationship with his father, Stoick, is central to the story, and their evolving understanding of each other represents the broader theme of growth and reconciliation. The film’s message is that we are all capable of change, and that courage often lies in taking a different path than the one expected of us.

Standout Moments

• Hiccup’s First Flight with Toothless
  The sequence where Hiccup and Toothless soar through the sky together for the first time is one of the most exhilarating moments in the film. The combination of breathtaking animation, soaring music, and the sense of freedom and trust between Hiccup and Toothless makes this scene a standout.
• The Final Confrontation with the Red Dragon
  The final battle against the Red Dragon is both thrilling and emotional, as Hiccup must put everything he’s learned into action. It’s a culmination of his growth as a leader and his relationship with Toothless, making it a satisfying conclusion to the film.

Final Thoughts

How to Train Your Dragon is an emotionally resonant, visually stunning film that combines breathtaking animation with a heartfelt story of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. Hiccup’s journey, supported by his bond with Toothless, is both touching and inspiring. While the film’s villain is somewhat underdeveloped, the emotional depth, character development, and action make it an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Rating: 9/10

A beautifully animated and emotionally fulfilling film that appeals to both children and adults, How to Train Your Dragon is a must-see for anyone who loves adventure, heart, and meaningful storytelling.