Jeri Jacquin

Coming this week to DVD from director Jianping Li, Salvador Simo and SHOUT! Studios comes the magical tale of a girl who is the DRAGONKEEPER.

Ping (Mayalinee Griffith) is a young orphaned girl who is living as a servant during the Han Dynasty in China and in a mysterious mountain place. Along with her furry four-legged friend, Ping takes it upon herself to deliver a basket of fruits and vegetables. Having to perform a rescue deep down inside a castle, Ping meets a beautiful pair of dragons who show her an egg and seem to communicate with her.

When the Emperor’s (Paul McEwan) men come for one of the dragon’s, Ping wants to help save the egg and the dragon Danzi (Bill Nighy). When Master Lan (Tony Jayawardena) captures the egg, Ping and Danzi make it their goal to find it before the Emperor uses it in a deceptive way.

It is a long journey but the two unlikely friends learn so much about each other and the importance of protecting the innocent!

DRAGONKEEPER is such a wonderful tale about learning who you are, the importance of friendship and loyalty, being responsible to those who need protection the most. These are so important to children who feel they don’t quite yet understand their place in the great big world. The story of dragons always captures the hearts of children (and let’s not forget adults because I count myself as one of them!) with their ability to be stunningly beautiful and imaginative.

Ping is charming and is not only high spirited but full of life in the way she sees her world. Once she begins to understand the awesome responsibility for a dragon egg, her purpose as a Dragonkeeper gives her motivation to do the right thing. I absolutely love the connection between Ping and Danzi with their rough edges and fierce energy.

Other cast include Anthony Howell as Diao, Sarah Lam as Lao Ma, Andrew Leung as Kwan, Anthony Luke as Walla, Jonathan Mellors as Hua Hua, Felix Rosen as Prince, Colin Ryan as Rat Face, Jacqueline Chan as Diao’s Mother, Beth Chamers as Lu Yu and Billy Bailey as Wang Chao.

SHOUT! Studios has grown into a tremendous multi-platform media company. Releasing new animated features such as the exquisite Long Way North, and the epic fantasy Beauty and The Beast. Also, their own original horror film, Fender Bender gives fans a good scare. For more of what SHOUT! Studios has to offer please visit www.shoutfactory.com.

Viva Pictures Distribution Company, is a distinguished film production studio and distributor, committed to providing world-class family entertainment for global audiences. With its own animation studio based in the Canary Islands and a rich portfolio of animated films, Viva Pictures strives to captivate and engage audiences worldwide, fostering a love for storytelling across all ages.

DRAGONKEEPER is stunningly animated from start to finish with its rich colors and vivid scenery. The story is based on the 2003 fantasy novel by Carole Wilkinson published by Black Dog Books. There are seven books in the DRAGONKEEPER series and now my own granddaughter wants to read them all and its because of this amazing film.

There is so much to enjoy about the film and it is especially geared toward (and I highly recommend) families to see together. Experience the joy and the adventure in this truly wonderful story of a connection that goes far beyond the world she knows.

In the end – she learns about her own destiny!

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