Introduction
Since the release of the first ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movie in 2010, the series has captured the hearts of millions with its captivating storyline, relatable themes, and visually stunning animation.
From the coming-of-age story of a young Viking named Hiccup and his dragon Toothless, to the epic battle between humans and dragons, the franchise has left an indelible impact on the audience.
Listicle: 5 lessons you can learn from ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies to improve your human relationships
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies offer great live lessons about love, friendship and personal relationships. Here are some of the most valuable takeaways:
- Be open to new experiences: In the first movie, Hiccup and Toothless develop a relationship that is built on mutual trust and respect. Hiccup learns to see beyond the dragon’s physical appearance and embrace differences. He eventually shares the insight that he has gained from Toothless with his fellow Vikings, who learn to respect and coexist with the dragons.
- Respect others’ boundaries: Hiccup’s efforts to train Toothless teach him about the importance of respecting others’ boundaries. When Hiccup tries to force Toothless to do something that he is not comfortable with, it leads to a break in their friendship. Hiccup learns that respecting boundaries is crucial in any relationship, and it sets the foundation for trust.
- Communication is key: Communication is vital in every relationship. The ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies beautifully illustrate the power of communication. For instance, Hiccup and his Viking friends start to communicate with the dragons, learning about their likes and dislikes, and also discover ways to overcome problems. This establishes trust and deepens their friendship.
- Forgiveness is important: Forgiveness is a significant theme in ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies. The characters exhibit the vulnerability to forgive and to be forgiven. In the second film, Stoick forgives Valka for leaving him and Hiccup. Hiccup learns to forgive Valka for not being a part of his life. Such behavior motivates others to follow their lead and become better people.
- Understand that everyone has a unique journey: Everyone has their struggles and a distinctive path in life. In the third movie, Hiccup struggles to come to terms with the fact that Toothless has found love and may leave him. Hiccup understands that Toothless has to make his own choices, and his decision to let him go reflects growth in his character.
Comparison article: Why ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies are better than other animated franchises in recent years
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies are one of the most successful animated franchises in recent years. Here’s why:
- The world-building: The franchise expertly develops a fictional world inspired by Norse mythology, complete with details of Viking culture and the dynamics of dragons and humans.
- The strong character development: Over the course of the trilogy, Hiccup transforms from a shy boy to a confident young man who makes tough decisions. The secondary characters, including Astrid, Stoick, and Valka, also undergo significant development over the course of the films.
- The music and cinematography: John Powell’s uplifting soundtrack complements the stunning visuals, elevating the emotional impact of the narrative.
- The themes and messages: The ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies have strong themes of empathy, friendship, and learning to see beyond appearances. These messages make the movies relatable to a wide audience.
- The emotional impact: The movies balance humor, action, and emotional depth, making them a favorite for audiences of all ages.
Character analysis: The evolution of Hiccup’s character throughout the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ trilogy
Hiccup’s character evolution is at the heart of the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ trilogy. In each movie, Hiccup learns lessons about growing up and becoming a leader, and his character arc is a compelling journey.
In the first movie, Hiccup is presented as an outsider who does not fit in with the other Vikings. He is eager to prove himself but is often held back by his physical limitations. The discovery of Toothless and his friendship with the dragon help him begin to build his confidence.
In the second movie, Hiccup takes on more of a leadership role as he tries to unite the Vikings and the dragons. He is called upon to make difficult decisions, including the decision to let go of Toothless when he finds his mate.
In the final movie, Hiccup is a young man who has fully embraced his role as a leader. He is willing to put himself in danger to protect his people and is able to let go of Toothless when it becomes clear that it is in the best interest of the dragon. Hiccup’s journey is a powerful example of how one can grow and evolve over the course of a franchise.
Behind the scenes: How the animation team brought the dragons to life in the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies
The animation techniques used to bring the dragons to life in the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies are a significant reason why fans adore these films. Here are some of the techniques that the animation team used:
- Concept art: The team relied on concept art to create a realistic and unique look for each dragon. The art helped to provide inspiration and direction for the animators as they worked to bring each character to life.
- Reference materials: The animators placed great emphasis on studying real-life animals and reptiles. Dragons were given weights, allowing the team to have better control over the way they moved.
- Facial expressions: Dragons were given an expressive range of facial movements, which brought them closer to human personalities. This technique helped bring both dragons and Vikings to life, allowing audiences to identify with these characters on a deeper level.
The attention to detail and animation techniques used by the team have made the dragons in these movies feel real and lovable. They are more than just fictional creatures, but characters themselves with unique personalities and traits.
Hook article: Why ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies are a must-watch for every fantasy lover?
If you love fantasy, then the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies are a must-watch. Here’s why:
- The dragons: The movie’s dragons are one of the most compelling aspects of the movie. From Toothless, the movie’s heroic Night Fury, to the deadly giant Bewilderbeast, each dragon is unique and beautifully animated.
- The story: The movies tell a compelling story about a young boy who must prove himself to his people and find his place in the world. It’s a coming-of-age story that’s relatable and adventurous, and it’s perfect for fans of the fantasy genre.
- The relationships: The relationships in the movie- between the boy and his dragon, between Vikings, and between humans and dragons -make for an excellent and gripping storytelling experience. The characters are complex, their emotions relatable, and their believability makes the movie even more heart-touching.
- The animation: The movies’ animation is stunning, with breathtaking visuals of dragons flying over mountains and waterfalls. The filmmakers use the latest animation techniques to bring the dragons to life, and every frame is visually stunning.
Conclusion
The ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movies have made a significant impact on moviegoers, showcasing beautifully crafted stories with lovable characters. The franchise has shown that great stories transcend age, and it can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike.
Whether you’re looking for messages about love and friendship or simply looking to escape into a world of dragons, the movies have something for everyone. So, grab some popcorn, and let the movies take you on a journey that you won’t forget anytime soon.
As Hiccup said, “This is who we are, we may be small, but we are strong, we are Berk.” And the franchise will always hold a special place in people’s hearts because of what it has taught us about hope, resilience, and the power of imagination.