Wish Dragon

In the animated fantasy comedy-drama film, Wish Dragon, we meet Din, a young teenager living in modern-day Shanghai. Din's life has taken a dramatic turn since meeting his best friend, Li; they used to explore the city and share adventures together, but circumstances have pulled them apart. Din is now a high school student struggling to balance his schoolwork with his love for art and his desire to reconnect with his childhood friend. Din is also facing family pressures. His single father, Bo, a former calligraphy artist turned motivational book author, has lost his inspiration and as a result, his recent books lack the emotional depth that once made them so popular. Din's mother passed away when he was young, and he feels the loss even more deeply now that his family's life has changed. Feeling the need to support his family, Din decides to learn more about his father's past hopes and dreams, hoping that understanding him better will help him find his own path. One day, while shopping for supplies at a local market, Din stumbles upon a small, magical old dragon figurine in a dusty antique shop. Unbeknownst to Din, this figurine holds the key to his wish-granting adventure. When he discovers that the figurine is, in fact, a magical lamp containing the ancient wish-granting dragon Long Wang, Din's life is forever changed. Long Wang, with a witty and endearing personality, appears as a genie from the lamp, and the magical partnership begins. As they bond, Long Wang reveals that he has been sleeping in the lamp for centuries, guarding the dreams of people who have forgotten their own true desires. He tells Din that he is granted one wish, with the stipulation that the wish should be for something that genuinely improves or changes his life – albeit in some imperceptible way or indirectly. Initially, Din's insecurities cloud his vision as he hovers between dreams and reality, leading him to dwell on wishes of vast wealth or fame. But Long Wang skillfully steers Din in the right direction, instead suggesting that he take advantage of this magical opportunity to live his dreams and goals in his life. As they journey through the streets of Shanghai, Dim reflects on his relationships and pursuits, examining the desire for the fantastical wonders that fantasy and dreams spark within him. This, combined with guidance from the intuitive Long Wang, ultimately teaches Dim about respecting his relationships with others, rather than coveting short-lived gains. Meanwhile, Dim becomes increasingly obsessed with reconnecting with Li, whom he befriends at school. Din and Long Wang work together to turn his reunion fantasy into reality. Their attempts to bring the two friends back together lead to humorous misadventures, delightful escapades, and other complications. As their friendship blossoms once more, Din turns to Long Wang with another big wish. This time, with a combination of honesty and courage, Din plans to use his newfound magic to set his father right on his artistic path. Finding courage in the friendship, Din's father takes up the brush again to learn once more and understand his true self. Combining elements of adventure and self-discovery, Wish Dragon focuses on themes of genuine love and friendships, underlining the importance of following one's desires and breaking barriers. Together, Long Wang and Din's incredible stories showcase the transformative power of determination, friendship, and family love.