On - drakon

I was randomly sifting through films on Amazon Prime and came across this title. Thought I'd give it a whirl and was so pleased I did! I knew it had me hooked when I stopped fast forwarding (it's only a ten second jump) very early in the film. There is something about the scenery and 'feel' of the island that made it almost mystical. They haven't overdone the CGI; the dragon is realistic and beautiful. The acting is superb and the music lovely. The song Mira sings towards the end is magical and beautifully conveys the deep longing in her heart. If you like dragons, fantasy, and romance, this is a must.

(Please note: this review is by someone unfamiliar with Russian language, film industry, and ignorant of Russian folklore, fairy-tales, etc., lured into watching by the Beauty-and-the-Beast-like trailer without subtitles) Production design: sumptuous. Cast: enchanting. Artistic direction: magical. Script: at times witty with depth, not undermined by the lavish set and costumes. Pace: just right. Background music: soul-stirringly moving. Perfect film for cuddling with beloved, sharing with fellow romantics, and watching again. And again. (Personally, I enjoyed it even more when I re-watched without subtitles, and this is the first time ever I've done for a language I can't understand)

This was a stunning movie. It felt like a fairy tale from old Russia told through beautiful imagery and storytelling. As a non Russian speaker - the visuals and acting were only enhanced by the Russian language that sounded almost poetic and added to the romantic feel of the movie.

The cinematography was lovely and fit perfectly with with the story and the Russian actors were perfect for their roles. Their facial expressions truly brought the story to life.

It is nice to see Russia can make such movies and Hollywood could learn a thing or two from them !

Is this the "best" movie ever(?)... no! However (because my English grammar school teacher informed me never to start a sentence with 'But'), it does remind you that storytelling isn't a lost art.

This is a beautiful fable; a fantasy (like 'Never Ending Story') that you can be a part of. You know what's coming; you know what happens next... but you want to see the creators 'tell' the story. Love isn't lost...

It would be so easy to overlook this movie. The trailer alone is enough to turn you off as being a predictable sweet romance. It is that. But then it isn't. There's a simplicity and beauty and .... dare I say it ....humility to this movie that is quite simply captivating. It's disarming in its simplicity. It's beautifully filmed, beautifully acted and the music is magical. There are beautiful films that almost seem to parade their beauty: Look at me, they proclaim, look how gorgeous I am. There is none of that in this movie. It simply is. Unpretentious, yet moving. I would say this baby sister to the big sister charm of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. And that is a credit to both films - so completely different though they are.