Let me start off by saying that The Crown and the Dragon is one of those rare movies that makes you forget it's a low-budget production. Which, in my humble opinion, is a reflection of good direction, cast and crew. The acting, location, and ambitious special effects (with a nod to all the other equally-important processes that go on behind the scenes), all worked together to pull off a very watchable flick with a commendable storyline.
That being said...
This is the story of a spoiled noble woman who comes of age in a conquered land, ravaged by war. She is an unwitting heroine with a surprise destiny.
Ellen Barethon's privileged lifestyle has ill-prepared her to survive in a world where the line between good and evil has become increasingly blurred. She experiences firsthand just what people will do in order to survive -- first as a witness, then as a participant as she herself becomes a fugitive.
Her transition from naive, pampered and arrogant young woman into someone more worthy of the noble destiny she is bound for, is forced upon her over the course of a few days. Guided in an intolerant, taming-of-the-shrew-like manner by her unlikely travel companion, Aiden, Ellen quickly learns to rethink her self-importance, reconsider her priorities, and to think and act quickly on her feet. Ultimately, her new-found courage and confidence drives her to complete her mission, oblivious to the fact that this is only just the beginning for her.
Without any formal training or preparation, or even knowledge and acceptance on her part, the viewer is left doubting until the very end whether or not she is capable of fulfilling her destiny. But this is what I liked most about the movie. Finally a heroine I could relate to. While there's no shortage these days of strong women figures in movies, what I've felt lacking is one that more of us can relate to and sympathize with.
And the morals our heroine learns along the way are reminders of what we ourselves have learned/are learning along our own life journeys. For example, the idea that nobility is not just a title or something one's born into, it's something that can reside within anyone from any walk of life, achieved by living a life of honor and virtue. Another favorite theme of mine is that it's never too late to redeem yourself. But so as not to provide any spoilers for those who haven't seen this film yet, I'll leave it at that.
I'm quickly becoming a fan of Anne Black, the director. Her movies promise a quality balancing act between storyline, actors and effects. Also, this was my first introduction to actors Amy De Bhrún (Ellen Barethon) and David Haydn (Aiden), both of whom I thought portrayed their characters magnificently. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for any future projects that involve these two.
