Wish Dragon

"Wish Dragon" tells the story of Din (voiced by Jimmy Wong), a determined working-class college student in modern-day Shanghai. For a decade, he has dreamed of reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Li Na (Natasha Liu Bordizzo), who moved away and now lives a life of glamour and wealth as a model. His life takes a magical turn when he is given an old teapot, out of which emerges Long (John Cho), a cynical and powerful wish-granting dragon.

Long informs Din that he will grant three wishes to his master, and Din is the tenth and final master who will free Long from his servitude. While Din hopes to use the wishes to simply reunite with his friend, he is pursued by a trio of goons hired by a mysterious figure to steal the teapot at any cost. Din, with the reluctant help of Long, who has been trapped in the teapot for a thousand years and is comically out of touch with the modern world, embarks on a chaotic and hilarious adventure.

The journey forces both Din and Long to confront what truly matters in life. Din must navigate the complexities of social class and wealth to restore his friendship, while Long, a former powerful and selfish lord, must learn the meaning of human connection to finally earn his passage to the spirit world. Their adventure becomes a heartfelt exploration of whether friendship is more valuable than any treasure imaginable.

The core meaning of "Wish Dragon" is a powerful affirmation that human connection, particularly friendship and family, holds more value than wealth, status, or material possessions. The film posits that true happiness and fulfillment are not found in gold or luxury, but in the selfless relationships we build and cherish. Director Chris Appelhans uses the narrative to explore how the pressures of modern society and the pursuit of success can make one lose sight of what is truly important. Through the parallel journeys of Din, who nearly loses his way seeking to impress his friend, and Long, who was cursed for his past selfishness, the film delivers a heartfelt message that the most valuable treasures in life are the bonds we share with others.

While the film's primary message is a straightforward critique of materialism, an alternative interpretation could view it as an allegory for the generational divide and cultural shifts in modern China. Din represents a younger generation grappling with whether to hold onto traditional values (community, family, simple living) or to pursue the aggressive, wealth-focused ambition that has defined China's rapid economic development, a path embodied by Li Na's father. Long, as a figure from the ancient past, acts as a moral compass, ultimately validating the older, more people-centric values.

Another reading could focus on the film's subtle commentary on celebrity culture. Li Na is not just rich; she is a product, a model whose image is carefully managed and advertised on giant billboards. Her unhappiness can be interpreted as a critique of a society that values image and influence over authentic selfhood. Her journey to reconnect with Din is a rejection of this manufactured identity, suggesting that true connection requires stepping away from the curated perfection of public life.

Finally, some critics have pointed out that despite its Chinese setting, the film's narrative structure and character archetypes still feel very Western, particularly in its adherence to Hollywood story beats. This interpretation suggests the film is less a pure Chinese story and more of a cultural hybrid—a Western fairytale structure dressed in Chinese aesthetics, made to be easily digestible for a global, Netflix-subscribing audience.

"Wish Dragon" serves as a significant example of a modern US-China co-production aiming for global appeal. Created during a period of transformative growth in China, the film uses the familiar "genie in a bottle" trope to tell a story deeply rooted in contemporary Shanghai culture. Director Chris Appelhans was committed to a degree of authenticity, living in China during production and working with a local studio, which helped infuse the film with culturally specific details, from the food to the depiction of family life in a Shikumen neighborhood.

Upon its release, the film was widely compared to Disney's "Aladdin." While some critics saw it as derivative, many praised it for successfully adapting the classic tale with a modern, Eastern sensibility that emphasized friendship over romance. The movie received generally positive reviews, with a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its heart, humor, and vibrant animation. It resonated with audiences as a heartwarming family film with strong moral messages about the importance of relationships over materialism.

Its release on Netflix gave it a wide international platform, contributing to a growing catalogue of globally-sourced animated features that expose viewers to different cultures. While not a cultural reset, "Wish Dragon" stands as a successful case study in cross-cultural filmmaking, demonstrating how universal themes can be effectively explored through a specific cultural lens, making it a noteworthy addition to the animated film landscape of the 2020s.

Audience reception for "Wish Dragon" was generally positive, with many viewers finding it to be a charming, funny, and heartwarming family film. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a high audience score, significantly higher in some cases than the critics' score. Viewers frequently praised the vibrant animation, the comedic timing of Long (voiced by John Cho), and the film's strong, positive messages about friendship and family being more important than money.

The main point of praise was the film's emotional core; many viewers connected with the genuine friendship between Din and Li Na and found the ending satisfying and touching. The Shanghai setting and integration of Chinese culture were also highlighted as refreshing aspects.

The most common point of criticism was the film's narrative similarity to Disney's "Aladdin." Some viewers felt the plot was predictable and derivative because of these parallels. A smaller number of critics and viewers also pointed to what they perceived as an "Americanization" of the story, with English-speaking characters using American accents and humor despite the Shanghai setting, which they felt detracted from the cultural authenticity.