Wish Dragon - Ending Explained

In "Wish Dragon," the central twist revolves around the motivations of the antagonists and the ultimate fate of the wish dragon, Long. Initially, Din is pursued by three goons, led by a man named Pockets, and it's assumed they work for a powerful, unknown villain. However, it is revealed that they were hired by Li Na's own father, Mr. Wang. His business is failing, and in a desperate attempt to maintain their lavish lifestyle for his daughter, he sought the magical teapot. This reveal adds a layer of tragic complexity to his character, as his flawed actions stem from a misguided sense of love and responsibility.

The plot takes a darker turn when Pockets betrays Mr. Wang, seizes the teapot, and wishes to turn everything he touches to gold. During the climactic struggle, Pockets causes Mr. Wang to fall from a great height, mortally wounding him. In the final confrontation between Din and Pockets on Long's back, Long sacrifices himself to save Din from Pockets' golden touch. As they fall, Pockets accidentally touches himself, turning to gold and shattering, while Long's golden statue sinks into a river.

The ending provides a profound resolution. Long, in his human form, arrives at the gates of the spirit world. For his selfless sacrifice, he is finally granted entry. However, realizing his journey with Din is incomplete, he pleads to return. The guardian of the gate agrees on one condition. Long reappears before Din, who then uses his third and final wish to bring Mr. Wang back to life. In the epilogue, Mr. Wang, having learned his lesson, starts a humble restaurant with Din's mother. Din and Li Na are happily working together, their friendship restored. Din discovers the teapot again and finds Long, who reveals the condition of his return was to serve ten more masters. After a heartfelt goodbye, Din places the teapot on a cart driven by the old man from the beginning—the guardian of the spirit world in disguise—to find its next master.

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.