Dragonheart
Filmed in the Republic of Slovakia, Dragonheart is a classic tale of good versus evil. Before the year 1,000, the world was populated with dragons which lived by a code of honor that they taught to the warrior knights. But the Knights and Kings have forgotten the code.
Bowen, a follower of the old ways and a professional dragonslayer, tries to teach young Prince Einon to be better than his tyrant father. When Einon's father is killed by a bunch of peasants, it turns out that Einon is more of a tyrant than dad ever was. In the end, Bowen teams up with Kara, her less than enthusiastic army of peasants, and the last living dragon (all the others having been slain, several by Bowen) to overthrow Einon.
The scenes of the old, ruined Roman castle, the mail hauberks, and kite shields are convincing. But as you would imagine, the animation of Draco the Dragon steals the show. The Dragon interacts with both scenery and actors believably, and even drools well! Not surprising from the same effects studio which produced this summer's blockbuster Twister. Unfortunately, the costuming has much to be desired, most of which were "sort of" medieval or outright fantasy. And the crown is contender for the "Ugly Hat of the Year." And peasants in rags really! Even poor people know how to hem a garment, for Pete's sake.
Academy Award nomination to Sean Connery as the voice of Draco for "That must have hurt" and, in regards to a piece of another dragonslayer-wannabe found in his teeth, "I only chewed in self-defense. But I never swallowed."
David Apppleton
Shelton CT 06484 USA
(800) 232-2224 voice
(800) 775-2729 fax
LadyJanet@RenaissanceMagazine.com