How to Train Your Dragon 2

The second instalment of the How to Train Your Dragon series soon lands in theatres, and it is with great anticipation from the crowds who saw the first movie. The first picture based on the book series by Cressida Cowell was beloved by the audience, receiving nominations from the Academy Awards as well as Golden Globe and BAFTA. 

Set half a decade since the last movie ended, Vikings and dragons are now living peacefully side by side. Hiccup has grown, just like his dragon Toothless, and he is now reluctantly facing pressure from his father, the chieftain, to take on the position of power over his people. When Hiccup and Toothless are on a voyage of discovery to see new land, the realisation that their home town is not the only area who have tamed dragons unravels. They encounter a group of dragon trappers that send off their catch to a nearby site of a dragon army. Here the dragons are seen as beasts that are to be tamed instead of intelligent creatures that can live side by side with civilisation, which is against everything Hiccup stands for. Hiccup understands that he has to do all in his power to protect his people, and a journey to finding the balance as a leader takes off. 

Throughout the movie you experience themes such as peace, leadership and faith. The sequel in this series is darker than its predecessor, dealing with several eruptions of war, heart-breaking deaths and involuntary betrayals as well as a strong presence of evil. The classic parts of the film aimed at children are still in the core of the picture though, with jokes for the whole family and love being a central motive. The plot never fails to engage, and the animators have made a great effort to catch even the smallest detail on screen. It is a beautiful film to watch, both aesthetically and on a deeper level. Very few will leave the theatre disappointed. 

Johanna Eliasson

How to Train Your Dragon 2 is released nationwide on 11^th July 2014.

Watch the trailer for How to Train Your Dragon 2 here: