Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
How to Train Your Dragon is a 2010 animated action-fantasy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and based on the book series of the same name by Cressida Cowell. The film is directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois and features the voices of Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, and Jonah Hill. The story is set in the mythical Viking village of Berk, where dragons and humans are mortal enemies.
The Story Unfolds
Hiccup and Toothless
The protagonist, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III (voiced by Jay Baruchel), is the scrawny and inventive son of the Viking chief, Stoick the Vast (voiced by Gerard Butler). Unlike the other Vikings, Hiccup is not adept at fighting dragons. During a dragon raid, Hiccup manages to shoot down a rare and feared Night Fury dragon with one of his inventions. No one believes him, so he sets out to find the dragon himself. He discovers the downed dragon, but instead of killing it, he befriends it and names it Toothless.
Training and Discovery
Hiccup secretly cares for Toothless, learning about dragons’ true nature and abilities. Simultaneously, he is enrolled in dragon-fighting school with other Viking teens, including Astrid (voiced by America Ferrera), Snotlout (voiced by Jonah Hill), Fishlegs (voiced by Christopher Mintz-Plasse), and the twins Ruffnut and Tuffnut (voiced by Kristen Wiig and T.J. Miller). Using his newfound knowledge from Toothless, Hiccup excels in his training, impressing his peers and instructors.
The Climax and Resolution
The Revelation and Conflict
Hiccup’s secret is discovered by Astrid, who initially wants to expose him but eventually sees the bond between Hiccup and Toothless and agrees to keep his secret. Hiccup and Astrid discover a massive dragon nest ruled by a gigantic dragon named the Red Death, which controls the other dragons through fear. Hiccup tries to convince the village that the dragons are not their enemies, but Stoick does not believe him and imprisons Toothless to use him to find the dragon nest.
The Final Battle
Stoick leads a raid on the dragon nest, but the Vikings are quickly overwhelmed by the Red Death. Hiccup, Astrid, and their friends mount a rescue mission on dragon-back. In a climactic battle, Hiccup and Toothless work together to defeat the Red Death, proving that humans and dragons can coexist peacefully.
The Conclusion
Reconciliation and Change
The film concludes with the village of Berk transforming into a place where dragons and Vikings live together in harmony. Hiccup, having lost a part of his leg in the battle, is fitted with a prosthetic. He is celebrated as a hero, and his relationship with Toothless becomes a symbol of the new alliance between dragons and humans.
Movie Ending
How to Train Your Dragon ends with Hiccup and Toothless successfully defeating the Red Death, leading to a newfound understanding and friendship between dragons and Vikings. The village of Berk becomes a harmonious place where dragons and humans live and work together.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in How to Train Your Dragon.
Type of Movie
How to Train Your Dragon is an animated action-fantasy film that combines elements of adventure, coming-of-age, and friendship, focusing on themes of understanding, acceptance, and the bond between humans and animals.
Cast
- Jay Baruchel as Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III
- Gerard Butler as Stoick the Vast
- America Ferrera as Astrid Hofferson
- Jonah Hill as Snotlout Jorgenson
- Christopher Mintz-Plasse as Fishlegs Ingerman
- Kristen Wiig as Ruffnut Thorston
- T.J. Miller as Tuffnut Thorston
- Craig Ferguson as Gobber the Belch
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by John Powell, whose music enhances the film’s emotional depth and adventurous spirit. The soundtrack features a mix of orchestral pieces that highlight the bond between Hiccup and Toothless and the epic nature of their journey.
Filming Locations
As an animated film, How to Train Your Dragon was created entirely within DreamWorks Animation studios. The lush and imaginative settings of Berk and the dragon nest are products of the studio’s advanced animation techniques and creative design.
Awards and Nominations
How to Train Your Dragon received numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including:
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film.
- Annie Awards: Won ten awards including Best Animated Feature and Best Direction.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois reimagined the original book’s story to include more action and emotional depth, making significant changes to the plot and characters.
- The film’s animators studied the movements of various animals to realistically portray the dragons’ behaviors and personalities.
- Jay Baruchel’s distinctive voice was a key factor in making Hiccup a relatable and endearing character.
Inspirations and References
How to Train Your Dragon is based on the book series by Cressida Cowell. The film takes creative liberties with the source material, focusing more on the bond between Hiccup and Toothless and the broader theme of understanding and harmony between different species.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of How to Train Your Dragon closely follows the directors’ vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Hiccup’s first encounter and bonding with Toothless.
- The dragon training scenes where Hiccup uses his knowledge from Toothless.
- The discovery of the dragon nest and the Red Death.
- The final battle against the Red Death.
- The transformation of Berk and Hiccup’s celebration as a hero.
Iconic Quotes
- “I wouldn’t kill him because he looked as frightened as I was. I looked at him, and I saw myself.” – Hiccup
- “Everything we know about you guys is wrong.” – Hiccup
- “This is Berk. It’s 12 days north of Hopeless and a few degrees south of Freezing to Death. It’s located solidly on the Meridian of Misery.” – Hiccup
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The animators included several subtle references to Viking mythology and culture in the design of Berk and the dragons.
- Toothless’s behavior is modeled after various animals, including cats and dogs, making him relatable and endearing to the audience.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $165 million, and it grossed over $494 million worldwide.
- How to Train Your Dragon was praised for its stunning visuals, engaging story, and emotional depth, making it a standout in DreamWorks Animation’s catalog.
- John Powell’s score for the film is considered one of the best in animated film history, earning him widespread acclaim and multiple award nominations.
Why Watch?
How to Train Your Dragon offers a heartwarming and adventurous exploration of friendship, courage, and understanding, featuring standout performances, particularly by Jay Baruchel, and stunning animation by DreamWorks. Its blend of humor, emotional depth, and epic adventure makes it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.
Director’s Other Movies
Chris Sanders also directed:
- Lilo & Stitch (2002)
- The Croods (2013)
- The Call of the Wild (2020)
Dean DeBlois also directed:
- Lilo & Stitch (2002)
- How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014)
- How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (2019)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Kung Fu Panda (2008)
- The Incredibles (2004)
- Ratatouille (2007)
- Big Hero 6 (2014)
- Zootopia (2016)
