After to help raise a young prince Einon, Bowen has to bring him to Draco, a dragon to save the life of the prince. Once Eion becomes king however, Bowen soon regrets this chose since the now King Einon unleash a hell on Earth for those under his reign. Bowen then starts hunting all dragons since he feels that it was because of Dracon that caused his ward to become evil. Through his hunting, Bowen reunites with Draco, the two engage in an epic battle that only one can survive. When they become locked in battle, they soon realise they can work together to make a profit in a world that only the evil king Einon profits from. They soon team up with a priest who is set to write about the life and times of Bowen. They soon realise they can use their skills and Draco, and the help of villagers, Bowen goes after the king and is near defeating him, but soon realizes the truth of King Einon power: immortality! Once Draco gave king Einon half his heart to survive his mortal wound, he was not just giving a chance to survive but immortal life. Draco must sacrifice himself in order to save the kingdom, but will Bowen let him!
I was a teen when I first saw this movie when I was a teen, so of course I was nothing but impressed seeing this movie at the time. However, after watching this movie several years later, I view of the movie has of course changed! The special effects still hold up even though CG was just a burgeoning industry at the time which is rare for a nineties movie! However, I cant say the same about the storyline, it essentially feels like a remake of Robin Hood. The protagonist must save the kingdom from the tyranny of the king who had replaced a beloved king. Bowen of course saves the day and get the girl. The exaggerated retelling of the Robin Hood story almost makes this movie a parody of the story!
The love story is A-typical for an action-adventure Hollywood would make: The characters meet by complete by chance, the woman is strong and independent and see the man as deceptive an the kind of person she should fight against. She definitely does not love the protagonist. Bowen comes off as arrogant and a know it all, and all though he has strong values and is willing and able to fight for his beliefs, he is quick to change sides, so when he meets the love of his life, he is quick to make it clear is not the good guy, because he knows this is current act. But deep down inside, he knows he loves her, because they both are the same person, they both have the same values and life goals. He resister not because he truly believes that she has no value, but because he reminds her of the life he once had and the life he failed (king Einon).
The antagonist is also an atypical character, he should his evil tendencies since childhood. It is clear to Bowen that the prince does not have a kind heart, but believes he can change him through his tutorship and training. However, once the prince becomes king, he knows he can do whatever pleases him and in a last ditch effort, Bowen tries to remind the king of the lessons as a youth, the king makes it clear that he never was on the good side. He kills and tortures anyone and everyone, and makes it clear he is the ultimate authority in the kingdom. He uses the lessons he learns as a youth and twists them to life his life on his terms. He does not see the value of treating people with kindness.
So although the special affects of this movie were excellent, it did not compensate for the overall story, particularly when you consider there were sequels to this movie.
I give this movie 2 "I'm the last of my kind" out of 7 yet there are other dragons for the sequels!
(All views in this article are my own and the rating is as valuable as unicorn farts).