I Am Dragon

I Am Dragon is a 2015 Russian romantic fantasy film directed by Indar Dzhendubaev. The film stars Matvey Lykov, Mariya Poezzhaeva, and Stanislav Lyubshin.

The film begins by immersing viewers in an era of untold, ancient mythology where clannish communities reside in insular villages, exposed to elements of nature and lurking perils. This uncivilized world, brimming with superstitions and rigid beliefs, is beleaguered by the fearsome presence of dragons, a menace that terrorizes the villagers and plunges them into despair. It sets the stage for a tradition, gruesome to modern sensibility, yet borne out of their stark fear of dragons - gifting a maiden as a sacrificial offering to the frightening beast to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the village.

One such alarming event is witnessed by Princess Miroslava, fondly known as Mira. The dreadful memory grows into a haunting legend, a tale that was meant to stay buried in the passing sands of time. However, fate has other plans.

Years later, the grown-up Princess Mira, portrayed by Mariya Poezzhaeva, is now betrothed to Igor, the offspring of a powerful Prince. The joyous celebration of their impending wedding unexpectedly descends into terror when a dragon attacks the merry congregation, kidnapping Mira and taking her away to its far-off lair.

On this remote island, Mira finds herself living with a creature unlike any other. Matvey Lykov stars as Arman, a man unlike anything Mira has seen before. He is not entirely human yet not entirely a beast either. This intriguing character is the central mystery, the halfway mark between man and dragon, a living embodiment of the fear that has plagued her people for generations.

Stanislav Lyubshin features as Yaroslav, the wise elder who plays a significant role in spinning the story forward and offering insights into the film's thematic questions. With his wealth of knowledge and sagacity, Yaroslav is the bridge between the age-old myths and the truths that lie beneath.

I Am Dragon is a visually spectacular film, impressively mixing folklore and fantasy. From the grandeur of the royal palace to the desolate beauty of the mystical island, every location in the film has been shot impressively. The manifestation of dragons, a task which requires immense creative and technical skills by itself, is dealt with excellifully, mimicking reality. Amidst these seamlessly constructed environments, the audience witnesses the enchanting tale of Mira and Arman.

Mariya Poezzhaeva, as Mira, delivers a nuanced performance, convincingly portraying the evolution of a princess trapped in a nightmare to a brave woman capable of grasping her destiny. Matvey Lykov is equally captivating as Arman, the character who swings between primal fears and tender human emotions. Together, they construct a complex relationship, an uncanny romance that serves as the film's emotional anchor.

While it's a fantasy film, I Am Dragon also treads the path of introspection. It delves into human fear, the fear of the unknown, embodied by the dragons in this storyline, and probes the thin line between animals and humans. The film also explores the perils of blind faith and how it can lead societies into macabre practices, eventually emphasising the significance of knowledge, logic, and love.

The emotional intensity of the film is brilliantly supported by Simon Finley's evocative score that complements the stunning visuals.

Under the adept direction of Indar Dzhendubaev, the film strikes a balance between being a love story and a tale of self-discovery while the underpinned elements of adventure and mythical lore keep the audience engaged.

In conclusion, I Am Dragon is a film that beautifully brings together a grand scope of fantasy, elements of romance, threads of understanding oneself, and the eternal human struggle of overcoming fear and embraces a storyline that touches one's heart.