Ketchup Entertainment issued an exclusive release this week to Walmart of THE DRAGON PEARL (rated PG) on VOD and DVD. The Dragon Pearl is a 2011 family film that follows the story of two teenagers, Australian, Josh (Louis Corbett) and Chinese, Ling (Li Lin Jin) who join their respective parents, Chris (Sam Neill) and Dr. Li (Wang Ji) on an archaeological dig in China. The two teenagers thought they were in for a boring vacation but it turns into an adventure of a lifetime.
According to the ancient legend, a Chinese emperor defeated a band of marauding barbarians by borrowing a powerful dragon's magic pearl. But once the emperor emerged victorious, the pearl was never returned to the rightful owner. Flash forward to modern day, as the teens arrive in Shanghai to visit their parents who plan to explore a tomb. Sneaking away from the site as their parents go to work, Josh and Ling ascend to a temple high in the mountains, where they meet amiable, and sometimes funny, monk Wu-dong (Jordan Chan), who occasionally punctuates his dialog with, “Oh my Buddha!”
While exploring a secrete cavern beneath the temple, the two teens come face to face with the dragon of legend, and learn that both the pearl and the emperor can be found in the tomb their parents are planning to open and that Ling is the “the chosen one,” destined to reunite the dragon with his still missing, powerful pearl. Josh and Ling implore their parents for help, but met with disbelief the children realize they must ï¬nd the pearl on their own.
There is one who does believe them: archaeologist Philip Dukas (Robert Mammone), who wants to seize the pearlʼs power for his own sinister ambitions. The only way to stop him is for Josh and Ling to get to it ï¬rst and return the magical pearl to its rightful owner.
This movie is rated PG, because it does have some kung-fu-fighting as well as some minor violence involving the kids. For that reason, I would not suggest it for kids under at least 10. Although this movie has lots of action and drama, it's not scary at all. Even the dragon is benevolent and non-threatening, especially when he flies. This movie was filmed entirely in China, so it is filled with lots of authentic scenery including the temple.
Its a great story about friendship and courage and your kids will probably like this movie a lot. Although over all I enjoyed it, I didn't like that both parents were portrayed as totally unwilling to listen to or believe what their children were telling them and that the teens had to sneak out to "save the day" and capture the bad guys while their parents were clueless. On a positive note, it's a great springboard to discussions about Chinese culture, bravery, friendship and also the importance of trust between parents and their children.
"The Dragon Pearl" is a Walmart-exclusive-release DVD that is on sale NOW for just under $13, with a free digital copy included.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary DVD in return for posting this review, however the opinions expressed are my own.
