mittvsfact.com – How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014) is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2010 animated film How to Train Your Dragon, produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Dean DeBlois. This sequel builds upon the beloved characters and world introduced in the original movie, expanding the story and delving deeper into the themes of friendship, identity, and family. With stunning animation, a compelling story, and an emotional depth that resonates with audiences of all ages, How to Train Your Dragon 2 solidified itself as one of the best animated films of its decade and became a standout in the franchise.
Picking up five years after the events of the first film, How to Train Your Dragon 2 continues the journey of Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) and his dragon, Toothless, as they explore new parts of their world, encounter new dragons, and uncover dark secrets that could change their lives and the future of Berk forever. The film introduces new characters, further develops the relationships established in the first film, and presents an adventure full of breathtaking visuals, thrilling action, and emotional moments that elevate the story to a whole new level.
Plot Summary: Growth, Discovery, and Conflict
How to Train Your Dragon 2 takes place five years after the events of the original film, with Hiccup now a young adult and the chief-in-training of Berk. The island is a thriving community, and dragons now live peacefully alongside humans. With the help of Toothless, Hiccup continues to make new discoveries, invent new gadgets, and help his people. However, despite the island’s newfound peace, Hiccup remains restless and feels a sense of longing for something greater.
One day, while exploring a mysterious part of the world beyond Berk, Hiccup and Toothless encounter a group of dragon trappers led by a ruthless and power-hungry man named Drago Bludvist (voiced by Djimon Hounsou). Drago is on a mission to control all dragons, using fear and force to subjugate them. His ultimate goal is to build an army of dragons to conquer the world, and he is willing to do anything to achieve his vision of domination.
In the midst of this growing threat, Hiccup discovers something shocking: his long-lost mother, Valka (voiced by Cate Blanchett), is alive and has been secretly protecting dragons from the cruelty of men for many years. Valka has a special bond with the dragons, particularly with a massive dragon named Cloudjumper, and she has created a sanctuary where dragons can live in peace away from human interference.
As Hiccup reconnects with his mother and learns about her past, he faces a difficult choice: should he embrace his role as a leader and continue to fight Drago, or should he follow in his mother’s footsteps and protect the dragons at all costs? With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Hiccup must unite his friends, confront his own fears, and confront the dark forces threatening his people and the dragons he loves.
Themes of Identity and Self-Discovery
At the heart of How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a deep exploration of identity and self-discovery. Hiccup, now a young adult, is caught between two worlds. He has grown into his role as a leader, and he feels a responsibility to protect the people of Berk, but he also yearns to find his place in the larger world and to understand who he truly is. The discovery of his mother adds another layer to Hiccup’s journey, as he learns about her legacy and the choices she made in her own life.
Hiccup’s relationship with his mother, Valka, is a central emotional element of the film. He is torn between the love and admiration he feels for her and his loyalty to his father, Stoick the Vast (voiced by Gerard Butler), who raised him. Hiccup’s conflict comes from reconciling these two sides of his identity: the son of a chief and the son of a dragon protector. His journey of self-discovery is ultimately about finding a balance between the lessons he learned from his father and the new insights he gains from his mother.
The film emphasizes that personal growth often involves reconciling different aspects of oneself and making difficult choices about one’s path in life. Hiccup’s evolution as a leader and as a person is one of the most compelling aspects of the story, and his journey of self-discovery resonates with audiences of all ages.
Family Dynamics and the Strength of Relationships
Family plays a critical role in How to Train Your Dragon 2, both in terms of Hiccup’s relationship with his biological family and the larger sense of community in Berk. Throughout the film, the theme of family is explored in both emotional and dramatic ways, particularly in the relationships between fathers and sons, as well as the bond between Hiccup and his mother.
The film explores the complexities of Hiccup’s relationship with his father, Stoick. Stoick, a fierce and commanding leader, has always hoped that Hiccup would follow in his footsteps as the chief of Berk, but Hiccup’s unconventional and inventive nature has often put them at odds. In How to Train Your Dragon 2, Stoick’s love for Hiccup is evident, but his inability to understand Hiccup’s unique abilities causes tension between them. Stoick’s ultimate sacrifice toward the end of the film deepens their relationship, leaving Hiccup with a profound sense of loss and responsibility. The emotional weight of Stoick’s death adds a layer of heartache to the film, underscoring the importance of family and the impact that loved ones have on shaping who we are.
The reunion with Valka further complicates Hiccup’s sense of family. Although Valka has been absent from Hiccup’s life for years, the bond between them is still strong. As Hiccup learns more about her dedication to protecting dragons, he gains a new understanding of the complexities of family and how love can be expressed in many different ways.
The film also emphasizes the idea of family beyond biological ties, as Hiccup and his friends—especially Astrid (voiced by America Ferrera), Snotlout (voiced by Jonah Hill), and the rest of the Dragon Riders—continue to support each other. Their sense of camaraderie and teamwork is vital to their success in the face of Drago’s threat. The way these characters continue to grow together highlights the strength of their relationships and the importance of working together as a family to overcome obstacles.
The Villainous Drago Bludvist and the Darker Tone
In How to Train Your Dragon 2, the stakes are higher, and the tone is darker compared to the original film. The introduction of Drago Bludvist, a villain driven by power and domination, creates a sense of danger and urgency that propels the story forward. Drago’s ruthless tactics and desire to control all dragons stand in direct contrast to Hiccup’s more compassionate and collaborative approach to dragon-human relations. He is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating impact that fear and control can have on the natural world.
Drago’s methods—capturing and enslaving dragons to build an army—are in stark opposition to Hiccup’s philosophy, which is rooted in trust, friendship, and mutual respect. The conflict between Hiccup and Drago is not just physical; it is an ideological battle about how dragons should be treated and whether they should be feared or respected. Drago’s manipulation of the fearsome dragon, the Bewilderbeast, adds a layer of complexity to the conflict, making him a formidable adversary who challenges everything Hiccup has worked to build.
While the film’s villains are more menacing and the stakes are higher, the emotional moments remain grounded in the characters’ personal journeys. Drago’s presence serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership based on compassion rather than force, and the ultimate victory comes not through power, but through unity and understanding.
Stunning Animation and Action-Sequences
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a visual spectacle, with breathtaking animation that immerses the audience in the fantastical world of dragons and the breathtaking landscapes of Berk. The film’s animation continues to build on the stunning visuals of the first movie, with even more dynamic dragon designs, exhilarating flight sequences, and beautifully rendered environments.
The scenes involving dragon flight are a highlight of the film, capturing the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with soaring through the skies. The flying sequences are expertly choreographed, giving the audience a visceral experience as Hiccup and Toothless race through the clouds, engage in epic battles, and navigate treacherous environments. The attention to detail in the animation, from the dragons’ scales to the weather patterns, creates a sense of immersion that enhances the emotional stakes of the story.
In addition to the visual effects, the film’s action sequences are thrilling and well-executed. The tension builds as the characters confront Drago and his army of dragons, with intense moments of conflict and strategy. These action-packed scenes are balanced with quieter, more intimate moments that give the film emotional depth.
Themes of Leadership, Sacrifice, and the Future
How to Train Your Dragon 2 explores several key themes, most notably leadership, sacrifice, and the responsibility that comes with power. Hiccup’s evolution as a leader is central to the film, as he learns what it truly means to guide others—not through force or fear, but through understanding, empathy, and trust. The film underscores the importance of making difficult decisions and standing up for what is right, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
The themes of sacrifice and loss are also explored through the tragic death of Stoick, Hiccup’s father, who ultimately gives his life to protect Berk. His death marks a pivotal moment in Hiccup’s journey, forcing him to take on the mantle of leadership and come to terms with the weight of responsibility. Stoick’s sacrifice is a powerful reminder of the selflessness required in times of crisis and the lasting impact of family legacy.
Finally, the film hints at the future of Berk and the dragon-human relationship. With the rise of new threats and the changing world, Hiccup’s role as a leader is more crucial than ever. The film leaves audiences with a sense of hope and anticipation, suggesting that the journey of Hiccup and Toothless is far from over, and that new adventures await.
Conclusion: A Sequel That Surpasses Expectations
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a rare sequel that not only lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor, but in many ways, exceeds them. With its compelling character development, breathtaking animation, and rich thematic exploration of identity, family, and leadership, the film delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience. It is a story of growth, sacrifice, and the strength of bonds—both human and dragon. The stakes are higher, the action more intense, and the emotional moments more profound, making it one of the most successful and beloved animated sequels in recent memory. With How to Train Your Dragon 2, DreamWorks Animation has crafted a film that is both a thrilling adventure and a poignant exploration of what it means to grow up, lead, and find one’s true place in the world.