Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies – Movie Review
In theaters on March 24th, 26th
Quick Thoughts
Ice Dragon: Legend of the Blue Daisies is a story about the power of faith. A long ago faith that had been lost by many, but was restored once again through the persistence of a grandfather and granddaughter, Nicholai and Melody. Through their belief, they were able to save their town from evil and destruction. Throughout the exciting journey the movie takes us on, Christian values prevail. Lessons of kindness to all, persistence in sharing the good news, standing up for what is right even if you’re alone, and of keeping faith even in the hard times are seen throughout the movie. And in the end, evil is defeated by righteousness, new friendships are made, and faith saves the day.
About the Movie
The story begins by simply showing young Melody, who was probably 12-16 years of age, wandering through the small mountain village where the story takes place. Nicholai is seen telling stories to young children about an old forgotten song, a dragon, and blue daises. The townspeople then chastise the old man for his ridiculous beliefs, and Melody steps in the stop them from tormenting him. As the pair retreat to their home, an old abandoned church called sanctuary, Melody asks Nichoai why he is trying to be nice to the people who are so mean to him. He says, “Not all battles are won with a sword.” He expresses that he is trying to be their friend. This provides us the first real glimpse into his characters Christian beliefs, and shares an important lesson, that kindness is always the best choice. It also teaches us about persistence in sharing the good news, as Nicholai continues to try to tell the townspeople about the power of the song, even though they chastise him.
As the movie progresses, we see Nicholai work in the sanctuary where he lives to uncover a mural hidden behind bricks, and determine what it all means. Melody befriends a boy name Leif, about her age, and the two journey together to see the blue daisies, which Melody brings to life by singing a song of praise to the “giver of gifts.” The song is about the beauty of creation and praising the creator. Throughout the movie, Melody is trying to bring Leif to her way of understanding, to her faith. As they journey, they go a little too far down a darkened path and awaken the ice dragon. The next day, snow begins to fall in the summer. Nicholai quickly realizes through uncovering more of the hidden mural that this means that the ice dragon has come back, and that the winter he brings will cause devastation.
The ice dragon seems to be portraying a character similar to Satan, as he was said to once be good, but turned evil and was later banished underground. The story states that as long as the song is alive, (as long as there is hope and faith) the ice dragon will remain underground. But Nicholai and Melody are the only ones left who believe, and so evil is granted a presence in the town, through the ice dragon. The story goes on to have Nicholai, Melody and Leif saving the day, by providing refuge in the sanctuary for the townspeople, while Nicholai and later Leif fight off the ice dragon and his companion wolves, in order to stop the entire town from freezing completely. Throughout this segment, Melody again sings the song, praising creation and the giver of gifts. She shares her faith with the townspeople, and eventually the dragon is banished back underground, because of the song, and the renewal of faith among the community.
Final Thoughts
There are many good lessons in this movie. In one scene, Leif is expressing to Nicholai that he has doubts about this song Melody speaks of, and its power. Nicholai shares that it is “excellent to have doubt. A man without a doubt never had a thought. Faith always begins with questions.” The songs in the movie not only praise the creator, but also reference God’s love and protection, stating that his love is all around you and will always keep you safe. The movie was definitely interesting, contained a lot of fun music, and had strong Christian values shared throughout, without being an overly spiritual movie that may turn away some viewers. Overall, I would recommend the movie for older children, and I think it could be a good movie to use for the purpose of a family discussion about the role of faith in our communities, and about how losing faith can lead to bad, while banding together in faith can lead to good. Thanks Nicholai and Melody, for showing us that faith is the best choice, and that right will always prevail.
Julie McConnell
Julie is a life-long Hoosier, wife, and mother of two. When she is not working in her pharmacy, she spends her time with her husband and daughters in Indianapolis. She is a member of Geist Christian Church and enjoys playing outside with her girls, finding fun things to do in Indy, watching football, and reading bedtime stories.
