REVIEW: 'How to Train Your Dragon in concert' firebreathes new life to a beloved tale
Three animated movies, two animated series, a book series, and a live-action adaptation, How to Train Your Dragon took fans across nearly every visual frontier imaginable. Recently, it took lovers of the franchise to uncharted waters with an experience built entirely on sound.
From Dec. 13 to 14, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert brought viewers back to Berk, with the film's iconic score played live by the Filharmonika orchestra led by renowned Thai conductor Thanapol Setabrahmana. As the musicians performed, the 2010 adventure movie played onscreen.
Fiddles were a-dancing as each orchestra member—from violins, cello, and drums—played their part in the big musical piece. All were in splendid harmony with every flick of the baton and swaying hand of Setabrahmana.
Even during dialogue-heavy scenes and extended silences, the orchestra never lost its grip on the mood. The stillness quickly turns into suspense, sparked by a sudden string cue and drum beat.
It’s remarkable how the music seamlessly syncs with the film’s lighthearted moments. You don’t merely laugh at Hiccup’s nervousness or Stoick the Vast’s naiveté with his son—you feel their emotions, carried through every note and every instrument played.
The mood remained light on its feet as Hiccup tries to tame the wild dragon Toothless in Forbidden Friendship. The strings chimed in with every nervous act by Hiccup or a curious move by Toothless. Their playful banter continued with New Tail as Hiccup tried to fix his contraption on an innocent yet voraciously fish-eating Toothless.
But what got the crowd glued to their seats was when Hiccup and Toothless shared their First Flight. The orchestra brought out the emotions every time the frail Viking tried and failed to maneuver his newfound pet. But when the Night Fury finally soared, it was as if everyone in the room let out a sigh of relief as bits of This is Berk were heard, ending in thunderous applause and an obvious feeling of longing by the time the 20-minute intermission came.
When the show returned for the last 30 minutes of the film, fans were in for a treat as the crowd-favorite Romantic Flight played, a tender tune accompanying an intimate bond between Astrid and Hiccup as Toothless flew them to the beauty of the skies.
But from there on out, everything felt fast and suspenseful. Battling the Green Death and Counter Attack carried the full weight of the orchestra music, the conductor and each band member playing at top precision. The tunes played out the thrill and the fear, as Hiccup and Toothless attempted to slay the biggest, most menacing boss dragon of them all.
Where Is Hiccup? thrives in the orchestra's restraint, using silence to heighten anticipation around Hiccup’s fate and Stoick’s long-overdue atonement for his treatment of both his son and his dragon.
Sticks and Stones and The Dragon Book see a return to form, this time with feelings of awakening and an excitement for new adventures as Vikings and dragons turn into lifelong allies as Hiccup and Toothless soar to the skies once more.
'Dragon riders' weigh in
Movie fan Mario Lopez says he appreciated the tame environment, which was conducive to appreciating the movie better. "I feel like the aura here is different. Everyone [behaved]. Everyone is paying attention."
"The live orchestra is something else. Parang mas intense 'yung feeling ng mga scenes kasi mas napapaganda ng experience 'yung music," said Margio Lopez, who saw the movie as a kid when it first came out in 2010.
For twins Niki and Leah, who brought in their matching Night Fury and Light Fury plushies, there is nothing not to like about the whole concert experience: "Everyone did amazing. We really felt immersed in the musical experience. We hope this [will encourage] more musicians and organizations to bring more musical acts to the Philippines."
For Genna Ambubuyog, channelling an on-point Astrid along with her cosplaying friends, the assembly of fans made the experience special. She's also looking forward to a concert sequel. "It was enjoyable watching it with everyone who loves the film. I just want to see How to Train Your Dragon 2 as well."
All in all, How to Train Your Dragon in Concert proves that, even at just a decade old, the franchise’s musical scores have already become resonant and iconic. Hearing the soundtrack brought to life so flawlessly by Filipino musicians only underscores what has long been evident: the country’s talent remains enduringly world-class.
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Disclaimer: PhilSTAR L!fe is an official media partner of How to Train Your Dragon in Concert.
