Heart of a Dragon is a 2008 drama film directed by Michael French and produced by Cherri Arpino. The film stars Jim Byrnes, Jiayang Cheng, and Wei Dongzhen in lead roles, and follows the story of a young boy who suffers from Autism and his father's efforts to create a better life for him. The movie is set in China, and the story revolves around the life of the main character, Xiao Howard (played by Wei Dongzhen). Xiao is a young boy who suffers from Autism and is often misjudged by the people around him. Despite his condition, Xiao exhibits exceptional skills in drawing, and his father, Howard (played by Jim Byrnes), is determined to help him pursue a career in art.
Howard is a British ex-pat who has been living in China for the past few years with his family. He works as a businessman and has been struggling to balance his work and family life. Ever since Xiao was diagnosed with Autism, Howard has been looking for ways to improve his son's life, including enrolling him in a special school and hiring a tutor to help him with his art.
The film explores the struggles and challenges that Howard and Xiao face in their day-to-day lives. Howard's business is failing, and he is in a constant state of stress, which affects his relationship with his family. Meanwhile, Xiao is struggling to communicate with the people around him, and often resorts to drawing to express himself.
As the story progresses, Howard realizes that he needs to make a change in his life for the sake of his family. He tries to find a balance between his work and personal life, and begins to spend more time with Xiao. Together, they explore the city, visit art galleries, and attend drawing classes. Xiao's talents are noticed by an art teacher, who encourages him to enter a national art competition.
The Heart of a Dragon is a heartwarming film that showcases the bond between a father and son. Jim Byrnes delivers a stellar performance as Howard, a man who is willing to go to any lengths to create a better life for his son. Wei Dongzhen is outstanding as Xiao, and his portrayal of a young boy with Autism is both nuanced and sensitive.
In addition to the excellent performances, the film also boasts stunning cinematography, showcasing the beauty of China's cities and landscapes. The movie's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of traditional and modern Chinese music that adds to the film's emotional impact.
Overall, Heart of a Dragon is an exceptional film that tells a heartwarming story of a father's love for his son. It's a film that will leave viewers feeling uplifted, and reminds us of the value of family, love, and understanding.
Heart Of A Dragon is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.
