Southeast Asian Family Values Shape Emotional Core of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, Study Finds
A peer-reviewed study by researchers from Universitas Negeri Medan (Unimed), Indonesia, reports that Disney’s animated film Raya and the Last Dragon embeds core Southeast Asian family values as the emotional backbone of its story. Published in 2025 in the International Journal of Advanced Technology and Social Sciences (IJATSS), the research shows how themes such as trust, interdependence, and parental bonds drive the film’s narrative and help global audiences connect with its message.
The study was written by Atika Anjani and colleagues Nadya Anggita Angreni Br. Lubis, Yulies Pristina Simanjuntak, Yohana Afriana Siagian, and Syamsul Bahri, all affiliated with Universitas Negeri Medan. Their findings matter because Raya and the Last Dragon is one of Disney’s most prominent films inspired by Southeast Asian cultures, reaching millions of viewers worldwide and influencing how family, cooperation, and cultural identity are portrayed in popular media.
Why Family Values in Film Matter
Animated films are not just entertainment. They are cultural texts that shape children’s understanding of social relationships and moral choices. In Southeast Asian societies, family is often defined not only by blood ties but also by shared responsibility, mutual trust, and collective well-being. These values contrast with more individualistic narratives commonly found in Western storytelling.
The Unimed researchers place Raya and the Last Dragon within this broader cultural context. Released by Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2021, the film follows Raya, a young warrior from the fictional land of Kumandra, who must restore peace after a magical catastrophe. At the heart of the story is Raya’s relationship with her father, Chief Benja, and her gradual formation of a “chosen family” made up of former rivals.
According to the authors, this narrative structure mirrors Southeast Asian social norms, where reconciliation, cooperation, and family loyalty are central to community life.
How the Film Was Analyzed
The research used a qualitative descriptive approach, focusing on close observation rather than numerical data. The authors examined the full 107-minute film, analyzing key scenes, character interactions, dialogue, and visual symbols.
To guide their analysis, they applied the Family Bonding theory developed by Van Wel (1994), which identifies seven core elements of family relationships:
1. Attachment
2. Commitment
3. Interdependence
4. Closeness
5. Trust
6. Intimacy
7. Love
Each of these elements was traced through Raya’s interactions with her father and with other characters, including Sisu the dragon and Raya’s companions from different regions of Kumandra.
This approach allowed the researchers to explain complex emotional dynamics in clear, narrative terms that reflect how audiences experience the film.
Seven Family Values at the Heart of Raya
The analysis shows that all seven family bonding values are present and consistently reinforced throughout the film.
Attachment is established early through Raya’s close bond with her father, Chief Benja. His guidance and eventual sacrifice become the emotional motivation for Raya’s journey.
Commitment appears in Raya’s determination to fulfill her father’s dream of uniting Kumandra, even after betrayal and personal loss.
Interdependence is highlighted as Raya learns she cannot succeed alone. Progress only happens when characters rely on one another’s strengths.
Closeness develops gradually as former enemies share personal stories and vulnerabilities, building emotional connections beyond political divisions.
Trust emerges as the film’s central moral theme. Raya initially struggles to trust others after past betrayals, but the story repeatedly shows that trust is necessary for healing and unity.
Intimacy is reflected in moments of emotional openness, particularly when Raya admits her fears and doubts to Sisu.
Love ties all these elements together, expressed through parental sacrifice, friendship, and collective responsibility.
The researchers note that trust is not portrayed as blind faith. Instead, it is shown as a conscious and courageous choice, deeply rooted in family values common across Southeast Asian cultures.
Real-World Implications
The findings have practical implications for education, media literacy, and the creative industry. For educators, Raya and the Last Dragon can serve as a discussion tool for teaching empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution. The film provides concrete examples of how trust and collaboration overcome division.
For filmmakers and content creators, the study demonstrates that local cultural values can resonate globally when presented through strong storytelling. Disney’s success with Raya suggests that culturally grounded narratives can achieve both commercial reach and social impact.
From a policy and cultural perspective, the research supports broader efforts to promote diverse representation in global media. Positive portrayals of Southeast Asian values help counter stereotypes and give international audiences a more nuanced understanding of the region.
As the Unimed researchers emphasize, stories like Raya show that family values are not confined to private life. They can shape collective action and social harmony on a larger scale.
Insight from the Researchers
According to Atika Anjani of Universitas Negeri Medan, the film’s message is clear: unity begins with trust learned in the family. In the researchers’ ethical paraphrase, the authors explain that Raya’s journey reflects how family-based values such as trust and mutual dependence can extend beyond the household to heal divided societies.
This perspective reinforces the idea that popular films can function as moral narratives, translating cultural wisdom into accessible stories for global audiences.
Author Profiles
Atika Anjani, S.S., M.Hum. – Lecturer and researcher at Universitas Negeri Medan, specializing in literature, film studies, and popular culture.
Yulies Pristina Simanjuntak, S.S. – Scholar focusing on
literary and cultural representation in media.
Yohana Afriana Siagian, S.S. – Researcher in media studies and narrative
analysis.
Syamsul Bahri, M.Hum. – Academic specializing in cultural and film studies.
Nadya Anggita Angreni Br. Lubis, S.S. – Researcher at Universitas Negeri Medan with interests in film analysis and cultural studies.All authors are affiliated with Universitas Negeri Medan (Unimed), Indonesia.
Source
Anjani, A., Lubis, N. A. A. B., Simanjuntak, Y. P., Siagian, Y. A., & Bahri, S. (2025). Family Values in Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada’s Movie Raya and the Last Dragon. International Journal of Advanced Technology and Social Sciences (IJATSS), Vol. 4, No. 1.
Official URL: https://journal.multitechpublisher.com/index.php/ijatts
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