Valka

11 Apr 2014, 14:27

((Warning for mixed in spoilers below))


I'm not trying to critique you love, but I think that this is perhaps worded a little poorly. I disagree that any relationships you mentioned in the poll is insignificant or more significant. They're all very important for building up the movie. I think that is why How To Train Your Dragon is so complex for an animated film. Many of the characters, including side characters, interact with each other in ways that are emotionally charging. While it is hinted, and shown a bit in the new trailer we received, that Eret is heavily influenced by Hiccup, we know that Ruffnut is influenced by Eret. While I completely agree that Berk's duo, Toothless and Hiccup, are the absolute heart of this movie and I personally care for more moments with them, I think it's wrong to say that they are more important then Valka's and Stoicks complicated relationship. All of it adds to the film and creates a really exciting dynamic.


I might be making this more complicated then it needs to be. I feel very strongly for Hiccup and Toothless but that doesn't make me less excited about seeing Stoick and Hiccup interact or see Astrid's compassion with him.

KentuckyWildcat

11 Apr 2014, 22:44

I don't think you can pick only one that's the most important (although I feel like Ruff and Eret should probably be less important). The trilogy is Hiccup's story, and that story wouldn't be the same without any of the other relationships above. I'll look at them one by one.

Hiccup and Toothless- No doubt important since Toothless was Hiccup's first real friend. Their friendship also allowed him to be a hero despite not being a traditional Viking which is pretty important. The fact that Toothless is pretty much dependent on him to survive just adds to the depth of their bond. Going forward, I expect they'll remain best friends. It seems like alone time exploring with Toothless might be Hiccup's emotional escape from stress, and their teamwork will once again be necessary to save the day. Unlike some people however, I don't think that this is the only thing that the franchise is about.

Hiccup and Astrid- Although Astrid is more of a background character for the biggest part of the first movie, she shouldn't be underestimated. She's the first Viking to accept Hiccup for who he is rather than keep waiting for him to become like everybody else. Now that they seem fairly committed to each other romantically five years later, I think this relationship will become much more important moving forward. We know Hiccup is a bit of a dreamer, and it looks like Astrid will be the one who understands him best and serves as his reality-check when he needs it. That in addition to her being the first in line to fight by his side will be hugely significant as he inevitably progresses towards being chief.

Stoick and Valka- I don't know how this will play out. We do know that Hiccup wanted the approval of his father as much as anything at the start of the first movie. Now that he earned it, what happens next will be interesting to see as they're still two very different people. Will the weight of Stoick's expectations drive another wedge between them? What will happen once Valka comes into the picture? Will it be a happy family reunion or will there be conflict? How would Hiccup respond to losing one or both of them? Whatever happens here, I think it's safe to say that it'll be important in shaping Hiccup's journey.