Zog and the Flying Doctors (2020) is a heartwarming animated film aimed at children and families. Based on the beloved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, it serves as a sequel to the original Zog story. The film follows the dragon Zog, Princess Pearl, and Sir Gadabout as they team up as “flying doctors” to care for various creatures. It beautifully conveys themes of cooperation, sacrifice, and friendship in a way that is easy for young audiences to understand. The characters each have distinct personalities, which adds charm and liveliness to the story.
However, the film does have some drawbacks. At just 24 minutes long, the story sometimes feels rushed, with emotional moments and character development not as fully explored as one might hope. Additionally, the plot follows a familiar fairy-tale structure, making it somewhat predictable without many surprising twists or turns. Despite this, the film’s lovely animation and warm tone more than make up for these minor flaws.
What makes this film especially meaningful is how it encourages children to think about responsibility and moral choices. Princess Pearl’s internal struggle between freedom and duty is portrayed in a way that subtly teaches valuable lessons. Overall, Zog and the Flying Doctors is a charming and enjoyable watch for the whole family, combining heartfelt messages with fun and engaging storytelling.