The Dragon (1974)
A Bulgarian folk fable where a village's battle against a mythical dragon unmasks the true face of oppression.
The Dragon - Movie Information
- Original Title: Ламята
- Release Year: 1974
- Directed by: Todor Dinov
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Fantasy, Drama, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 18m
- Original Language: Bulgarian
- Spoken Languages: Bulgarian
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 6, 1974 (BG)
- Alternative Titles: Ламята (BG), The Dragon (UK)
- Production Companies: Boyana Film
- Production Countries: Bulgaria
The Dragon - Plot
There is a dragon, which threatens the life of the shacked village. The attempts of lumberjacks, shepherds and hunters to get rid of the menace are without success. Their battle with the imaginary mythical monster makes them realize that their real enemies are the master Kolota and his servants. The dragon is beaten not physically but spiritually.
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The Dragon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Todor Dinov
Main Cast
- Nikola Todev
- Georgi Partsalev
- Valcho Kamarashev
- Vassil Mihajlov
- Petar Slabakov
- Ivan Gaydardzhiev
- Petar Stoyanov
- Sotir Maynolovski
- Evstati Stratev
- Lachezar Stoyanov
Writers
- Nikolai Haitov
Producers
- Todor Todorov
The Dragon - FAQs
What is The Dragon (1974) about?
The Dragon follows a Bulgarian village terrorized by a fearsome mythical beast. Lumberjacks, shepherds, and hunters all fail to defeat it, but their struggle gradually reveals the real threat: the oppressive master Kolota and his henchmen. The dragon is ultimately conquered not through force, but through a spiritual awakening.
What does the dragon symbolize in this film?
The dragon functions as a powerful allegorical stand-in for tyranny and oppression. Rather than a literal monster, it represents the fear and subjugation imposed by the boyar Kolota and his servants. The film uses Bulgarian folk mythology to deliver a sharp social commentary on power, superstition, and collective resistance.
Is The Dragon based on a true story or folklore?
The film is rooted in Bulgarian folk tradition rather than a specific historical event. It was written by Nikolai Haitov, a celebrated Bulgarian author known for drawing on Rhodope mountain folklore and rural life. The story blends mythological imagery with social allegory, giving it the feel of an authentic folk tale.
Where can you watch The Dragon (1974)?
Streaming availability for The Dragon varies by region. You can check the most up-to-date viewing options, including any rental or purchase platforms, on JustWatch. It's the easiest way to find out exactly where the film is currently available in your country.
Who directed The Dragon and what is his background?
The Dragon was directed by Todor Dinov, one of Bulgaria's most distinguished filmmakers. Dinov was already celebrated for his pioneering work in Bulgarian animation before turning to live-action features. His artistic sensibility gives The Dragon a visually distinctive, fable-like quality that sets it apart from conventional folk films.
Who are the main actors in The Dragon?
The cast is led by Nikola Todev as Kalota the boyar and Georgi Partsalev as the diviner, with strong supporting turns from Valcho Kamarashev, Vassil Mihajlov, and Petar Slabakov. The ensemble brings the film's colorful roster of villagers, hunters, and servants vividly to life.
How long is The Dragon (1974)?
The Dragon runs for 78 minutes, making it a compact and focused watch. Its brevity suits the film's folk-tale structure perfectly — it moves swiftly through its allegorical story without overstaying its welcome, delivering its social and mythological themes with economy and wit.
What are some films similar to The Dragon?
If you enjoyed The Dragon's blend of fantasy and social allegory, you might also like Northfork (2003), No Such Thing (2002), or Undergods (2021), all of which share a taste for mythological or surreal storytelling. Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) and Slumberland (2022) offer lighter fantasy alternatives.
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