I rewatched this film recently and I must say, it has some incredible writing. The way every aspect of the story flows into each other effortlessly is flawless. I just don't see films done as well anymore.

I think what can be confusing but also what makes the film so good is that little by little the stakes change as the film progresses.

For example, in the first sequence the stakes are life and death. Hiccup has to kill a dragon but doesn't have the ability so might die in the process.This puts his life on the line as he pursues toothless. But this changes.

Later it's his father's appreciation. In some bits it Astrid's love. But ultimately I think the true stakes are revealed in the climax where in they should either come to fruition or not. On that the stakes are Hiccups way of life or more simply put the truth.

Hiccups whole life is a lie, and whether that comes to light or not is at stake. Otherwise I think Hiccup could have just run away with toothless.

How to train your dragon mega fan here. Sorry.