Movie Review – Kung Fu Panda(2008)

Kung Fu Panda(2008) is an American martial arts comedy animation. Kung Fu is the quintessence of Chinese Culture. Panda is also a national treasure. The film starts with Panda Po dreaming of being a kung fu master who makes noodles for a living. His father always wants him to master making a bowl of good noodles so that he can take over the restaurant like what he learns from Panda Po’s grandfather. However, Panda Po always has a dream to learn Kung Fu and become a hero like every little boy has ever dreamed the same dream. Therefore, he does not focus on working. One day, a kung fu tournament is held and the winner will be trained as a Dragon warrior with Master Viper, Master Monkey, Master Mantis, Master Shifu, Master Tigress and Master Crane. The Furious Five are homages to the actual Snake, Monkey, Praying Mantis, Tiger and Crane styles of Chinese martial arts. His dream can become a reality. He rushes to join the competition.

On the other hand, Tai Lung is a powerful Kung Fu Master who is in jail and he finds a chance to escape. He heard the myth of the existence of a dragon warrior. He wants to find a worthy opponent. He wants to fight with him. Tai Lung was an orphan. He was well trained by Master Sifu who treated him as his son. Tai Lung is talented in learning kung fu. He is the most talented martial artist among the masters trained by Sifu. He wants to learn the Dragon scroll which is the greatest kung fu skill. Master Oogway said he has darkness in his heart and refuses. When he returns to the village, he almost kills all master and his Shifu. He destroys the peace of the village. Eventually, Tai Lung meets Panda Po. Panda Po is not the most skillful Kung Fu student. He is clumsy and fat. Sometimes, he is funny but he is honest with himself that he would like to learn Kung Fu instead of making noodles in the future. It is said that there is always one thing to conquer another. Surprisingly, Panda Po beats Tai Lung. Master Shifu is a great kung fu trainer. When Master Oogway passes away, he opens the Dragon scroll and discovers that it is a reflective scroll and has no secret in it. Master Shifu does not get the wisdom from Master Oogway. Oogway means turtle. In Dragon Ball, Master Roshi is also a turtle. He is a god of martial arts. Turtles can live for many years so it is a symbol of longevity. Those who live long enough will gain lots of wisdom. Even though it is an animated film which is supposed for kids to watch it includes wisdom which is suitable for adults. The highest form of kung fu is to learn philosophy rather than just mastering the skills. With great power comes great responsibility. When martial artists gain the highest skill of Kung Fu, they also have to know how to control themselves. Otherwise, it will destroy others and end up destroying themselves. It is an endless practice with both the skills and the philosophy behind it. The essential principles of Tai Chi are based on the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism. Tai Chi centers on the principles of yin and yang. It aims to harmonize these opposing forces within the body. Yin and yang describe an opposite but interconnected, self-perpetuating cycle. It explains the universal pattern. The term Tai Chi comes from I Ching and is talked by the Chinese philosophical sage Zhuangzi. Zhang Sanfeng is believed to be the founder of tai chi and a legendary Chinese Taoist. Tai Chi Chuan is not just a physical movement. It trains you to have a good balance of the body and mind. It strengthens the body and keeps you in a good state of mind. 

Bruce Lee who is a Hong Kong-American martial artist and actor invents his Jeet Kune Do. His favorite saying is that  "Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle.” Bruce Lee took Chinese martial arts globally in the 70s. Jackie Chan also opens the door for the Chinese in the global film market. They have a general impression that every Chinese knows Kung Fu. All KungFu movies make a stand in global film markets particularly in Hollywood such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Enter the Dragon and Game of Death. Martial arts has different types such as Shaolin, Wudang, Wing Chun and Tai chi. Another famous martial artist Ip Man is famous for his skill of Wing Chun. There are plenty of movies produced about him like The Grandmaster. The legendary kung fu master Ip Man has trained Bruce Lee before. Martial arts is a Chinese culture that makes Western countries respect Chinese.

Chinese culture is extensive and profound such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. The wisdom from them can be applied to your daily life. Westerners show their interest in learning Chinese culture. Many Chinese immigrate to Western countries such as England, Australia, USA. They usually try hard to open a restaurant to make a living. In the film, many quintessences of Chinese Culture are introduced like acupuncture, Chinese calligraphy and Chinese Porcelain. Nowadays, the entire world becoming more interconnected as a global village. There is a westerner who is interested in Tea. He goes to study Tea in China and becomes a tea master.

Moreover, it is mentioned that panda is a national treasure as pandas can only be found in China. China sent a pair of pandas to Hong Kong in 2024. Sending giant pandas from China to other countries is considered a tool of diplomacy and wildlife conservation.

This film does not have a complicated storyline. The story is based on the protagonist and the antagonist who are Panda and Tai Lung. They fight against each other. Although it is an animated film, it is interesting and worthy to watch. The series of Kung Fu Panda were made. Kung Fu Panda 4 was released on March 28, 2024.

Bibliography:

https://www.zen-shaolin.com/blog/what-is-tai-chi