Review: Kung Fu Panda, 2008, Animated Feature Film
This is a short review of the latest animated feature film by DreamWorks Animation, Kung Fu Panda, which tells the story of a Panda, born cook of noodles, who desires to become a kung fu master. I finally watched it. I liked it. I want to watch it again.
Po, the 3D animated character. Photo credit Kung Fu Panda (tm) & (c) 2008 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
Po, a curvaceous born cook and son of Mr Ping dreams to become a master kung fu fighter. The master Oogway, foresees that Tai Lung, an evil kung fu master, after twenty years in prison he will escape. The younger master Shifu decides to choose a new dragon fighter and Po, incidentally becomes the chosen. Po’s hard training could become a reality only thanks to his voracious food hunting and the loving care of the furious five and the two old masters. Tai Lung, the evil, escapes from the dark prisons and threats the Valley of Peace. Only after having got the secret scroll, containing the secret weapon to destroy Tai Lung, and with crucial help from the secret recipe of his father, Po will fight his final battle with the evil.
Po and Master Shifu characters. Photo credit Kung Fu Panda (tm) & (c) 2008 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
Very well designed, expressive and funny, the characters of Kung Fu Panda live joyously in the beautifully rendered environments. There is a minimalism in the production design which reminds me of Chinese paintings but with much more vivid and saturated colors. Besides the funny gags which surely procure more than a laugh to the audience I find some shots to be aesthetically pleasing and romantic. As the air dance of the Master Oogway in the Peach Tree location. Beautiful.
Textures, environments and lighting contribute to the credibility of an adventurous fantasy world. Characters running, jumping, flying and fighting with dynamic kung fu choreographies take life on the screen.
The Furious Five characters. Photo credit Kung Fu Panda (tm) & (c) 2008 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
The Characters
A quick overview of main characters.
- Po – a Panda
- Mr Ping - Panda’s father – A goose
- Master Oogway – a tortoise
- Master Shifu – a red panda
THE FURIOUS FIVE
- Master Tigress
- Master Crane
- Master Monkey – a golden monkey
- Master Viper
- Master Mantis
- Tai Lung – snow leopard
- Master Vachir – a Rhinoceros
Film Profile: Kung Fu Panda 2008 3D animated film
