Kung Fu Panda (2008)

As I have told you yesterday, I will give two reviews about recently released movies. The first one being Kung Fu Panda and the second one being The Incredible Hulk. I watched Kung Fu Panda two days ago and although I know it’s a bit late, but here are the reviews. And by the way, I did mention that I would take a different approach when writing reviews, so I do hope you enjoy my new style

In mainland China, namely the Hill of Peace, there is a legend, that whoever bestows the Dragon Scroll will bring peace upon the hill. But, the only one who is worthy to get the Dragon Scroll is none other than a Dragon Warrior. Po, a panda whose father is a duck who makes noodle, is always interested in learning kung fu since his early days. He has learned many historical things about kung fu, although he never learns the moves.

Master Oogway, a very wise old turtle, along with Master Shifu, a (well, it looked like a) rat is having a celebration to select the new Dragon Warrior. Master Shifu has five disciples, and they are called Furious Five because of their mastery. Tigress, Mantis, Monkey, Viper, and Crane are the candidates of the new Dragon Warrior. During the ceremony, Po somehow interrupted it and as a result, he is being appointed by Master Oogway as the Dragon Warrior.

Meanwhile away in the depths of a prison, a snow leopard named Tai Lung is being held. He was claimed as the unstoppable and the most ferocious kung fu artisan, having only Master Oogway that were able to stop him (hence the turtle shell locks). Somehow Tai Lung is able to escape the prison and then would go to the hill to claim the Dragon Scroll. Tai Lung was Master Shifu’s favorite disciple, having him learn almost all that Master Shifu knows.

Although Po was elected as the Dragon Warrior, but he has no skills in kung fu whatsoever. He doesn’t know a single move, and Master Shifu’s trying to get rid of him because he thought that it was a coincidence that Po was elected. However, the circumstances changes. Master Oogway has gone away, and after knowing that Tai Lung is back to take the Dragon Scroll, Master Shifu decided to teach Po, because the only one that can bring peace back is the one and only Dragon Warrior. However, seeing that he will face Tai Lung, the most feared animal, Po runs away. Will peace ever returned to the hill? Will Po face Tai Lung? But moreover, will Master Shifu finally be able to teach Po about kung fu?

Kung Fu Panda takes a different style, and I’d say it worked well, actually. It’s not like everyday we see a kung fu movie which features animals as the main characters, moreover, it’s so funny. The movie also packed several jokes that is sure to make you laugh. It is really a fresh movie compared to other movies nowadays who tend to give a-fantasy-world-adventuring-style as their main plot. To tell you the truth, I’ve had it with movies like Stardust, Nim’s Island, and some other movies like that (I guess you already watched it,huh?). So Kung Fu Panda, as I have said before, is really a fresh breeze for me.

The animation of the movie is very beautiful (and I love the water effect, also the cherry blossom breeze), and it really gives you the idea that they meant business when making this movie. For instance, notice Po’s father when walking, he really simulates how a duck should walk (pretty much NOT like Donald Duck, actually), and another is the movement of Viper, was so natural as a…well, snake. And about the background is also suited on the situation. For example, when having celebration, the background would be full of colors, and when telling the part of Tai Lung, it was very dark. Likewise, when the characters are discussing about philosophy, the background was ambient.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot, the best part of Kung Fu Panda is that they know how to combine philosophy and humor. I would say that it is the best animation (if not, the best comedy movie) of the year. Well, at least of the half year and I would give a rating of 9 out of 10 to Kung Fu Panda. Oh yeah, a note to all of us, even though the voice is starred by many famous actors and actresses, it really is NOT the main attraction of the movie. Watch the movie, and you will see for your self. So, see you next post..!

jovee~