Philosophical, Funny & Entertaining

Rating: 7/10 (23 March 2009)

Now this is one film that that is philosophical, funny, entertaining and not just for kids but for all ages. No matter how predictable the story maybe, it still keeps you glued to your seat plus the moral "there is no secret recipe" makes you want to believe in your self , no matter how hopeless, obsessed or how much idealistic you are about anything. The movies is well targeted , keeping in mind that one is aiming for all age groups. There is animation for kids, there action for teenagers and there is a moral for the adults to impart to their young ones , who plan to sit beside them and watch it and also for the youth to realize that no mater what anyone says the only two things important are Focus and Perseverance. The animation is one of the best in recent times and the colors in the movie have been well chosen considering the whole "china- look" and the kung fu theme, these keep your eyes constantly on the screen. The humour is typical Jack Black -casual, silly and goofy which makes look like a one that has a hanger stuck inside. But one thing different about this film is that, on top of all this one really attaches himself to the characters which are all so varied. Again one of the most common things used in films is how characters of comics or fantasies are basically animals, this is done because nature itself is so varied and one can easily identify each one characteristics by the animal it is, Panda- fat hence perceived as lazy or slow, Tiger- Furious and Strong, Mantis - Small yet fast and clever , Snake- Focus, vigilance and reflexes and Monkey- Fast, flexible and active, relatively less furious. These characters take you on a journey filled with dreams ,aspirations and fun.
Review by Scenes
1) Oogway Dies
To me this scene marks, the point where Shifu has to take a major decision and believe not only in himself but also in his master. In is after this moment he realises that he can train Po, he only has to guide and nurture him. The scene is very well shot, specially when Oogway dies and the petals seem to take him way, this I think also represents that we all are part of mother nature and that one day we shall all turn and get mixed in to the very elements of the world- fire ,water, earth and air.
2) Po's training
This is one scene, where there is a a lot fun, it's filled with action, very attractive animation
and it also represents how there is always a way to make a person learn and understand, one just has to know the art of doing so. As in this case it was food, so reaching someone through the things that can motivate and makes him focus him is essential. In the end , after the training when he finally gives the dumpling to Shifu, this shows that when a person has self -actualized , he rises over petty pleasures.
3) Tai Lung's Escape
This is very well written and shot. This makes the audience feel thrilled and tense at the same moments as Lung escapes. The prison looks all the more mystical and intense by keeping the contrast low and making it go underground.
4) Opening Scene (Dream)
The opening scene begins with Po's dream, which represents the inner desire of a fan or a person who is so idealistic. The dream has people shouting "awesome" and the five saying to Po ,"we should hang out". This represents that Po wanted to know 'the five' and be like them, he wanted people to like him and see him at the magnificent one.
5) The Dragon Scroll
It is Ironic how the thing perceived to be legendary and to be known to also the paranormal is just about believing in one's self. In the scene when Po gets the Dragon Scroll, it is shot is a way that that shows the it is the most prized possession one can get and only one person can have it. But the truth is anyone can achieve , if he/she wishes to believe.