Release: 2008-06-04
Runtime: 1h 30m (90 minutes)
When the Valley of Peace is threatened, lazy Po the panda discovers his destiny as the "chosen one" and trains to become a kung fu hero, but transforming the unsleek slacker into a brave warrior won't be easy. It's up to Master Shifu and the Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- to give it a try.
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Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Adventure, Animation, Action, Comedy, Family
Cast: Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, more
Jackie Chan
as Monkey (voice)
Angelina Jolie
as Tigress (voice)
Lucy Liu
as Viper (voice)
Jack Black
as Po (voice)
Ian McShane
as Tai Lung (voice)
David Cross
as Crane (voice)
Dustin Hoffman
as Shifu (voice)
Seth Rogen
as Mantis (voice)
Wayne Knight
as Gang Boss (voice)
Michael Clarke Duncan
as Commander Vachir (voice)
James Hong
as Mr. Ping (voice)
Dan Fogler
as Zeng (voice)
When the Valley of Peace is threatened, lazy Po the panda discovers his destiny as the "chosen one" and trains to become a kung fu hero, but transforming the unsleek slacker into a brave warrior won't be easy. It's up to Master Shifu and the Furious Five -- Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper and Monkey -- to give it a try.
Prepare for awesomeness.
Kung Fu Panda is an animated film that premiered on 15 May 2008 at the Cannes Film Festival and was released in theaters across the United States on 6 June 2008. This delightful martial arts comedy was produced by DreamWorks Animation and starred Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, and others.
The story is set in a vibrant and whimsical version of ancient China, where anthropomorphic animals live in harmony. The main character, Po, voiced by Black, is a clumsy giant panda who works at his adoptive father's noodle shop but dreams of becoming a kung fu master. When a dangerous snow leopard named Tai Lung threatens the Valley of Peace, Po unexpectedly becomes the chosen "Dragon Warrior" tasked with saving the day.
The film's journey began in October 2004, initially conceived as a parody of martial arts films. However, directors John Stevenson and Mark Osborne decided to create a heartfelt action-comedy that would resonate with audiences. With its stunning animation and engaging storytelling, Kung Fu Panda pushed the boundaries of what DreamWorks Animation had done before, showcasing intricate character designs and beautiful landscapes inspired by traditional Chinese art.
The film was a significant box office success, earning over $631 million worldwide against a budget of $130 million, making it the highest-grossing animated film of 2008. Critics praised its humor, animation quality, and emotional depth. It received nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, although it lost to WALL-E.
The plot revolves around Po's journey from a noodle shop worker to a hero. He dreams of training with the Furious Five, a group of kung fu masters. When Master Oogway, the wise tortoise, foresees Tai Lung's escape from prison and his intent to claim the Dragon Scroll, a legendary artifact said to bestow great power, Po is accidentally named the Dragon Warrior. Much to the disbelief of the Furious Five and his mentor, Master Shifu, Po struggles initially but gradually discovers his unique strengths, especially when food is involved.
As the film progresses, Po learns that the true power of the Dragon Scroll lies not in its physical contents but in the belief in oneself. This realization empowers him to confront Tai Lung, leading to an epic battle where Po ultimately triumphs through cleverness and resilience, despite his clumsy nature.
The film features a talented voice cast, including:
The success of Kung Fu Panda gave rise to a multimedia franchise, including two sequels, Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) and Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016), with a fourth installment, Kung Fu Panda 4, scheduled for release in March 2024.
Critics have highlighted the film's stunning visuals and engaging storyline, leading to its recognition as a modern animated classic. It is celebrated for its blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments, making it a favorite among audiences of all ages.
In addition to the films, the franchise has expanded into television series, video games, and even a manga adaptation. Kung Fu Panda remains a beloved part of animation history, continuing to inspire fans around the world.
