"Kung Fu Panda" is an animated action-comedy film that revolves around the journey of a clumsy and overweight panda named Po. Living in the Valley of Peace, Po idolizes the Furious Five – Tigress, Crane, Mantis, Viper, and Monkey – skilled kung fu warriors trained by the wise old tortoise, Master Oogway, and his protégé, Master Shifu.
However, Po's life takes an unexpected turn when, during a ceremony to choose the Dragon Warrior – the prophesied savior of the valley – he is accidentally chosen for the title, much to everyone's surprise.
As Tai Lung, a former student of Master Shifu and a powerful snow leopard, escapes from prison and seeks the Dragon Scroll (which is believed to grant immense power), Po must train to become a true kung fu master.
With the initial reluctance of both Master Shifu and the Furious Five, Po embarks on a rigorous training regime, discovering that traditional methods might not work for him.
The story unfolds as Po learns about his past, the true meaning of the Dragon Scroll, and finds the confidence to confront Tai Lung in a climactic battle, proving that a true hero can emerge from the most unlikely of places.
Quick Facts:
- Director: John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
- Producer(s): Melissa Cobb
- Screenwriter(s): Jonathan Aibel and Glenn Berger
- Starring: Jack Black (Po), Dustin Hoffman (Shifu), Angelina Jolie (Tigress), Ian McShane (Tai Lung), Seth Rogen (Mantis), Lucy Liu (Viper), David Cross (Crane), and Jackie Chan (Monkey)
- Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy
- Runtime: 92 minutes
- Rating: PG
- Box Office: Over $631 million worldwide
Cast and Characters:
- Jack Black as Po: The protagonist of the story, Po is a bumbling panda who works at his father's noodle shop but dreams of becoming a kung fu master. His unexpected selection as the Dragon Warrior sets him on a path of self-discovery and heroism.
- Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu: The stern and disciplined red panda who initially doubts Po's capabilities but eventually becomes his mentor, guiding him on the path of kung fu.
- Angelina Jolie as Tigress: The unofficial leader of the Furious Five, Tigress is initially skeptical of Po but comes to respect him. She is fierce, disciplined, and has a hidden soft side.
- Ian McShane as Tai Lung: The main antagonist, Tai Lung is a powerful and skilled martial artist who feels betrayed when he isn't chosen as the Dragon Warrior, leading him down a path of vengeance.
- Seth Rogen as Mantis, Lucy Liu as Viper, David Cross as Crane, and Jackie Chan as Monkey: Members of the Furious Five, each of these characters brings their unique fighting style and personality to the story, adding depth and humor.
Where to Stream
United States (US)
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
- Stream: Not available
- Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, Redbox, AMC on Demand
Australia (AU)
There are currently no streaming offers in the AU.
- Stream: BINGE, Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Foxtel Now, Stan, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel
- Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Telstra TV, Fetch TV
United Kingdom (GB)
There are currently no streaming offers in the GB.
- Stream: Not available
- Rent/Buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Rakuten TV
Germany (DE)
There are currently no streaming offers in the DE.
- Stream: Paramount Plus, MagentaTV, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel
- Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Sky Store, Rakuten TV, maxdome Store, MagentaTV, Microsoft Store
Brazil (BR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the BR.
- Stream: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, HBO Max, Globoplay, NOW, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel
- Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Amazon Video
Spain (ES)
There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.
- Stream: Amazon Prime Video, SkyShowtime
- Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Rakuten TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Amazon Video
France (FR)
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
- Stream: Not available
- Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Orange VOD, Microsoft Store, YouTube, FILMO, Canal VOD, Rakuten TV, Universcine, Amazon Video, Bbox VOD
Canada (CA)
There are currently no streaming offers in the CA.
- Stream: Netflix, Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Club Illico, Netflix basic with Ads, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel
- Rent/Buy: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Cineplex, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Amazon Video
Production:
"Kung Fu Panda" was produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film's unique blend of traditional Chinese culture with contemporary humor required extensive research. The production team visited China to absorb its culture, landscapes, and kung fu philosophy, which greatly influenced the film's design and story.
The animation process was intricate, with particular attention given to the characters' movements to ensure they reflected authentic kung fu styles. The film's budget was estimated at $130 million, and its success led to the creation of several sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise, solidifying its place as a beloved franchise.
Reception:
"Kung Fu Panda" was met with widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences. It was praised for its animation quality, engaging storyline, character development, and the performances of its voice cast, especially Jack Black as Po. The film holds an approval rating of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes based on reviews, with the consensus noting its surprising depth and top-notch animation.
The movie was also a commercial success, grossing over $631 million worldwide against its $130 million budget. It was nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film's success led to the development of two sequels, "Kung Fu Panda 2" and "Kung Fu Panda 3", both of which continued the story of Po and his adventures in the world of kung fu.