Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Title: Kung Fu Panda
Region: USA
Genre: Animation
Language: English
Director: Mark Osborne
Cast: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman
Film Introduction:
Nestled in the picturesque Peace Valley, a place reminiscent of Wudang Mountain, lives a group of martial arts masters. However, unlike Wudang, all the martial artists here are animals.
Po the Panda (Jack Black) is one of the few residents in the valley who doesn't know kung fu. Overweight and clumsy, Po works at his father's noodle shop, where his father hopes he will take over the family business. But Po dreams of something different—he yearns to learn kung fu and become the greatest master in the valley. For Po, however, this dream seems far-fetched, as he has always been lazy and indulgent.
Master Oogway, the wise tortoise, senses an ominous threat approaching. Tai Lung, the fierce snow leopard imprisoned for years, is about to break free from his dark prison. Once released, Tai Lung will surely come to Peace Valley seeking revenge. In response, Peace Valley must immediately convene a martial arts tournament to select a representative to face Tai Lung.
The villagers' top choice is the legendary "Furious Five": Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Viper (Lucy Liu), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Crane (David Cross), and Mantis (Seth Rogen). Under the guidance of their small but powerful red panda master, simply called Shifu (Dustin Hoffman), these five warriors compete fiercely on the martial arts stage.
Of course, Po wouldn’t miss such an exciting event and finds a good spot to watch. However, much to everyone’s surprise, the turtle Master Oogway selects Po, the clumsy panda, as the chosen one destined to defeat Tai Lung. The villagers are shocked by this unexpected decision.
Since fate has spoken, Shifu reluctantly acknowledges Po's selection. However, the reality that Po knows no kung fu remains. Thus, transforming this overweight panda into a martial arts master becomes the biggest challenge of Shifu's career. Meanwhile, the Furious Five—now Po's senior students—train (or perhaps tease) him with various attitudes and methods. Can Po truly become a kung fu master? Can he survive the deadly claws of Tai Lung?
The sudden appearance of Tai Lung, a ruthless and powerful snow leopard, shatters the tranquil life of Peace Valley. The animals must now find a way to deal with this formidable enemy. By a twist of fate, Po, the lazy and gluttonous panda, is deemed the "Dragon Warrior" destined to save the valley. Hidden masters, once living quietly in Peace Valley, emerge: Master Shifu the raccoon, Master Monkey, Master Viper, and Master Mantis, each with unique skills. They must train Po, the reluctant and lazy panda, into a true martial arts hero capable of defeating Tai Lung...