The Zen of Panda with a touch of Kung Fu

Hope and belief has always been a motivating factor for human psyche and when ones own life and purpose comes in question, its evident that the spirit of ones soul becomes the answer. The simple theme of believing and reliving ones dream makes the King Fu Panda a memorable watch. The film doesn’t sink into monotony of self conflict of an individual, but its plain wit in a self depreciating manner enhances its appeal.
Jack Black’s portrayal of a Kung Fu loving panda (Po) whose culinary skills are far more perfect than anything sets the humour against the wise old turtle, master Oogway and the present master Shifu (Hoffman’s deep voice suits the character) and his students vying for the title of Dragon Warrior enmeshes the life cycle of Peace Valley.
Shifu’s biggest regret is that ambition wreaks havoc in the form of his beloved protégé Tai Lung (Ian McShan), whom he loved as his own child. The stark shades of Tai Lung makes Shifu human and his own conviction that Po is unsuited for being the dragon warrior brings out his fallacy which he tides over in time by believing in Oogway’s words reiterates that endurance and persistence may as well lead to the triumph of human spirit. Hats off to Dreamworks for making it light hearted and endearing. Angelina Jolie as the Tigress, Lucy Liu as Viper and Jackie Chan as Monkey complement Po, but one would expect more from a talented starcast than mere screen presence across fights and being screen props. For once, let the spirit soar and fly as the realms of dreams open into life.