Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Design of Setting in the Film "Kung Fu Panda"


From the content of this film, we can also see that it possesses a lot of Chinese elements and culture. Therefore, when this film is popular with the world, it makes the meaningful Chinese elements and culture step into the world.

The setting in "Kung Fu Panda" is rich in Chinese brush drawing style. The scenery is fresh feeling. All of the hills and waters, and buildings are typical Chinese style. The most important shots "Jade Palace" and "Peace Valley" are the two typical scenery of Chinese style. The design of Jade Palace, with red walls and green tiles, recovers the traditional classic style. The Peace Valley, with green hills and clear waters, is similar to Wu dang Mount, where a group of Kung Fu masters are living. The design of setting has also taken the Li Jiang Valley and Guilin landscape tops into consideration, traditionally and elegantly.

The pictures in this film not only show the elegant mountains and rivers but also the life of the ordinary people in ancient times.

The various tools in daily life which possess Chinese elements can be seen everywhere in this film. The passed-down noodle shop, the wheelbarrows which are often seen in Northern part of China, the sedan chair which is lifted by four people, the Chinese family properties, such as, chopsticks, blue glazed china wares, bamboo hats, scrolls, rolling pins, pastry boards, Chinese traditional cloth, firecrackers and fireworks, and the acupuncture treatment which the mantis uses to cure Po.

There are also the typical Chinese foods, for example, the dumplings, Bao zi and steamed bread and so on. Those details give a vivid picture of Chinese culture. From this aspect we can see that the directors have made great efforts to research Chinese culture so that they can express Chinese elements and culture in this film and also make the audience enjoy it.

In a word, the success of Kung Fu Panda makes every one of us should have a second thought of how should we transmit our culture to the foreign countries, and Chinese unique culture should be promoted and strengthened not only by the foreigners but also by ourselves.




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Saturday, December 10, 2011

Self Cultivation in "Kung Fu Panda"


"Kung Fu panda" shows that foreign countries have realized the self-cultivation is one most important part of Chinese culture, and they even have a black belt in Chinese culture that Chinese culture is reserved which is completely different from that of other culture.

There is a shot that Wu Gui master predicted that Tai Lang would come back, he would destroy the Peace Valley and took away the dragon scroll to become the dragon warrior, when he told this news to Shi fu, Shi fu became very nervous, Wu gui master asked him to calm down and let Shi fu to come with him to the pool where is in the center of Jade Palace. He gave the words to Shi fu: "Your mind is like this water, my friend, when it is agitated, it becomes difficult to see, but if you allow it to settle, the answer becomes clear."

Another shot, Shi fu traces the inner peace when he is at the study of self-cultivation. Sometimes, we will care too much about the results and the views others see us, here comes the impressive lines of Wu gui master: "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it's called the present (the gift). "

The last shot, when Po opened the dragon scroll, and found it was blank, he didn't know why. Later on, his father tells him that: "The secret ingredient of my secret ingredient soup is nothing. To make something special, you just have to believe it's special." From his father's words, Po realized what the dragon scroll wants to express is that the dragon warrior should trust himself. And at the end of the story, Po defeats Tai Lang and saves the citizens in the Peace Valley.

The examples above can show that foreigners have a deep understanding of self-cultivation and express them in a Chinese reserve way.

They also have come to know Zen Awaking which is a key part of Chinese culture. From the opinion of Zen Buddhism, Zen is to see the hope from all kinds of affairs. It is to realize the meaning of life, get rid of trouble, see the future of one's career, be positive and find freedom in spirituality.




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Thursday, December 8, 2011

Kung Fu Panda 2 - More Black Than White


Perhaps the most important aspect of Kung Fu Panda 2 (and I never thought I would type this) is that the series is aging with its fans; so much so that I could expect Panda 3 to be the most adult of the series. They've already started exploring more personal themes than the last entry, which mostly took the themes of following your heart and believing in yourself and employed them. Here, the story deepens more than you might expect, dealing with themes of adoption, unrequited love, and acceptance of others. More importantly, the imagination of the film has grown tenfold.

Of course, there's a bit of formula; you can't escape the fact that it's a kid's movie, but it gets further away from the drama-killing formula that impeded the first film. When I sat down in the movie theater in 2008, I knew exactly what I was getting. It was going to be a film about a goofy "man-boy" (bear-cub?) panda who doesn't quite belong, who gets a Jungian call to duty to learn kung fu and save his village. Here, that formula is side-stepped in favor of a generally engrossing and slightly depressing storyline. Po (voiced by Jack Black) finds out that he's adopted and wants to find his biological parents, he's in love with Tigress (voiced by Angelina Jolie), who may or may not share his feelings, and the entire country of China is under attack by a villain who has a cannon that shoots a blast so powerful it wipes out any trace of the kung fu that seems to be the nation's bread-and-butter. So Po and his Furious Five - Tigress, Crane (voiced by David Cross), Mantis (voiced by Seth Rogen), Monkey (voiced by Jackie Chan), and Viper (voiced by Lucy Liu) - go off to defeat it; but how do you use kung fu to stop something that stops kung fu? "By finding inner peace," Po's mentor, Master Shinfu (voiced by Dustin Hoffman), tells him. That's heavy.

Kung Fu Panda 2 is more thoughtful than a film like this should have any right to be. The story is a kick in the gut if you're not expecting it from the start, filled with feelings of being lost and having no idea where you are, who you are, and what you're supposed to do to get back. Imagine someone threatens the thing you love most in the world, and the threat is very real, and you don't know how to defend it. It's a calm film, as well; the frenetic energy of the first one is still here, but spread out enough to not feel as crowded as the last time around. A major complaint I had from the first one: it's funny, it's cool, it's fun, but it's too much sometimes. This one gets the mix right. In fact, while I did enjoy the first one, I'd go so far to say that this is an improvement on it. It's more organized, not so hellbent on the easy laugh, and unafraid to dig deeper into its own theories and personality, something that it encourages its viewers to do as well. Parts of the film could be life lessons.

Po and the Furious Five find themselves deep in the heart of China, fighting an ancient evil in the form of Lord Shen (voiced by Gary Oldman), a psychotic peacock who has devised a weapon that will shatter the dreams of Master Shinfu's students by taking away their kung fu in order to take over China, and then the world. We don't really get his full plan for world domination, but we get the immediacy of it. First he has to take out the animals who can beat him. The character is absolutely nightmarish, not just because Oldman gives it literally all he can, but the animation that accompanies that brilliant performance is the stuff bad dreams are made of, and it's another voice I've never heard Oldman do before; he typically uses a different voice in every film he's in, and he always continues to impress me with his range. Despite the nature of the character, this is one of his finest works in a few years.

Something important to me during the viewing that might, unfortunately, go unnoticed by many is the subtle back-and-forth between computer animation and traditional animation. Flashbacks are a large part of the film, so the opening credits are done in traditional 2D animation, as are most of the memories we see Po recall. However, other characters don't remember in 2D. It's an important disjointedness to note in order to fully understand the character and the point of the film. Once a memory is fully accepted and believed, you aren't disjointed from it anymore, and it becomes a part of you - 2D to 3D, so to speak. Director Jennifer Yuh deserves more credit than she'll likely ever get for this.

Animated films these days have a way of attracting larger casts than they used to. I think this can be traced to Japan's Hayao Miyazaki productions, and the fact that Oscar winners and A-Listers collaborate to give his English-dubbed cartoons the best treatment they can get. Look at the cast list for this film and let me know if you're not impressed by the caliber: Angelina Jolie, David Cross, Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen, Jackie Chan, Lucy Liu, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dennis Haysbert, Danny McBride, Michelle Yeoh, and Gary Oldman. It seems to be that voice work is almost required to be a name in Hollywood these days; it used to be a death nail. It's not like anyone is sleepwalking through their work, either; each performance is a true performance, with characters fully drawn, even in bit parts. McBride's character doesn't have many lines, but I remember him clearly. Same for Chan, Van Damme, et al. It's an excellent cast, having fun with a fully realized screenplay, something rare for kid's movies.




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Monday, December 5, 2011

The Chinese Culture in the Film "Kung Fu Panda"


In "Kung Fu Panda", the directors show the Chinese traditional ethics in this film. We can see that martial ethics, formed in such Chinese cultural environment, which has become a distinct feature of Kung Fu and is the essential part of the study and understanding of Chinese martial arts.

At first, Panda Po just a lazy guy who loves Kung Fu very much, to become the master of Kung Fu need him to work hard to learn Kung Fu. In the end, a lay guy turns into the dragon warrior; there shouldn't be lack of one's persistence and perseverance. The one who realizes the meanings martial ethics can be a great master.

In this film, the bad guy Tai Lang is brought up by Shi fu who is both father and teacher of him. For Shi fu's lavish too much care on him which makes Tai Lang becomes selfish and jealous. There is another old saying: "To feed without teaching, is the father's fault; to teach without severity, is the teacher's laziness." For Shi fu's too proud on Tai Lang, it makes Tai Lang become blind of his life. Shi fu has too much expects on Tai Lang that makes Tai Lang become a dangerous guy to the Peace Valley.

Shi fu is just like Chinese parents who put all their love on their children without correct guiding which destroy their children' s future in one way. Here comes the last saying: "Sometimes you have to pay for your mistakes." For Shi fu dotes on Tai Lang, it make him becomes the enemy of Peace Valley, Shi fu needs to destroy him all by himself. However, how could a father bear to destroy his child? All of these views have been expressed vividly by the westerners, even we Chinese audience agree with their express of Chinese culture. They express Chinese culture in typical Chinese way.

From the philosophical connotation of "Kung Fu panda", we can draw the conclusion that foreigners know our Chinese philosophy deeper than before, they even use Yin and Yang to show it's the origin of Kung Fu of Chinese culture and expresses it in their film. It is such a great step that foreigners' learning of Chinese culture.




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Friday, December 2, 2011

Kung Fu Panda


After a few days of enjoying the movie Kung Fu Panda, I thought it is the perfect combination of two most famous Chinese elements - Panda and Kung Fu. More than just a box-office hit in China, animated Hollywood comedy "Kung Fu Panda" has led Chinese artists to find fault with their own film industry and call for more freedom on culture and creativity.

The Hollywood film, set in mysterious China, was made by a mostly non-Asian creative team. But it comes as tribute to Chinese Kung Fu and the country's profound culture. The movie, which tells the story of a fat panda who dreams of martial arts glory, was faithful to Chinese culture and laced with good humor, but China itself may have been incapable of producing such a film, a Chinese filmmaker and opera director lamented.

Set in the legendary world of ancient China, the story of Po - an unlikely hero - enters the rigid world of Kung Fu and turns it upside down. Po ultimately becomes a hero by learning that if he believe in himself, he can do anything. As the director says, Be your own hero, which means do not look outside of yourself for the answer. Don't expect someone else to make things right. You are empowered to achieve anything you want as long as you set your mind to it. Be the best that you can be.

The film director applauded "Kung Fu Panda" as a fresh and rich take on Chinese culture, mixing references to martial arts films with classic legends.




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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Martial Art Fun With Kung Fu Panda Birthday Party Supplies


Kung Fu movies have been around since the 1970s. Which makes it all the better that the Kung Fu Panda Disney movie has revived the whole style in a new way. Join in the fun by looking into a whole range of Kung Fu Panda birthday party supplies.

It's true that Po isn't a natural Kung Fu fighter. But he can work hard and overcome the odds. Isn't that a great message? Your little Kung Fu Panda will thrill to that journey with the help of these great Kung Fu Panda party supplies...

Get everyone into the mood at once using some Panda tattoos. They're washable so you don't have to worry. They come in three different styles - Po, Master Tigress, and an ultra-cool Chinese dragon design, so every partygoer can become the character he or she desires.

While everyone gets settled, Master Shifu will guard the Kung Fu Panda pinata. All the great toys and goodies will be there until the birthday child pulls the magic string. Then get ready for a shower of delight. You can be sure there will be lots of Kung Fu shouting then!

And aren't these just the best favor boxes? Everyone will get lots of terrific toys to take back home from the party. Watch them don the panda mask and make a move. Beware as they fling the foam rubber ninja star to warn off the bad guy. Rest assured that the glow stick will last the whole time. All that fits inside a stylish pagoda-style box that makes for a great birthday party keepsake.

The kids will enjoy pounding another great keepsake: the Panda Drum. Designed in traditional Chinese celebration style, kids whirl its two round balls. Just roll the 10" stick back and forth between the palms and the spirits will rise to join the party when they hear the rhythm.

By that time the kids are sure to be ready for birthday cake. Keep the Kung Fu spirit alive by using the Panda Deluxe Pack. It comes with plates, napkins, and cups already decorated with the great Disney design of the film.

Then unveil the cake that is already decorated with Kung Fu Panda characters. The Kung Fu Cake Topper features the three main characters from the film. Be prepared for the kids to copy their poses before they settle down, though.

Need some ideas about how to decorate the table? Well, you couldn't do better than to use a Kung Fu Panda centerpiece. It's so cool you'll want to put it on the mantle after the party. But you may find it gone already, whisked off to the bedroom of the birthday boy or girl. Well, maybe you better buy two!

Everyone will cheer when they get a Kung Fu Panda invitation card. So, frame the celebration with a whole set of Kung Fu Panda "Thank You" notes to express your appreciation. That way you won't have a horde of angry ninjas descend on your doorstep that night.




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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Endangered Panda On And Off Screen


Kung Fu Panda is back in the second film from the well-liked DreamWorks series and once again we get to follow along with the adventures of our favorite bamboo munching hero while he continues his mission to be a dragon warrior and (in this film) to locate his birth parents so he can truly know who he is. While the movie premiere was a considerable hit with stars Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, Dennis Haysbert and Lucy Liu taking their turns on the red carpet, earlier in the week stars turned out to walk a "bamboo" carpet if you will.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, Boss of DreamWorks Animation, was feted Monday evening at the 15th annual Global Conservation International dinner as a Global Conservation Hero. Fittingly, "Kung Fu Panda 2" was the theme for the celebration. Why such an exclusive award for creating a film? Well, DreamWorks' dedication towards the endangered Giant Panda goes beyond the pixels on screen.

In 2008, on the heels of the successful Kung Fu Panda film, DreamWorks made a superb investment in CI's work in Sichuan, China, to help track, monitor and safeguard wild populations of endangered giant pandas. The funding for the Three-Year Panda Survival Plan served the humans in the province as well by supporting the fundamental needs of those following the devastating 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

Katzenberg received the award from CI Vice-Chairmen Harrison Ford. In accepting the award, he mentioned, "At DreamWorks Animation, we've become environmentally aware because we spend so much of our time trying to emulate nature. We know how many pixels are needed to make fur look realistic because the real thing is at our disposal."

He added, "It will always be a challenge to match the beauty and splendor of our natural planet. Because so many of Conservation International projects, we can be confident that we won't have to glimpse this splendor through emulation."

Pandas aren't only stars on-screen. Considering that they're universally loved and easily recognized, they've become a flagship species. Based on Dr. Lu Zhi, director from the Shanshui Center for Nature & Society and among the world's foremost panda experts, "They [pandas] are iconic, and they've come at represent all threatened species. Saving the panda tests our determination. If we can't protect the panda, then what chance do all the other threatened species have?"

While the panda's own reproductive process is challenging (the feminine ovulates only once a year), the loveable bears also deal with the destruction of the habitats and feeding grounds. And not only does the deforestation affect the giant panda it adds to climate change endangering us humans too. The main focus on consequences of environment destruction to both human and animal population is what makes CI unique - it works to build the connection between both worlds to create a stronger force in protecting Mother Earth.

This focus is apparent in the Three Year Survival Plan for the Giant Pandas. According to their website:

CI's goal is nothing less than to halt the decline of the panda population, protect and revive the forests where they live, create mechanisms for local communities to support and benefit from conservation activities, and promote policy inovations by the Chinese government that provide better regulation of development and incentives for local protection.

Safeguarding the panda takes a comprehensive approach along with a focused strategy for success. The CI plan for pandas requires the following efforts:

1. The Giant Panda Survival Plan - this comprehensive strategy includes short- and long-term goals, reaching out as far as two hundred years. Planned achievements include safeguarding 100 % of known panda habitat, supplying better protection programs towards the reserves, developing a minimum of 12 "conservation corridors" for connecting habitats, and developing a comprehensive panda population monitoring plan.

2. The Panda Alliance - this impressive network of leading conservation groups, academics, government agencies, private corporations, and local communities will work to safeguard habitat, establish a panda guardian program, involve local communities, promote the benefits of panda conservation, and much more.

3. Key Policy Promotion - via a partnership with Peking University, CI will support the launching of a policy center to supply government and business leaders with science-based data to inform their decisions, produce solution-oriented policy research, and facilitate collaboration in conservation.

4. Inspiring panda-lovers worldwide to take action - via efficient working associations with public and private-sector partners for example McDonald's and DreamWorks, we'll inform the general public about the plight of the panda, and the things they can do to help.

While the few pandas left today face a challenging future, a renewed resolve for saving them provides new optimism. With the combined efforts of government, science, companies, and those that care, pandas can survive for future generations to enjoy.

So get your popcorn buttered this weekend and relish the animated adventure and keep in mind that beyond film, saving the giant panda might help save all of us!




Douglas Michaels Jr. writes educational articles for Green Earth News, the authority on everything Bamboo. Read the full article on Giant Panda. Check out Green Earth Bamboo for bamboo sheets, bamboo clothing, duvet covers, bath towels and baby products, all made from the world's most sustainable and renewable resource on the planet.




Kung Fu Panda Movie Trailer

 

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