Role of Perspective in Kung Fu Panda

In class, we watched and viewed different mediums of art to analyze the power of perspective. In the various paintings we analyzed, we saw the power of showing different perspectives and what it brings to the pieve. One of my favorite movies, Kung Fu Panda, is an excellent example of how perspective can produce beautiful cinematic work. Kung Fu Panda is a story about a clumsy cuddly panda, Po, that was unable to achieve his kung fu dream until he was recognised as the Dragon Warrior by Master Oogway. He was then trained by Shifu, defeated enemies, took responsibility for protecting the Valley of Peace and finally became a hero and the kung fu master who saved China. 

In one of my favorite scenes at the end of Kung Fu Panda, we see a beautiful scene where the camera revolves between Po and Tai Lung, the antagonist of the story. This scene uses slow-motion, zoomed in features, and altering perspectives to show how Po and Tai Lung approach the fight. (link below)

The story then becomes essentially a series of action sequences, somewhat undermined by the fact that the combatants seem unable to be hurt, even if they fall from dizzying heights and crack stones open with their heads. There are also features of hand-to-hand-to-tail combat with Po and Tai Lung, and upstaging everything, an energetic competition over a single dumpling with Master Shifu. These energetic and action-packed scenes help to set the mood of the story and help frame the moral of the story. The moral being that the true secret to your power is already within you, you just have to do the work to unlock it. 

Po’s story of failure to triumph highlights all three characteristics of self confident people.  Po, the Kung Fu Panda, learns to be optimistic and to believe in himself and his abilities.  He also faces his personal fears, and triumphs over them, allowing him to triumph over Tai Lung.  Finally, he surrounds himself with positive people – the furious five: Tigress, Viper, Monkey, Crane and Mantis; along with enlisting the Shifu as a mentor.

Check out Kung Fu Panda and let me know what you think. Sometimes I get a little carried away seeing references to my career and life success message everywhere.  However, in the case of Kung Fu Panda, the importance of self confidence to success shines through the entertainment. The common sense point here is simple, and timeless.  You have to believe in yourself, and take responsibility for yourself if you want to succeed in your career and life.  Kung Fu Panda makes this point in a very entertaining manner. These morals and perspectives are highlighted by the beautiful cinemotography in this movie and will definitely enhance your POV learning.

As always, I’m interested in your perspective on these thoughts.  I welcome and appreciate your comments.  Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed Storytime with Sejal!