Review of KUNG FU PANDA

KUNG FU PANDA
STORY: An unlikely kung fu hero wanna-be teenager is chosen by the head master to defeat the biggest baddest most-jealous warrior in the land.
MESSAGE: You have the seeds of heroism within you, and to realize it, you need only belief in yourself and train with the best. Never underestimate anyone's capacity to shine in the darkest hour. Vanity, status quo, prejudice, following the the letter not the law, guilt, shame, self-invalidation, destruction to gain power, conformity to other's purposes instead of one's own, disregarding the wisdom of elders and teachers, failure to see the inner strengths of others, seeking status for its sake, exclusion of others not like oneself and denying what one sees in front of one will lead to doom. Seeing the best in people, admiring positive traits, self-confidence, persistence, good-heartedness, bravery, loyalty, homework in a subject, belief in positive outcomes, desire to succeed, pursuing one's dream and purpose in life all win the day.
WIN: The main character, a panda, demonstrated greatness when he still loved and admired his kung fu heros despite how they treated him. The movie correctly showed that the accumulation of invalidation (putting someone down) resulted in that person's self-invalidation. It showed that a person triumphs when you build on his personal strengths. Elders of proven accomplishment were respected for having wisdom. The panda grew to be a better kung fu master little by little. A person who had been blind to destructive tendencies in his pupil, thus making an enemy to the townspeople, made up for it by clarifying who were on his side, by conquering his own pessimism and by working hard to train a person who could rectify his mistake. In addition, the panda strove to do what was needed and wanted to excel. There was an attempt to bring about a balance of force and intelligence (rather than mere brute force winning the day.)
LOSE: Besides being saddled with inheriting the family business from his father against his wishes, there was no apparent hostility which would occasion his tendency to be a klutz and cause trouble. (It is possible that there were basic things in life he did not know which, once learned, would handle this.) It seems to me that extreme prowess in kung fu would necessitate a concept that the fact that one is spiritual is why one can be superior to and control the physical factors like one's body and physical objects. Although the message was clear to believe in oneself and one's inner strength, and although there were miracles of such control, the spiritual concept was omitted. Without knowing that a spirit is the king of the physical universe, and if all were explained as material, such as training one's body, you'll miss the real power behind the greatness.
EFFECT ON ME: It made me want to see the hidden greatness in others, to have greater tolerance and love for people. It made me want to see a sequel as there was an ancestry question I'd like answered. It made me want to pour more fervor into my passions and dreams.
Sincerely,
Becky Mate
Script Consultant
www.virtueinthearts.com