Kung Fu Panda (2008)

The animated martial arts comedy film, Kung Fu Panda (2008), was created by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures. In Ancient China’s Valley of Peace, Po Ping, a giant panda, helps his father at their noodle restaurant. His ultimate dream is to fight alongside the Furious Five – Tigress, Monkey, Crane, Viper, and Mantis – who reside at the Jade Palace and are trained by Master Shifu, a grumpy red panda. One day, Master Oogway (the wise tortoise who founded kung fu) predicts that Tai Lung (Shifu’s former protégé who is now imprisoned) will escape and attack the Valley in search of the Dragon Scroll – an artifact that grants unlimited power. In a panic, Shifu sends Zeng the goose to boost security at Chorh-Gom Prison in Mongolia where Tai Lung is held.

Shifu organizes a tournament among the Five to help Oogway find the legendary Dragon Warrior, the chosen one who is worthy of reading the Scroll. However, when Po arrives late and is unable to enter the arena, he resorts to launching himself into the middle of the tournament with the help of some fireworks. This accidental stunt leads the townsfolk to believe that Po has descended from the sky in a fiery explosion. As a result, Oogway declares Po as the Dragon Warrior, much to everyone’s surprise, including Po and the Masters. Feeling rejected by the Five, Po contemplates giving up on his dream, but Oogway’s words of encouragement motivate him to stay and endure Shifu’s intense training. Gradually, Po forms strong bonds with his idols through his determination, culinary abilities and sense of humor. During this time, Tigress confides in him about Shifu’s distant behavior and reveals that it stems from his guilt over Tai Lung’s betrayal – someone he had raised since childhood.