[Animated Film] Kung Fu Panda 4

Watched on: 03/26/2024

Reviewed on: 04/05/2024

As a big fan for Kung Fu Panda, I don't know how my feeling is after watching it.

The series of Kung Fu Panda demonstrates a respect and understanding of Eastern culture, particularly through the incorporation of Zen philosophy, and the deep understanding of fate or "Yuan." For instance, one of Po's growth branches is towards a state of "The mood heart like stops the water" and "oneness of body and mind," a concept highly valued in Zen teachings. And Master Oogway repeatedly emphasizes that "there are no accidents" and "everything is possible."

However, Kung Fu Panda 4 is unlike one movie under this IP. Although the topic is still about "growth", but the growth demonstrated in the movie just comes from nowhere.

I agree with this viewpoint -- The screenwriter clearly understood that this growth could not be centered around the protagonist, Po, as he had already become a "complete character" by the end of the third installment. Having completed his journey of self-discovery, facing his past, and choosing his future, Po no longer had room for further development (which is also why I feel this installment was somewhat redundant).