Kung fu Panda: Panda kicks out Leopard

Kung Fu Panda delivers with panache. The central figure in this story is Po (voice of Jack Black), one of the laziest animals in the Valley of Peace, a place in ancient China.

Po lives with his father below the Jade Palace, where Zen master Oogway (Randall Duk Kim), kung fu master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) and his disciples – the Furious Five (a team of kung fu masters) – also reside.

Po is expected to take over the family business, but unknown to many he secretly nurtures the ambition of becoming a kung fu master.

Po’s life undergoes a dramatic change when he shows up at the Jade Palace one day to watch Oogway choose a Dragon Warrior from among the five masters. He ends up getting elected instead and now has to face the enemy – the snow leopard Tai Lung (Ian McShane).

Po is sent to learn kung fu so that he can face Tai.

What follows is a wonderful awakening for Po who learns how to be strong and also to have faith and belief in himself.

The story, which is interspersed with humour, is fast- paced. The jokes have an universal appeal and people of all ages are able to relate to them. The action is heavily influenced by Hong Kong martial arts films, but it is beautifully choreographed.

Among all the characters Po in the most likeable. His over-the top-buffoonery is extremely enjoyable.

Directors Mark Osborne and John Stevenson have made a praiseworthy film and created a character which is sure to become a hit with audiences of all ages.