- PG
- 1h 35m
- Directed by
-
- Jennifer Yuh Nelson
- Writer
- Jonathan Aibel
- Premiered
- January 23, 2016
- Language
-
- English
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $145,000,000.00
- Revenue
- $521,170,825.00
- Awards
-
- 1 win & 10 nominations total
- Country
-
- China
- United States of America
Kung Fu Panda 3
- Production
-
- DreamWorks Animation
- China Film Group Corporation
- Oriental DreamWorks
- Zhong Ming You Ying Film
Spoiler
The Kung Fu Panda franchise, produced by DreamWorks Animation, has carved a unique niche for itself in the realm of animated films. While it may not have achieved the same level of financial success as Shrek or the critical acclaim of How to Train Your Dragon, the series has managed to captivate audiences with its blend of humor, stunning animation, and memorable characters. The third installment, Kung Fu Panda 3, is a testament to the franchise's ability to balance action, comedy, and heartwarming drama.
Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni, the film takes place in a secret panda village, where Po, the lovable and hapless protagonist, is visiting with his father. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted by the emergence of an evil spirit, Kai, who threatens to destroy all of China. In response, Po must assemble a ragtag army of pandas to fight against this formidable foe.
As the story unfolds, Po's journey is not just about defeating the villain, but also about self-discovery and growth. With the guidance of his biological father, Li Shan, and the wisdom of Master Oogway, Po learns to harness his unique connection to chi, a concept that is deeply rooted in the film's themes of identity and purpose. This internal conflict is further complicated by Po's struggles to come to terms with his dual identity as a panda and a kung fu master.
The film's narrative is expertly woven, blending elements of action, adventure, comedy, and family drama. The animation is stunning, with beautifully rendered landscapes and intricate fight choreography. The voice cast, which includes Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, and Dustin Hoffman, delivers impressive performances that bring depth and nuance to their respective characters.
One of the standout aspects of Kung Fu Panda 3 is its thoughtful exploration of fatherhood and the complexities of family relationships. Po's relationships with his adoptive father, Mr. Ping, and his biological father, Li Shan, are multifaceted and emotionally resonant. The film also touches on the theme of finding one's true self, as Po navigates his identity as a panda and a kung fu master.
The film's climax features an epic battle between Po and Kai, with the fate of China hanging in the balance. Without giving away too many spoilers, it can be said that the film's conclusion is both satisfying and emotionally resonant, as Po emerges victorious and finds a new sense of purpose and belonging.
Kung Fu Panda 3 has received widespread critical acclaim, with an impressive 87% positive score from 179 critics on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's audience score is also notable, with a 79% positive rating from over 100,000 viewers. The film's success can be attributed to its well-crafted narrative, stunning animation, and memorable characters.
As the franchise continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the upcoming fourth installment, Kung Fu Panda 4, will build upon the foundation established by its predecessors. With Awkwafina joining the cast and the introduction of new technological techniques, the film is sure to deliver a fresh and exciting experience for fans of the series.
Top Billed Cast
Core Crew