Source: CCTV.com

06-16-2008 09:20

On the heels of "The Forbidden Kingdom", released only months ago, another Kung Fu animation "Kung Fu Panda" is ready to hit Chinese cinemas. How much more Chinese can it get with Panda AND Kung Fu? In today's "Spotlight" we take a cautious step closer to the panda for a peek at the story behind the scenes.

"Kung Fu Panda",the latest animated offering from DreamWorks, goes beyond Kung Fu, introducing theatre goers to additional elements of the Chinese way.(File photo)

Kung Fu movies launched a global frenzy. Eager acolytes rushed to discover the secrets of Chinese martial arts. "The Forbidden Kingdom", demonstrates the measure of the craze. In the film, non-Chinese perform the movements of the ancient art with the controlled precision of Chinese adepts. "Kung Fu Panda",the latest animated offering from DreamWorks, goes beyond Kung Fu, introducing theatre goers to additional elements of the Chinese way.

The film is about a panda named Po. He is a student of Kung Fu. He's cute -- as pandas were meant to be -- and a bit clumsy. There's little chance for him to practice lightning kicks and and bone snapping punches. He works in his father's noodle shop. But Destiny calls. Po is chosen to carry out the tasks that will bring the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. He is invited to join the inner world of Kung Fu and to learn side by side with the legendary icons of the martial art -- who are his idols.

The question is on everyone's lips can the shambling Kung Fu rookie achieve mastery of the art?