A little of the old and some of the new in this post. I dove into the archives of past Novembers and found this one from 2011 which made me realize I am yet to watch Kung Fu Panda 4. I love the series though, and love the effortless portrayal of mythology, culture, of a mystical stunning China, and of characters who are now beloved across the world!
In addition, I love the life lessons the series brings with it, including that of asserting oneself and of belonging.
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The Kung Fu Panda Movies: Then and Now
Circa 2011: King Fu Panda 1 and 2
Kung Fu Panda
I’m a big fan of Jack Black, which is why I was all in for the first Kung Fu Panda movie (plus, my two little ones were eager to see it too!). We immediately loved Po—my kids enjoyed his antics with the Furious Five, and while I liked it, it didn’t become an instant favorite for me.
The animation was stunning, the scenery beautiful, and the action sequences engaging. The plot? Pudgy Po is unexpectedly chosen as the Dragon Warrior, disappointing the Furious Five. But as the action unfolds in breathtaking settings, Po and the Five gradually come together as a real team.
The voice cast is spot on with Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Seth Rogen, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, and Lucy Liu, but it was James Hong as Po’s goose dad, Mr. Ping, who stole the show for me.
Kung Fu Panda 2
I was a bit skeptical about watching a DreamWorks sequel, but Kung Fu Panda 2 turned out to be even better than the original. The whole cast is back, both animated and voice, which really strengthens the film. Plus, the addition of the villainous peacock, Shen (voiced by Gary Oldman), was brilliant. Hilarious moments mix seamlessly with intense action and emotional scenes, making this sequel a standout.
The animation, especially of Shen and the scenery, is breathtaking. Jean-Claude Van Damme joins as Master Croc, which I loved. And the ending? Perfectly set up for Kung Fu Panda 3. If it does come, I will be watching it (note: this was my 2011 posting! and as we all know two more movies have come out since!)
Now: Kung Fu Panda 3 and Beyond
Since then, I’ve watched Kung Fu Panda 3, various specials, and trailers and snippets of the latest one. Have you seen them all? While I still need to watch Kung Fu Panda 4, I know I will love it just like the others.
Lessons from the Movies
The Kung Fu Panda series has definitely proven to be a delightful, action-packed exploration of belonging, culture, friendship, believing, being yourself, of family, and more. Looking at some of them here.
Embrace Your Path
In the movies, Po definitely starts off as an unlikely hero. I recall how he felt out of place in both the noodle shop he called home and the world of kung fu warriors he got pulled into out of nowhere. But his journey shows that there’s no “right” path to belonging, to asserting yourself. So very often, it’s the differences we bring that make us essential to a community, and part of it, aka to belong.
Lesson: True belonging doesn’t mean fitting into a mold—it means bringing your whole self and allowing your unique path to guide you.
Be You
Po’s journey to self-acceptance is central to his transformation from that self-doubting panda we first see to a formidable Dragon Warrior. He learns to accept his past, his quirks, and even his weight as strengths rather than limitations. I loved how the series shows this aspect without deriding anyone or anything, in a wholesome, sweet manner.
Lesson: This reminds us that belonging starts within—when we accept ourselves, we feel at home wherever we are.
Find Your Inner Peace
In Kung Fu Panda 2, Po confronts his painful past to find “inner peace.” This helps him see himself clearly and settle into his role as the Dragon Warrior.
Lesson: When we heal, we’re better able to connect deeply with others and see our place in the world.
Community and Mentorship Matter
One of the best things about these movies is how they show the importance of family and friends and mentors as well. Po has a supportive community: his adoptive father, Mr. Ping; his teacher, Master Shifu; and his friends. Each relationship supports his growth, showing the importance of a strong support system. His mentors give him room to grow, helping him feel more rooted as he evolves.
Lesson: Belonging is often built in relationships with people who believe in us, mentor us, and help us become our best selves.
Everyone Has a Role in the Big Picture
The movies highlight that everyone’s role is valuable, even if it doesn’t seem clear at first. For example, as we watch Po’s character develop across the stories, he discovers his unique contributions and realizes he belongs because he has a place in the story.
Lesson: We all have a place where we can make a difference.
Bookish Memes: Then and Now
Then: Maid to Match
Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist (Historical Fiction)
From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled–by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack’s rugged behavior by tutoring him in the ways of refined society, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie’s efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt’s lady’s maid. But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs…and their hearts.
Now: We Still Belong
We Still Belong by Christine Day
A thoughtful and heartfelt middle grade novel by American Indian Youth Literature Honor–winning author Christine Day (Upper Skagit), about a girl whose hopeful plans for Indigenous Peoples’ Day (and plans to ask her crush to the school dance) go all wrong—until she finds herself surrounded by the love of her Indigenous family and community at an intertribal powwow.
(1 & 2) Book Beginnings and First Line Friday
BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY is hosted by Rose City Reader. What book are you happy about reading this week? Please share the opening sentence (or so) on BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY! Add the link to your blog or social media post and visit other blogs to see what others are reading.
Happy Friday and welcome to the FIRST LINE FRIDAY, hosted by Reading is My Superpower! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line.
Then (November 2011): Maid to Match
I had seen a few good reviews of this on a few blogs as well as on Amazon and the Kindle edition was free at that time so I bought it. I started reading this book a few days ago but then got caught up in reading ‘Cutting for Stone’ which was borrowed from the library so am going to get back to it next week (after ‘American Rust’ which is also a library rental).
Beginnings like this always interest me. Serene and beautiful!
BILTMORE ESTATE
NEAR ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
AUGUST 1898
Like a butterfly breaking free from its confining cocoon, Tillie Reese emerged from the barren, tan-colored servants’ hall into the opulence of Biltmore’s main level. These predawn hours were her favorite. All was dark, no one stirred, and she had the entire floor—easily a half acre in size—all to herself.
Gist, Deeanne (2010-06-01). Maid to Match (p. 11). Baker Academic. Kindle Edition.
Now (November 2024): We Still Belong
(from chapter 1)
3 Friday 56
THE FRIDAY 56 is hosted by Freda’s Voice (currently by Anne at HeadFullofBooks) To play, open a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% on your e-reader). Find a sentence or two and post them, along with the book title and author. Then link up and visit others in the linky.
Then (Nov 2011): Maid to Match
“Please, sir. I’ll take him round back myself. I’ll make sure he doesn’t get into any more trouble.” Mack tucked his shirt into his trousers. “I can fight my own fights…Tillie, is it? You needn’t do it for me.” She seared him with her gaze. “Do not say another word.”Gist, Deeanne (2010-06-01). Maid to Match (p. 56). Baker Academic. Kindle Edition.
Now: We Still Belong
4 Book Blogger Hop
The purpose of THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, and befriend other bloggers. THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.
Have you ever participated in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in November, and do you have any favorite books that were born from this writing challenge?
No, and not sure if any of the books I loved were born from this challenge.
5 More Books to Read for Native American Heritage Month
- Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir By One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII. I first read about the Navajo code talkers during a local hike (at Mt. Unumhum) and wanted to learn more since then. I researched online and learned a bit. And when I saw this book recently, I had to check it out. I just got started on it and it is definitely worth it. (YA/ 18 + / Memoirs)
- I Sang You Down From the Stars (Baby – 4 years, and up). This is a stunning picture book!!
- #NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women (14+). This is a raw, powerful read.
- Sweetest Kulu (1 – 4 years). Another sweet, sweet picture book.
- Trickster: Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection (12 – 18 years). An excellent vehicle for so much!
And Now, the End of this Post
Dear reader, have you read any of these books/watched the movies? Do let me know your thoughts on them. Which ones (book/movie) will you pick next for yourself or others (to read/watch – maybe again)? Any similar recommendations for me?
I think I have Maid to Match on my Kindle.
As for the Kung Fu Panda movies, I really loved the first one, but the second fell a little flat for me. Won't deter me from watching a third if they make one.
Kung Fu Panda is so much fun!
check out my 56:
You're reading range is quite interesting!
oh here's my link:
http://guiltlessreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/friday-56-is-for-those-with-big-bums-me.html
@fredamansThanks for visiting.. I think watching the movie with my kids on a mommy and kids outing really helped enhance the joy and made it better for me..
@aloiThank you.. yes, I love reading and as a kid, my parents would warn any hosts whose home we would be visiting to hide anything that can be read if they wanted me to talk!
@aloiThanks.. loved your 56!
thanks 🙂 i find that this little bit of extra "work" actually relaxes me 🙂