If you want exceptional animations, a gripping narrative, hardcore action, and a main character that will make you laugh your guts out while dropping your jaws to the floor at the same time, then look no further than the famous Kung Fu Panda franchise.
For the better part of the last decade and a half, this series of films has always raised the bar when it comes to telling a visual story on the big screen, which it seeks to do again with its new upcoming film.
But when it comes to all the films that have been released since the success of the first one, it has always been noticed that the second film in the franchise is hailed by the fandom as the best there is. Although, the reason for this love from the audience stems from Po’s backstory and the overall narrative of the installment, which was also the darkest that the series had ever been.
Fans Loved Kung Fu Panda 2 Because It Didn’t Shy Away From Dark And Visceral Narratives
While the series may be directed primarily toward kids, the appeal of the Kung Fu Panda franchise defies the boundaries of age to please everyone and anyone who views it. This is why it has been one of the most successful animated film franchises in the world, which only grows in popularity with each passing day.
But only one film among them can be called the greatest, and when it comes down to it, the fandom naturally gravitates toward the second film in the series with overwhelming support. While it has been quite some time since its release, the reason why the film is such a memorable installment in the series is due to its bold stance of not shying away from darker and more visceral narratives for a kids’ movie.
There are many reasons why I think Kung Fu Panda 2 is the best Kung Fu Panda film, but one big reason is that it was unafraid of getting darker. Po's backstory is so grim and heartbreaking and it really packs such a powerful punch. pic.twitter.com/znUnFewD3r
— Animated Antic (@Animated_Antic) March 2, 2024
One of the most tragic stories comes from the main character Po himself, voiced by the beloved Jack Black, and his childhood. This film reveals how he ended up at Mr. Ping’s restaurant and how his mother was killed because of the prophecy that Chen received when he was an ambitious young adult.
Along with that, it also pulls no punches while extrapolating the narrative to encompass the entire environment to its more serious and impactful tone, which grips people from the get-go and makes you route for the main hero even more. Thus, this film stands the test of time and critical appraisal to be called the best Kung Fu Panda film in history.
What To Expect From Kung Fu Panda 4?
Since every film in the series until this point has not once managed to disappoint the audience in any department, the expectations from the upcoming Kung Fu Panda 4 are as high as can be.
The film is all set to show the journey that Po must take to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, but in his way, there now stands a new foe in the shape of a shape-shifting sorceress. As he tries to save the Staff of Wisdom from this new enemy, he must also choose a successor to become the next Dragon Warrior and take his place as the greatest combatant in Kung Fu.
Kung Fu Panda 4, in cinemas on 15th March 2024.
