Channel Frederator Blog

via The Business Sheet

This was an interesting read. It seems that many of the actions and attitudes in the Dreamworks animated film “Kung Fu Panda” are at odds with what are common mainstays in Chinese cinema. While many have to do with the characters’ flaws (which help to sell their believability), some are taking offense to the way Po interacts with his teacher. In China, a student has nothing but deep respect for their instructor.

In such a global community, is it not possible to do an animated film that is based on a culture, yet observes that culture’s beliefs AND entertains a broad audience? I enjoyed the film, but was unaware of some of the cultural gaffs that it included. While I was not offended, I can now see why some may have been. What do you think?

-Floyd Bishop