China is home to the panda.
Not that one.
This one.
Isn't she cute? Look at her little baby! Wow. You know, I was thinking, how cool would it be if a panda actually DID know Kung Fu? I think that would kick serious ass! Besides, it would make these cute fluffy balls of white and black fur more interesting--because, let's be honest here, they don't do much. In fact, all they do is sit around all day and eat, drink, sleep, crap, and eat. They eat so much sometimes that the boy panda's have zero interest in all the cute female pandas! What a shame, tsk. tsk.
Anywhoo--I'm not sure how many of you out there have seen Kung Fu Panda, but seeing as it's made so much money in America and abroad, I'm sure you have. I thought the movie was bloody fantastic! It was funny, had a beautiful theme, and made Chinese traditional culture (kung fu, food, and scenic locations) look stunning. The mounts, the temples--breath taking. The food and the battle over the dumplings--pricless! The great lines, "Everyday is a gift, that's why they call it a present." AWESOME! How can you NOT like this movie?
I know since its release, especially here on the Mainland, this film has sparked some harsh words from some Chinese--not many, but some. I believe everyone has a right to protest over any issue they feel strongly about, but I'll be the first to admit I didn't understand the hate for this film. Let me explain why.
First, it will introduce the Chinese culture to scores of children and people all over the planet who might, under different circumstances, not give a rats ass about China or its wonderfully mysterious culture. I can remember one reason I came to China in teh first place was due to film--movies like Bruce Lee's "Return of the Dragon," and "The Big Boss," plus films by Jet Li, Jacky Chan, etc. These were windows to a world that I, being an American, knew nothing about. I got to see things about China that made me want to come here and see first hand what it was like. Six years later, I'm not disappoitned.
Another reason the film should be supported by Chinese is a simple one, the panda. The poor lazy bear is endangered and in trouble, but if you make people fall in love with it, they will support with money, aid, and their hearts. When the film Happy Feet came out a while back about penguins, kids all over the world showed support against Global Warming and environmental protection. That's pretty sweet considering the movie is about dancing and singing birds.
So why all the hate?
"America made the Panda ugly!" They did? I thought he was extremely funny and cute. The fight for the dumplings had me rolling on the floor like a retard.
"American's are exploiting Chinese culture for money!" At least they are presenting Chinese culture in an interesting and fun way so it will appeal to a larger auidence. Think about this: people who like the film will want to come to China to see the REAL Panda and to experience REAL kung fu. These are call tourist. Tourist bring money and money helps the big economic machine keep turning. That's a good thing! I wish we made a movie called Boxing Eagle or something, that way people would want to come to my stupid country! Oh well...
In the future, I plan on in the coming weeks and months, doing a series of articles about China. I want the whole world to know more about this fantastic country!
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