Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Kung Fu Panda 2: An Adoption Story

Did you know know that Po, the lovable panda, also the main character in Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2 (played by actor Jack Black) was adopted?

Po getting a bath from his dad, Mr. Ping in Kung Fu Panda 2
(image taken from http://www.ign.com/blogs/rehpotsirch/2011/06/24/kung-fu-panda-2-most-emotional-animated-film-in-a-while)
Babe and I just watched KFP 2 tonight, and the storyline among other things, revolves around Po trying to figure out who he is, and what happened to his "real" parents.

I don't know about you, but it never occurred to me when watching the first KFP that Po may be adopted, even though his dad, Mr. Ping, was a goose and he was a panda.  Sure I thought it was funny that Po was so different from his dad, in looks (species!), in priorities, and even when he mentioned the "family secret recipe" for the noodle soups.  But for some reason, never did it cross my mind that he was adopted.

Did it cross your mind?

If you have not seen KFP 2, I'd highly recommend it.  The movie itself is funny and well done.  Po's adoption story and his relationship with his goose father is very sweet, and the emotions portrayed well in the story.

8 comments:

  1. I saw the first one but haven't the 2nd. It did occur to me that he had probably been adopted but sinceit came out before the kid was born, I haven't thought about it since then. I wonder, do you think the 2nd would be a good tool to discuss adoption with kids?

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    1. I think it this movie may be good a good tool to discuss adoption, though it does not go too much into detail about it. It does not even use the word "adopt" or "adoption", at least not that I recall. However, Po does in the end acknowledge that Mr. Ping is his father.

      On the other hand.... **SPOILER ALERT** ..... at the very end of the movie, there is a scene that implies that there may be a KFP 3, and there may be other panda's involved (i.e. Daddy Panda??). So not sure how it will all play out.... maybe some tie to open adoption? We'll have to see.

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  2. thanks for the recommendation! my son loved the first one.

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  3. Hello from ICLW! I too loved Kung Fu Panda - both of them. I thought the storyline about adoption was good and quite possible a nice story for an adoptee.

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  4. Hi from ICLW...Kung Fu Panda is such a cute movie and the adoption plot was done nicely

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  5. Hey there from ICLW!

    I have yet to delve into the Kung Fu panda series... ;) But I'm adopted - so I tend to notice these things and can probably list out a bajillion adoption movies! (although sadly, we are often in horror movies as the child that then becomes possessed and wreaks havoc on all.. which I rather enjoy). Good on ya' for noticing these things! Most people don't!

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  6. Hi from ICLW: I saw the first one and didn't think much of it -- I'll have to see the sequel!

    You should see "The Odd life of Timothy Green." It'll make you smile (and maybe tear-up as well).

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  7. Hello from ICLW. I will have to add this to my movie list. I saw the first one awhile ago. Wishing you the best.

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