Kung-Fu Panda Opening

For research, we watched through the introduction to Kung-Fu Panda. We found it to be a good example of a children's film introduction. There are a few important elements which explain a little about the film to us before it begins. The introduction of Kung-Fu Panda was the influence for our children's film introduction.

First of all, the introduction helps us understand that the genre is a family film. The characters are cartoons, and they all have over exaggerated movements, and some are rather 'slap-stick'. Usually, this suggests that the film is trying to appeal to children because it keeps their concentration. The idea of this heroic panda, going around and helping those in need by defeating evil villains is good for a Children's film, because it shows that these evil acts are bad, and makes it easier for children to determine who is right and wrong in the scene. (Also that if they try to do anything bad, a panda might come at them.)

The sounds also suggest that it is a family/children's film. There is a voice-over going along with the introduction to explain what's happening. The voice-over is humorous, and telling the story of this heroic panda in a way that would appear to children and adults alike. The general use of comical words and slang in this 'serious' scene also add to the appeal. The music used in this scene represents China, and gives away a Kung-Fu element to further set the scene for the rest of the film.

At the end of this cartoon introduction, the clip is interrupted with 'real' voices, outside of this dream world of this main character, and he is woken up; it is now very clear that this panda dreams of becoming this heroic figure of his imagination, and therefore sets the plot for the rest of film.