Zavala Santamaría Martín Emilio

Introduction
For the present text, a semiotic analysis of the movie Kung Fu Panda will be conducted.
it will be based on Barthes' structural scheme, according to the text the semiological adventure. Therefore
that the analysis will be done according to the significance of the characters as well as in the concatenation of
the events according to the narration of the story. For the contextual framework, the narrative is chosen
heroic, this is because this type of narrative has a great similarity to that used during the
narration of the movie.
Finally, special emphasis is placed on the symbols and meanings associated with the history of
the Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian religions, as well as those of Chinese culture and those used by
the culture of martial arts, especially that of Kung Fu.
1
The Movie: Synopsis Kung Fu Panda 1
Po is a panda who works in a noodle restaurant owned by his father, the goose.
Mr. Ping hopes that one day Po will continue with his restaurant. Po is a fan of Kung.
Fu dreams of becoming a great master in this discipline. But his weight and clumsiness make it difficult for him.
this goal will be difficult to achieve.
The turtle Master Oogway has a feeling that Tai Lung, the ancient...
student of his own protected escaped from prison and returned to threaten the valley of peace.
While Shifu sends a messenger to ensure that the prison increases its security,
Oogway organizes a ceremony to choose the Dragon Warrior, the supreme master of Kung Fu.
Fu, what could stop TaiLong. Po, while trying to see the dragon warrior, ends up in the
halfway through the ceremony, the master surprises everyone by designating him as the dragon warrior.
Annoyed to have Po under his tutelage, Shifu attempts to make him resign. After the
escape from Tai Lung the five face him, while Po continues his training until
become the dragon warrior.
1
Self-translation of the synopsis of Kung Fu Panda by Marx Michael on the Internet Movie Database
URL provided is not translatable text.
2
Context: The hero
In this part, the hero will be defined according to their characteristics, origin, and life, this due to the
heroic nature of the film.
What is a hero?
The hero is distinguished primarily from present humanity by a strength and a
exceptional powers. It also naturally appears as a tutelary genius capable of protecting
to the city against all scourges, wars, epidemics, and others. This power owes it less to
seem, to a precise warrior vocation (not all heroes are warriors) more than to their
semi-divine nature.
Secondly, the life of the hero escapes human norms: irregular birth and
wonderful, childhood spent in the company of gods or monsters, existence occupied in
distant pilgrimages and in sporting or warrior feats, divine weddings, violent death or
supernatural or even abduction to the land of the Blessed. Such mythical themes are
transpositions of initiatory practices and confer a paradigmatic value to the hero's life,
especially for the aristocratic youth. The heroic cult is often celebrated by the
youths and accompanied by agonistic contests that have certain affinities with themselves
the rites of adolescence.
Finally, by belonging to the time of myth, that is, to the time in which they were fulfilled
in all primordial acts, heroes acquire the character of pioneers and creators, both in the
worship as in the legend: they are the ancestors of families or peoples; they found cities, oracles,
mysteries and games; they are the inventors and propagators of civilization.
2
According to Puech, Henri Charles. History of Religions. Volume 3: Ancient Religions III. Siglo XXI Editores.
pp. 332-335
Context: Heroic narration
Here the way in which the concatenation of the facts is carried out will be defined within the
epic genre, since the importance of the narrative type is essential in the description and the
relationship between the characters, as well as the end and the meaning of the story.
According to the division of literary genres, narratives can be divided into the following:
a) Drama.
b) Lyric.
c) Didactics.
d) Poetics.
Epic.
Within the epic category, the following subdivisions can be found:
Epic.
Epic poem.
Sagas.
4) Myth.
Story.
6) Romance.
7) Report.
Legend.
What characterizes the literary genre is the way in which the actions take place, in order.
they could be summarized as follows:
1) Introduction: in this part, the hero is introduced to the audience, the description of
the same always goes beyond the ordinary, the hero is unique and different.
2) Knot: in this action the hero is faced with situations beyond their range of
comfort, leaves home, distances itself from the family and goes in search of something different.
3) Training: the most characteristic part of heroic narrative is the training, it is
here where the hero meets the one who will be his master, who will not necessarily be
presented by a person, but it can be a text, a battle, or an odyssey. Of
training depends on the formation of the hero and the way in which they will face the
nemesis.
Output: the output occurs at the moment when the training by the teacher has been
completed, here the hero is almost complete, the search for the goal is taking place
until reaching the zenith of history.
5) Confrontation: this is the climax of the story, here the hero faces off against the nemesis.
it represents everything contrary to what he represents, it is an antagonism that is realized
between good and evil, future against past or innovation against conservatism.
6) Return to normality: undoubtedly this is the end of the heroic narrative, whether it is
In the story of Odysseus, Hercules, Ajax, or any other hero, after the journey, they ...
return to the previous world, the longing for that which has not changed.
Context: Religion
Within the film, both in the roles of the characters and in quotes and direct images,
the influence and atmosphere of three fundamental religions in ancient China is noticeable.
modern. These are:
What is Buddhism?
He argued that believers could free themselves from human pain because it was a feeling.
generated by desire, and offered methods to discover the fundamental nature of being
human and of reality from a spiritual standpoint that included both intellectual exercise
like personal experience. To eliminate suffering and save oneself, one must adopt the
meditation as a way of life, so the path to well-being came to depend on the
3
individual actions: a revolutionary idea for the rigid Hindu social system.
Buddhist teachings
Buddha established that pain was not a characteristic of the external world nor constituted the
product of a force external to individuals, but rather it was an intrinsic quality of the
human beings. The suffering came from the individuals themselves, who were responsible for production.
of karma. Consequently, liberation was an exclusive task for each individual. The causes
they were represented by the habits resulting from desire and ignorance developed from
4
remote times. It was about qualities that formed one's own individuality.
The karma
3
Brief History of Eastern Philosophy
4
Ibid. P.122
Buddhism holds that every intentional action (karma) - mental, verbal, or physical, and
until the experimentation of a memory² generates new conditions called 'fruits',
similar to the moral characteristic of the act. Every choice determines or intensifies some
behavior that derives from one's own personality (governing the orientations of life).
In the West, the term 'karma' has been misunderstood and taken as synonymous
of 'punishment' or 'predetermination'. However, the Buddhist perspective sees it as one of
the logical and universal processes, independent of any divine will. Therefore, the
karmic processes are unalterable, like conditioning from past lives that may or may not
impact the individual's behavior. Primarily, followers of Buddhism seek to
stop producing karma to end the endless cycle of rebirth. This condition
5
It is achieved by nullifying individual will in actions or reactions.
Buddhist quotes and actions throughout the movie:
Inner peace
Meditation
3) There is only news, it is neither good nor bad. (Said by Oogway)
Maybe I should quit and go back to making noodles. Resign, do not resign, noodles, no
Noodles. You are so concerned about what was and what will be, there is a saying: Yesterday is history,
Tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present.
Po and Oogway
Oogway begins to blow out the candles one by one.
What is Confucianism?
5
Ibid. 126
Confucianism became established as a philosophy that sought to improve the self.
through wisdom and self-knowledge. It consisted of thoughts and life proposals.
based on the certainty that it is possible to perfect individual nature and become one
good person.
The initial objective of Confucius was to spread his ideas among the rulers and then among
his disciples. With ups and downs of popularity and official acceptance, this philosophical thought
6
It was part of Chinese cultural baggage, and its precepts are still valid today.
Confucian concept of social relationship
All men should relate with integrity in each of the five bonds.
fundamental social relationships (as already mentioned): father and son; husband and wife; prince and
subject; old and young, and between two friends. The government had to comply with a series of
universal rules to guarantee justice, benevolence, and mainly, the submission of its
village. First, he had to be able to master his passions and thus be able to perfect his
virtues. Then, I was obligated to respect the wise and to love family members because
they constituted the pillars on which Chinese society was based. In relation to the
officials, the ministers were to receive greater consideration from the king, since
they carried out the most important official tasks; while the other bureaucrats and the
judges deserved a harmonious bond with the sovereign. In the case of the subjects, it was enough with
7
establish cordial relations and develop an honorable and benevolent bond.
Confucian quotes and actions throughout the movie:
6
Ibid. P.21
7
Ibid. P.37
Maybe you can if you are willing to guide him and believe in him. (Said by Oogway)
Now I ask you to trust your teacher as I have come to believe in mine.
Shifu
I stayed because I believed that if anyone could change me, it would be you, the greatest teacher.
of kung fu that has existed. (Said by Po)
Respect for the teacher or superior is evident throughout the entire film.
8
What is Taoism?
Taoism was the second most important school of thought after
Confucianism that developed as a result of the uncertainty that characterized the era.
of the Warring States (China 3rd-5th century). It constituted a religious and philosophical system based
mainly in the book attributed to Laozi, the Tao Te Ching, and complemented by the work of
Zhuangzi (369-290 B.C.) of the same title.
In contrast to the Confucian exhortation to submit to the norms of a
utopian social system, Taoism privileged individual freedom within the framework of the forces
naturalities of the universe. In this sense, the Tao was the path of spontaneity linked to
the impulses of the natural essence and condensed a meaning that implied unfathomability and
empty. It was an immeasurable path. Unable to be described in words or conceived.
With thought, unity on this path was achieved through the stripping away of doctrines.
they advocated forced and artificial acts to access transcendental mystical power. The
Taoism did not provide guidelines for good governance as the school had done.
predecessor², but also influenced the areas of aesthetics, hygiene, and Chinese religion.
the integration of its concepts with popular values resulted in its recognition as a cult
focused on achieving immortality through the use of magic and the pursuit of
8
Ibid. Pp.54-55
elixirs. In pursuit of the prolongation of life, the mystical Taoists of the 1st century adopted
methods of regular breathing and concentration to prevent diseases and promote
quality of life during the stage of old age.
Taoist quotes and actions throughout the movie
Nothing is impossible. (Said by Oogway)
Your mind is like this water, my old friend, when it is disturbed, it is difficult to see, but
when one calms down, the answers become clear. (Said by Oogway)
The universe has brought us the dragon warrior. (Said by Oogway)
The path to victory is to find the opponent's weakness and make them suffer for it.
take their strength and use it against them. (Said by Shifu)
The panda will not fulfill its destiny until you let go of the illusion of control.
Oogway
6) Look at this peach, I can't control when or how it grows, nor when it blooms or bears fruit.
fruits. (Said by Oogway)
The mark of the great hero is humility. (Said by Shifu)
Methodology
For the present analysis, a structural analysis will be used, where:
Structural analysis includes, in general terms, three types of analysis, or, if preferred
9
it still involves three tasks:
1) Proceed with the inventory and classification of psychological and biographical attributes,
characterological and social traits of the characters involved in the narrative (age, sex,
external qualities, social situation or power, etc.); structurally, it is the instance of the
indications (signalizations of varied expression up to infinity, that serve to transmit
a meaning -for example, nervousness, grace, power-, the analysis names in
its metalanguage, understanding that the metalinguistic term may very well not
figure directly in the text, the one that will never employ nervousness or grace, etc.: it is the
most common case); if a homology is established between the narrative and the sentence, the indication
corresponds to the adjective, to the epithet: it is what could be called the indexical analysis.
2) Proceed to the inventory and classification of the characters' functions: what
they act according to the narrative statute, their quality as a subject of a constant action: the
sent, the researcher, the envoy, etc.; at the sentence level this would correspond to the
Present participle: it is the actantial analysis.
3) Proceed to inventory and classify the actions: this is the level of the verbs;
these narrative actions are organized, as it is known, in sequences, in successions
apparently organized according to a pseudological scheme: it is the sequential analysis.
9
The Semiological Adventure. Textual Analysis of the Genesis.
Analysis
Indexical and actantial analysis of characters. The functions of the characters have their
variables within two points, the first within Greek mythology, this due to the
the story follows the hero's journey, the second within the society that the work seeks to portray;
This is why special emphasis is placed on these two values when conducting the analysis of the
characters.
A) Po (actor: Jack Black)
Age: Young adult.
Sex: Male.
10
Panda
cat bear, banded bear or great cat bear. In ancient China, the panda was seen as a
invincible and gentle animal to later become a symbol of peace. If during
A battle was taking place with a flag featuring a panda, the fighting ceased. The panda is still seen.
as a token of peace in China, which is why this country gifts panda bears to various nations.
In fact, gifting pandas to other nations developed its own term, panda diplomacy.
The second meaning of the animal that the character carries is one within Taoism, the
yin and yang, the idea that everything in nature has two opposing forces of the universe. It
think that the panda is the physical manifestation of yin and Yang, since that concept is drawn
commonly like a circle that is half white and half black. The panda is not only
black and white in color, but it personifies Yin and Yang when it is in perfect harmony
balance since the panda is a very gentle and docile creature.
Social situation: the character within their family situation is found as an adopted child.
from a noodle restaurant owner in China, he rose to become a student.
and the representative of a Kung Fu school, ultimately being its most prominent exponent.
10
URL provided does not contain translatable text.
Character characteristics: the character design follows the scheme of the panda in culture
China, as it acts docilely and cheerfully, always hungry or eating.
Throughout history, the scheme of the Greek hero in training is developed, where
abandons his home in search of something new, receives training from Master Shifu and
finally defeats TaiLung in a representation of the triumph of good over evil.
B) Master Shifu (actor: Dustin Hoffman)
Age: elderly.
male
Animal: red panda. Within Chinese culture, it represents the same as the giant panda, but in
smaller scale.
Social situation: he is the teacher and leader of a martial arts school, respected in his
community and the country in general. Its name literally means venerable teacher.
Character traits: he is a serious and sometimes surly character, representing the old man.
master or the elder in the scheme of classical Chinese culture or Confucianism is respected
throughout its community and maintains order within it, which resembles in the same figure to
a teacher, an elder, a judge, a sage, a mayor and more figures of authority. Dressed
always in a teacher's uniform.
Through his actions, this first teacher gives the main character the path he will follow,
He is the first who trained him on the hero's journey, which represents the path that he
he continues towards his maturity as a supreme master, the frequent discussions he has with the
main character and the past that haunts him make the cinematic discourse represent a
the path to enlightenment and the abandonment of preconceptions.
This character follows the scheme of Greek tradition, where a hero receives a
prediction of the oracle that foretells an unhappy ending for later through his actions to
trying to avoid it causes it, so it can be said that he is a tragic hero in the sense
of myths like that of Oedipus.
C) Tigress (actor: Angelina Jolie)
Age: young.
Sex: female.
Animal: tiger. In Chinese culture, the tiger has four meanings, one within the Chinese zodiac.
one within popular mythology, one within Taoism, and one within martial arts.
Chinese zodiac: here the tiger represents the king of the animals and the protector of the
youth; hence the character has a haughty and impetuous attitude.
Mythology and Taoism: in Chinese culture, there is a well-known legend that antagonizes
two forces of nature through the representation of characters, these are the tiger and the
dragon, in this scheme while dragon represents the force of passive nature, the
tiger represents the aggressive and impetuous force of nature. What causes this legend
it is considered a representation of Ying and Yang in their continuous struggle.
Martial arts: within Chinese martial arts several schools follow the form of
tiger as a form of combat, summarizing it as a technique where a fight takes place
11
continues and aggressive.
Social situation: the character is a privileged and advanced disciple in his arts school.
martial arts, lives and trains continuously at the school or temple.
Character traits: the character follows the guide scheme, always willing to
to attack and confront the enemy, demonstrating hardly any feelings or emotions, is a
warrior versed in battle. Always dressed in a battle uniform or Gi.
The function of this character is to be the companion and the push, the one that keeps in
focuses on the mission and does not allow the hero to stray from the path, that explains why Tigress
11
Wong Kiew Kit. Shaolin Kung Fu. Paidotribu Editorial. P.168
he has more prominence than the other four companions, this due to the fact that in the scheme of
The hero's narrative plays the same role as Iolaus within the myth of Heracles. It is also not
coincidence that the female sex has been attributed to her, this due to a certain sexual tension that
a sexual tension arises between this character and the protagonist, reminiscent of Greek mythology
normally existed between two men who were companions and are now replaced by a
man and a woman.
D) Viper (Actor: Lucy Liu)
young
Sex: female.
snake
the Chinese zodiac is an analogous figure to the dragon, but of lower hierarchy; the second, within the
martial arts functions as an essential figure, since: the essence of the snake form
Intrinsic energy or chi. The gentle movements of the snake patterns are
designed to facilitate the flow of Chi, which can give the exponent tremendous internal strength.
That person will not need external strength training, like hitting sandbags and
12
sticks, which are actually incongruent with the shape of a snake.
Social situation: the character is a privileged and advanced disciple in his art school.
martial arts, lives and trains continuously in the school or temple.
Character traits: the character acts softly and delicately, it is not a coincidence that they...
it has been attributed to the serpent the female sex, as it acts as a conciliatory being of the
various factions that exist within their group, an intermediary between yin and yang. Their trait
The most characteristic thing is to always be made up and have a pink bun.
In the story and in the backing role of the hero, the one who is behind him helping him.
to complete his feats and continuously reinforcing him. Within the narrative of Greek mythology,
12
Ibid.
it could be said that he plays the role of the soldier who is under the command of the hero and that his
protagonism depends on the hero itself.
E) Mono (Actor: Jackie Chan)
Age: young.
male
Animal: monkey. Another figure with diverse meanings among the Chinese, the monkey has within
of the Chinese zodiac, the personification of intelligent, cunning, and malicious. Within the arts
martial is another of the five animals of Shaolin Kung Fu, where its form involves movements
agile and curved, moving around the opponent and attacking the points they do not have
defended.
Social situation: the character is a privileged and advanced disciple in his art school.
martial, lives and trains continuously at the school or temple.
Character traits: within the story they have little prominence and few dialogues,
he/she functions as a supporting character and eventually as a comic relief.
In history and in the role of the hero's backing, the one behind him helping him.
to complete his feats and continuously reinforcing it. Within the narrative of Greek mythology,
it could be said that it fulfills the role of the soldier who is under the command of the hero and that his
protagonism depends on the hero itself.
F) Mantis (Emmy Seth Rogen)
Age: average.
male
Animal: praying mantis. It is worth mentioning that this animal does not have much significance within
Taoism or Confucianism as well as Buddhism, within some branches of this religion is referred to
regarded as sacred or at least respectable and exemplary, this due to its appearance of perpetual prayer;
So it is not a coincidence that the fighting style of the mantis is not found within Kung Fu.
It is not in its Shaolin or Taoist branches, but in its Buddhist branch. Where the system of the mantis
13
religious, is based on the movements of an insect, combined with Shaolin boxing.
Social situation: the character is a privileged and advanced disciple in his art school.
martial arts, lives and trains continuously in the school or temple.
The character acts seriously and calmly, with few dialogues and rare exchanges.
comics is found as a secondary character.
In the story and in the backup role of the hero, the one who is behind him helping him.
to complete their feats and continuously reinforcing it. Within the narrative of Greek mythology,
it could be said that he plays the role of the soldier who is under the command of the hero and that his
protagonism depends on the hero itself.
G) Crane (Actor: David Cross)
Age: average.
Sex: male.
Animal: crane. The basis of the crane is found within Shaolin Kung Fu where it
characterizes as a being with stability and tranquility that may surprise you with its weight.
big. The bird appears as if it were frozen in time and space. When of
suddenly it moves, despite its large size and apparent immobility, its movements are
elegant and lightweight, demonstrating an excellent way of using and conserving energy.
Its characteristic is elegance and its essence is stillness.
Social situation: the character is a privileged and advanced student in his arts school.
martial arts, lives and trains continuously in the school or temple.
13
Di Renzo, Claudio. Classification of Kung Fu styles according to their philosophy or religion of origin.
The provided text is a URL and cannot be translated.CLASSIFICATION.HTM
Character traits: in the movie, he acts as a secondary character, silent and with
little prominence, its most characteristic feature is its straw hat.
In the story and in the hero's backing role, the one who is behind him helping him.
to complete his feats and continuously reinforcing it. Within the narrative of Greek mythology,
it could be said that he plays the role of the soldier who is under the command of the hero and that his
protagonism depends on the hero itself.
H) Sr. Ping (Actor: James Hong)
Age: adult.
male
Animal: goose. This animal does not have a significant representation in Chinese culture or the arts.
martial.
Social situation: owner of his noodle restaurant, his clothing is always
marked by an overall. A traditional merchant.
Character traits: the involuntary grace, that would be his main characteristic, since
acts like a father in front of the main character or hero, constantly embarrassing him, dedicates
all her affection to her adopted son and his pasta. It is a stereotype of a merchant or a
Chinese restaurant vendor, always seeking to please their clientele and looking to obtain
a greater profit; a negative stereotype.
For the actantial analysis, it can be said that this character functions as an icon of the
home, which for the Greek hero is the reason in itself for his battles, since the hero does not decide to go
to war and the return home is the ultimate end of the hero, similar to Achilles' home or the kingdom
of Odysseus within the Iliad and the Odyssey.
Tai Long (Actor: Ian McShane)
Age: young.
Sex: male.
snow leopard
against the panda, following a fable from ancient China (The Tiger and the Dragon), if Po is the
dragon, let it be said the passive and benevolent force of the universe, TaiLong will be the tiger, that is to say, the force
destructive and aggressive of the universe.
Social situation: Pariah. A character who was disinherited and lost status within his community.
community, only to finally become a prisoner and fugitive. Because he originally was the
first disciple, one can follow the Judeo-Christian dialectic of the fallen angel, the one who falls from the
grace of God and seeks revenge.
Character traits: the character functions as the villain of the movie, furious and
vengeful, fearful of the future and harboring grudges against his teachers and classmates, revenge
and the pursuit of recognition and power are their primary motivation.
J) Oogway ( Actor: Randall Dum Kim)
Age: elderly.
Sex: male.
Animal: turtle. Within the Buddhist worldview, this animal is attributed the category of
patience and continuity, as it constantly appears in Buddhist and Taoist proverbs,
Shintoists.
Social situation: The head of the Shaolin temple where the other characters practice is the
respected elder of the community and one whose decisions are unappealable. He is at the top of
the social hierarchy.
Character traits: prudent and always giving advice as well as guessing, speaks
continuously with proverbs and aphorisms that he shares with his subordinates to guide them through
the path to enlightenment. This character has the role of the oracle that existed in the myths
Greeks, where predicting the future causes it.
This character functions as the messenger, the one who brings the news that initiates the
war or the first act of a great revolution, a strange role in itself as the force of
the actions that followed his words are not attributed to him and therefore neither is the blame for them.
same, following the Greek scheme, the fault of divination is not with the diviner but with the
will of the gods and therefore responsibility and cause of men.
Sequential analysis. As noted in previous analyses, the story has a great
similarity with the existence of the hero within Greek mythology, in its lyrical and dramatic parts.
It can also be said that in terms of purpose it follows the same scheme as a fable having as
a didactic story, that is to say one from which one can learn or wishes to teach something
a) Introduction to the mythical time of history: This first sequence is where the story is told
the role of the five furious ones in society and the class aspirations of
main character.
b) The home: the first scenes of how Po interacts in his home, this second
sequence also marks the reasons for its search, finding the goals within them
aspirational, that is, to be like those whom one admires.
c) Output: before his exit, Mr. Ping's role as a conservative force is noticeable.
and a figure of the household asking to accompany them to prepare noodles again, is
to say, that I returned to my domestic role and within the social scale.
d) Training: This phase could be divided into three subsections. The first, denial: In
this part of the movie shows Po's fear of entering a new social system, the
denial of his classmates, as well as that of his teacher, is a part where he does not perform
an advance in the physical path, but in acceptance. The second part, Knot: is where the
the antagonist escapes from prison and encounters the discussion ±for teacher and student- of
to follow or not to follow the hero's journey. The third part, acceptance: here Po continues the
heroic journey and becomes a member of their social hierarchy, accepted by their
companions and teachers follow the predetermined divine path.
e) First battle. Here is the confrontation that the five furious ones engage in.
against the antagonist, it is that part where the role of the enemy is imposed as a being
superior who can only be defeated by someone at the same level.
f) Retreat and final battle. The most significant part of a hero's story, that
where it rises like a battlement to defeat the enemy when all is lost
and the efforts of others have proven to be fruitless. The battle continues.
Message that good will always prevail over evil and that real power is not found
not through magical talismans, but through what you do for yourself or what
You are. Like the zenith and the end of history, this is where the educational function of the
same.
g) Return home. This part concludes the hero's journey, as the return home
it is not marked by the return to the father, but to the teacher and the return to the tranquil Status
Quo.
Conclusion
As explained throughout the previous analyses, this work narratively speaking is
a myth of heroism in the Greek style, what can be found despite its appearance of
satire and humor is a didactic that speaks of the conservation of the Status Quo in society and
the tragic role that follows the destructive forces, a call to social hierarchy and a
didactic sample of those who deviate from it.
In this film, the hero is shown as a role model despite his characteristics.
humorous and many of his attitudes that are not exemplary in themselves, which makes him a
a model that is more easily assimilated and is easier for those who see it to feel
identified. Fat, lazy, and lacking discipline are the characteristics that make this hero
an emblematic simple model for many social groups; it is not exemplary for who it is, but
because despite who he is, he manages to overcome his obstacles and reach the ultimate goal.
Finally, I can say that it is difficult to judge the film as a whole when there is a
the second part and a third is in production, where both follow the hero's scheme
like a long-shot odyssey, with the three being a single narrative continuity.
Bibliography
The Semiological Adventure. Textual Analysis of Genesis.
González Mothelet, Mónica. Semiotics. (not used in direct citation, but for the use of the
evaluation of the characters.
Wade, Desmond
Wong Kiew Kit. Shaolin Kung Fu. Paidotribu Publishing.
Web-based bibliography
AJ Panda Portal: http://www.ajpanda.com/Articles.asp?ID=228
Diaz, Vicente. http://www.guzmanurrero.es/index.php/Reviews of 'Kung Fu Panda 2' by Jennifer Yuh
nelson-2011/All-pages.html
Di Renzo, Claudio. Classification of Kung Fu styles according to their philosophy or religion.
http://www.chinwoo.com.ar/CLASSIFICATION.HTM
Technical Sheet Kung Fu Panda: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0441773/synopsis