Angelina Jolie is undoubtedly one of the most talented actresses of our era, having delivered some truly remarkable performances throughout her career. From her Oscar-winning portrayal in Girl, Interrupted to her roles as superheroes, tomb raiders, and spies, she has showcased her versatility time and time again. Beyond her undeniable acting skills, Angelina Jolie is also known for her stunning movie-star looks. However, despite all of these impressive accomplishments, it may surprise you that her best movie performance doesn’t actually involve her physical presence on screen. Instead, you’ll only hear her voice – in Kung-Fu Panda.
Have you watched the popular Dreamworks movie Kung-Fu Panda? Before you raise your voice, let me give you a brief overview. In the film, Angelina Jolie portrays Tigress, a skilled warrior and member of The Furious Five, a group of legendary fighters. Despite her exceptional abilities, Po, the Kung-Fu Panda played by Jack Black, is unexpectedly named as the Dragon Warrior after a competition to determine who is destined for the role. Tigress could easily be regarded as the best among The Furious Five fighters.
Angelina Jolie’s character in Kung-Fu Panda has a captivating and relatable character arc, which is brought to life by her nuanced performance. Despite being a movie primarily targeted towards children, it boasts of impressive animation, great action sequences, and a timeless story with a moral that resonates with everyone. Jolie’s performance lends gravitas to her role as Tigress, making her an imposing presence and a natural leader. Throughout the movie, Tigress struggles to gain approval and acceptance while dealing with unexpected changes in her destiny. Jolie’s emotive and nuanced portrayal of the character adds depth and complexity to what would have been just another character in a children’s movie.
Although Angelina Jolie is a standout in this movie, it’s not the only factor that makes it more than your average children’s film. The stellar cast, including Dustin Hoffman, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, David Cross, Jackie Chan, and Ian Mcshane, all bring their A-game to their respective roles. However, the success of the movie hinges on Jack Black’s portrayal of the lovable Po. He effortlessly channels his signature energy and perfectly embodies a character who craves inclusion in a world he doesn’t quite comprehend. To balance out Black’s exuberance, the performances of Angelina Jolie as Tigress and Dustin Hoffman as Master Shifu provide a grounded element to the film. This is not to say that they don’t bring the humor – as a comedy, there are plenty of laughs, and Jolie and Hoffman deliver with their reactions to Po’s hilarious antics.
One of the fantastic aspects of the Angelina Jolie film is the realization that heroes can emerge from any corner of society. No individual is predestined to be a savior. Each individual has their own set of skills and abilities, which can be utilized to create an impact. The movie’s message would not have been as powerful without its exceptional writing and splendid performances by Black, Jolie, Hoffman, and the entire cast.
The first Kung-Fu Panda movie is definitely worth watching, but don’t stop there – the entire trilogy is equally fantastic. Unlike some other movie trilogies that tend to decline in quality as they progress, the Kung-Fu Panda movies maintain their excellence throughout. The characters, world, and story all develop in engaging and organic ways that make for a truly satisfying viewing experience. Fans of the first movie and Angelina Jolie’s performance will be pleased to know that the next two films are just as enjoyable.
One of the best things about these movies is the way they showcase and honor Chinese history and culture. The animation is stunning, capturing the beauty of the country’s natural landscapes. The martial arts styles depicted in the films were meticulously researched and recreated in animated form, and many notable Chinese actors, such as Randall Duk Kim, Lucy Liu, and Jackie Chan, play important roles in the movies.
It’s quite remarkable when an actor can convey emotions and deliver a stellar performance using only their voice. It’s not often that famous actors can make the switch to voice acting, but Angelina Jolie is one of those rare talents who excels in both fields. Although she has delivered some outstanding live-action performances throughout her career, I suggest that you give her animated role a chance and watch Kung-Fu Panda if you haven’t already. You can currently find the movie streaming on Netflix in the United States.