#kfp1

It’s something I noticed just recently. During the fight between master Shifu and Tai Lung the mood of the fight is dark. No. Literally. I’m not even talking about the message where a father and son are fighting to death practically. I’m talking about the actual lighting of the entire fight between them.

When we first see Shifu waiting to fight, we see this:

Followed by another one where Tai Lung arrived:

The setting is dark and cloudy with a green coloration demonstrating the depth, darkness and tragedy of the battle. It was stormy, lightning striking around and pretty much gloom and desperate.  

But the moment Po arrives, you see this:

All jokes aside the background looks to be like the storm clearing and the sun shining. Kinda like a fresh morning, (perhaps this could be signaling that since Po is the savior it matches the “dawn of a new day” sort of deal). And when Po and Tai Lung fight, the scene is brighter, mostly clear skies with a goofy feel to it.

My guess for the sudden change may have to be because it is to show that this movie is still for children but expressing Po’s carefree nature. And I believe it also makes the battle a lot more unpredictable, because with Shifu and Tai Lung it’s solely hand-to-hand combat making it feel like there’s more at stake. All hits and punches look like they’ll break bones and leave a mark. Whereas the second battle is bright and comedic, while yes there’s some kung fu tossed around, Po uses things around him, like the frying pans and the fireworks. None of the hits look like they “really hurt” the characters, it’s like a classic cartoon.

Despite it’s funny mood it still holds somewhat its seriousness, it’s pretty lighthearted. Especially when compared to the more emotional tragic one with Master Shifu reflecting his regret and Tai's descent to madness.