China: The Panda Adventure

Watch China: The Panda Adventure

"An extraordinary journey. An experience of wonder. Based on an incredible true story."
  • 2001
  • 49 min
  • 5.8  (225)
  • 49

China: The Panda Adventure is a thrilling adventure movie that explores the magnificent beauty of China and its most treasured animal, the giant pandas. The movie was shot entirely on location in China, and it tells the real-life story of Ruth Harkness, a woman who embarks on a perilous expedition to bring a live panda back to America.

Maria Bello stars as Ruth, an independent and headstrong woman who is still mourning the loss of her husband, Bill. In an effort to start anew and honor her husband's memory, Ruth decides to follow in his footsteps and travel to China to capture a live panda. With the help of her Chinese guide, Quentin Young (Yu Xia), and American photographer, Jack (Xander Berkeley), Ruth embarks on a dangerous and thrilling journey into the heart of China's bamboo forests.

The movie masterfully captures the vast and diverse landscapes of China, ranging from snow-capped mountains to lush green forests, stunning lakes, and the majestic Great Wall. The filmmakers have also done an excellent job of showcasing the lifestyles, traditions, and culture of the Chinese people, their beliefs, religious practices, and their interactions with the magnificent wildlife that inhabits the region.

Throughout the movie, viewers get an up-close and personal encounter with one of China's most iconic animals, the giant panda. We see how these gentle and playful creatures live, feed, and interact with one another in their natural habitat. The panda scenes are shot with incredible detail, highlighting the beauty and mystery of these fascinating animals.

As Ruth and her team search for a live panda to capture, they encounter various challenges and mishaps, including natural disasters, bandits, and run-ins with dangerous wildlife. The action sequences in the movie are impressive, with intense chase scenes, close encounters with the pandas, and breathtaking helicopter shots of the China landscapes.

The cast delivers excellent performances, with Maria Bello playing the character of Ruth with great depth and emotion. We see her go through a range of emotions throughout the movie, from the grief of losing her husband to the thrill of being on this perilous expedition, and the fear of not succeeding in her mission.

Yu Xia, who plays Ruth's Chinese guide, brings an authenticity to the movie. His character is respectful of his own culture and traditions, yet open-minded enough to work with Ruth and her team to achieve their goal. Xander Berkeley, who plays the American photographer Jack, brings his own charm and wit to the movie. His character serves as a comic relief, but also has some dramatic moments that showcase Berkeley's acting range.

Ultimately, China: The Panda Adventure is an entertaining and heart-warming movie that beautifully captures the essence of China and her most treasured animal, the giant panda. The movie is suitable for all audiences, and it's a must-watch for anyone who loves wildlife, adventure, and the beauty of China's landscapes.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2001
  • Runtime
    49 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.8  (225)
  • Metascore
    49