[exclaiming, grunting]
Skadoosh.
[atmospheric music plays]
[Po] Exhausted from a most epic journey, the Dragon Knights ferry to England
on a mission to destroy the legendary Tianshang Weapons.
Meet Wandering Blade, my best bud,
a bloodthirsty warrior on a mission of unflinching revenge!
Mostly just regular thirsty right now.
[Po] Akna, a brainiac super genius who can fix anything!
I think I have a solution to our wind problem!
[inhales deeply, exhales]
[Po] My dad, survivalist chef.
[groans] There's no more food,
but who's ready for a piping hot bowl of boiled wood, huh?
[splutters]
[Po] Rukhmini, the master thief who always keeps her cool.
These barrels are mine! I found them. Me!
[Po] And finally,
the panda with kung fu fury, known throughout the lands simply as…
[sighs] Mm… Mr. Ping?
Wait. That's not right.
Oh no! I'm so hungry I forgot who I am.
[stomach rumbles]
I know, belly. But what can I do about it?
[rumbling]
Oh, that's right!
-[soft music plays] -[sighs]
[sniffs]
Huh?
-[thumping] -[grunts] No, no, no! [crying]
What was that?
Huh? What was that?
[menacing music plays]
[gasps]
-Have you been hoarding dumplings? -No, no, no, you don't understand.
-That was my emergency dumpling. -[Akna] Dumplings?
[exclaiming]
[dramatic music plays]
Are you serious?
-Uh… -[menacing music plays]
[chuckles nervously]
Starvation isn't going to kill you,
because I am!
Look!
Uh, yeah! Look! What are we looking at?
[soft music plays]
Oh, the moon. Nice.
Why are we staring at the moon?
Because the moon means tonight is the first day of the Lunar New Year!
The Spring Festival! [chuckles]
-Spring Festival? -It's the beginning of a new lunar year!
The Chinese New Year!
A celebration of life, family, and luck in the coming year.
Guo nian. [chuckles]
When we make wishes for the fortunes of the year ahead.
Well… [scoffs] Seems like luck is something we've been sorely missing here.
Pah!
Luck is all around us,
but you can only recognize it if you celebrate it.
What better way to celebrate, and distract us from killing each other,
than to bring new friends into our tradition?
Gather around, everyone.
This tradition better involve food.
[Po] Oh, yeah. Tons.
Well, food for the soul, I mean.
[groans]
[knuckles crack]
Okay. Our story begins in an ancient time…
[atmospheric music plays]
[Po] A time when dangerous monsters roamed the lands of China.
The only thing that stood in their way
were the righteous hunters who valiantly put their lives on the line.
Boom! Kapow! [exclaims]
They were celebrated for their bravery, their courage, and above all…
their great luck.
Some were successful…
while others never had a chance.
Eventually, the hunters' luck ran out, leaving nothing but their stories behind.
By then, few remained to protect the people of China.
[Po] That's where we meet a lone wanderer with a dark and complex past,
who's traveled far and wide to prove himself
as the greatest hunter of all time.
[dramatic music plays]
[rhythmic music plays]
[atmospheric music plays]
Huh?
-Huh? -Huh?
[gasping]
[Po] He was a hero of great fortune.
[grunts]
[grunting, muttering]
[grunts, strained] Little help?
[Po] And it was on this very night,
the longest night of the year,
that we find him stumbling into a small village seeking refuge.
[stomach rumbles]
I am aware.
[stomach rumbles]
Will you stop hassling me?
Hi. 'Scuse me, ma'am? [grunts]
[Po] Only to find some villagers with a serious 'tude problem.
Yeesh, what are those people's problems? [grunts]
Back off, weirdo! It's everyone for themselves!
Sorry.
Just looking for somewhere a lone wanderer with a dark and complex past
could lay his head.
-[screaming] -Huh?
Lay it wherever you want. We're getting out of here.
You're in the way, bozo. Look out!
Weird town.
[birds hooting]
[sighs]
-Sorry, we're full. -Huh?
[stomach rumbles]
Where? [sniffs]
[sniffs]
[gasps, chuckles excitedly]
[sniffing]
We're closed.
-Please, can I just-- -I said, we're closed.
[stomach rumbles loudly]
[exclaiming] Not today, Nian!
Uh… That was just my stomach. Chill out, dude.
Hey, do you have a traveler special?
We don't do that around here.
The sign out front says you welcome travelers.
Well, that's an old sign.
[groans]
-[stomach rumbles] -I know.
-[Po] Me too. -[gasps]
Okay, fine. Just make it quick.
[gasps, chuckles]
Two of everything, add heat,
with soy sauce, vinegar, grated ginger, and chili sauce.
Separate bowls.
[Po] Oh, and chrysanthemum tea. Loose-leaf, not bagged.
Eat quickly.
[exclaims]
Savory goodness! This is delicious!
[chuckles nervously] Kind of nice to have a customer.
How do you not have a line out the door?
Uh, the locals don't eat here. They haven't been for a long time.
Oh. Huh.
Oh, enough reminiscing! Here's the check!
I have to close before it gets dark.
[chokes]
Oh!
Well, I hope you got change,
'cause what I'm paying with is something quite priceless.
Eh, what's this?
Luck?
A red envelope. It's kinda my calling card.
Think of it as a token of my services.
[chuckles] For you see, standing before you
is a famed and exceedingly lucky hunter!
But it's written upside down!
[Mr. Ping] Fu dao le!
I know. The printer beefed it and said it would cost a ton to reprint them, so…
-[rumbling] -[exclaiming]
Into the panic room!
-Huh? -And bring the bill.
-[wind whistles] -[dramatic music plays]
[growling]
-[growling] -[dramatic music continues]
[gasps]
Hey, you! Come back here!
There's nothing in this envelope!
Don't worry. I'll pay you back one better. [exclaims]
By, uh, vanquishing this foul monster.
When China's in danger from beasts most foul,
they'll soon face the stranger with a punch, a kick, a kapow!
For I am the Great Hunter of China!
At your service.
Uh, no thanks. We've already got a hunter.
Huh?
[dramatic music plays]
[growls]
[growling]
So,
it seems we meet again, Nian.
[roars]
Oh, and I see you've yet to invest in a toothbrush.
Show me your fear, lowly bear.
Never.
[grunting]
-[straining] -Haven't I taken enough from you?
Or is your life next? [roars]
[strains]
[Po] Take heed, monster!
For you will be no match for all this bodacity!
When China's in danger from beasts most foul,
they'll soon face the stranger with a punch, a kick, a kapow!
Uh, what?
For I am--
Ow. Son of a biscuit!
-[yells] -[groans]
[laughs] Yes!
[laughs]
[atmospheric music plays]
[groan, yelps]
So much town to destroy, so little time.
[laughing] I'll be back tomorrow night!
[groans] Come back here!
[Blade] Fight me, monster!
[groans]
Come on, baby. Whoa!
[gasps, groans]
You let him get away! Who do you think you are?
A, uh, famed, super lucky hunter?
[yelps]
[Blade groans]
[atmospheric music plays]
So, like… [chuckles]
The fight, right? That was totally epic, right?
Epic?
That monster decimated half our village's livelihood
and you call it epic?
I-I didn't mean good epic, I meant you were epic.
Stop saying epic. Never say it again.
Your services are not needed. Thank you.
Whoa, hold up.
That thing said it was gonna come back so why hasn't anyone done anyt--
Uh, right. You've been-- Right. Sorry.
Look, I can help. I've battled monsters all across China.
We don't need your help. What we need is good luck. And you…
We have enough bad luck around here without you.
[somber music plays]
Whoa! Where did you come from?
[scoffs] What? I live here. Where did you come from?
I'm a lone wanderer. So, what's the haps with that monster?
Seems like he's kind of a menace to… society.
[sighs] On the longest night of the year, every year,
that monster spirit Nian comes to terrorize us,
fourteen nights in a row.
Eats our food, wrecks our stuff, really rubs it in.
[Akna] Until the light of a new full moon
sends him off to hibernate for another year.
[wind whistles]
That's mine.
Most people flee to the mountains
before nightfall
and come back in the morning once all the smashing is done.
Everyone just leaves and lets the monster wreck everything?
Everyone but her.
[Akna] Her brother used to protect this town, but now it's just her.
Hasn't quite gotten Nian yet,
but [chuckles] you have to respect the commitment, you know?
Anywho, you wanna buy a good luck charm, or what?
I suppose I could use one more. Keep the change.
That guy's broke!
And his envelopes are empty and upside-down!
Fu dao le!
Hey, wait! I was gonna pay everyone back, I swear! [yelps]
I don't need to be reminded that you owe me.
[straining]
[groans]
Fu dao le.
Your Fu character, it's upside down. Here. [grunts]
[exclaims]
There you go.
Oh, alright, muscles. If you really wanted to show off, you'd--
[straining]
[Po] Get in there.
[groaning]
[sighs]
Uh, you're not from around here.
Uh, no. I'm, uh…
When China's in danger…
[sighs]
I'm actually on my way out.
[groans]
-Come on inside. -[gasps] For real?
Ah, thanks.
[Po] I just need a place for the night.
[gasps]
I thought you said this place was full.
[laughs] I said I didn't have room for you.
[Rukhmini] It's not safe to stay in town at night.
Most take their families and run for the hills.
Save what they can, then come back again the next day.
[Rukhmini] They're scared of losing what little they have.
But for some of us,
this is all we've got to call home.
Hm. So, what time are you checking out?
[atmospheric music plays]
[rumbling]
[creaking]
[Po] Wait, no, it's just me!
Didn't I say I could handle this myself? I don't need your help!
And just what are you wearing?
Look. [sighs, grunts]
I can tell you're jealous.
But you really don't have to be.
See this? Authentic replica Master Zhong Kui lion armor.
Which you're welcome to wear. I even have a matching tail!
Though I'd advise you put it on now.
The process takes between 15 and 40 minutes
depending on personal flexibility.
-Can't you just stay away? -Ow.
Wait, but you haven't even seen the pièce de résistance!
I got charms, traps, firecrackers, whatever luck we need to defeat Nian.
Plus, I'll never say epic again. Swear.
[scoffs]
Just hide behind something and keep out of my way.
If Nian hears you clanking around with all your… toys,
we'll give away our position.
Our strength is our stealth.
You think? I'm not so sure.
I mean, when I vanquished the monster of Northern Wei,
it was through the art of intimidashe,
short for intimidation!
[grunting]
Except Nian has no fears.
So tell me, great hunter, how do you scare off a monster like that?
Everyone's afraid of something. We just haven't figured it out yet.
[scoffs] That's presumptuous of you.
It's true. What are you afraid of?
W-What are you afraid of? I said, what are you af--
I'm afraid of arrogant overconfidence
from some phony wanderer in a cheap costume
peddling a knapsack of broken trinkets.
That's a very specific fear.
[gasps]
[yelling, groaning]
[dramatic music plays]
-[gasps] Run! -[whimpers]
[groaning, panting]
[grunting]
[yelps]
[panting]
What are you doing? Run!
Maybe we can distract him. Slow him down!
We don't have time.
We need to draw him to the village square, away from the shops.
-[crashing footsteps] -Come on!
[groans]
[growling]
[panting]
[Akna yells]
My cart!
-[exclaims] -[growls]
[honks]
[yells]
[shrieks]
No! Not the dumplings.
No! [growls]
[exclaims]
[Mr. Ping] Help!
[spluttering] The dumplings fell on me!
[moaning] Help!
Move the dumplings!
[panting]
[Mr. Ping] But don't let them go to waste!
Uh…
[rhythmic music plays]
[Mr. Ping] Hey, what's going on out there?
Oh, help!
Get these dumplings off of me!
-[spluttering] -[grunts]
[sighs] Thank you. Thank you!
That's going on your tab.
Huh?
[growling]
[grunting]
[growling, sniffing]
We have to get out of here.
-[yells] -[yelps]
[growling]
[gasps]
[growls, sniffs]
-[grunting, sniffing] -[whimpering]
[Po] Think fast! Bullseye!
-[roars] -[yelps]
-Whoa! -[groans]
[growls]
[panting]
Nowhere to run, panda!
I'm not afraid of you!
[laughs] Well, you should be. You think you control your luck?
-[grunts] -[Nian] No.
I come here every year merely to remind you that your luck…
-[laughs] -[gasping]
Is in…
[gasping]
My hands!
[exclaims]
[yells]
Hm?
[yells]
[grunts, groans]
[groaning]
[grunting]
-[gasps] -[grunts]
-[yells] -[birds sing]
Another wonderful evening.
-See you tomorrow. [cackles] -[Blade] Oh no!
I had him! [groans]
[groans] I had an opening,
and your little charms and trinkets just chased him off!
Hey, come on. That's not fair.
[villager] The fields!
-Whoa! -Just take off that ridiculous outfit.
[gasping]
[clucking]
Come quick! The crops! They're on fire!
We trusted you with our lives.
We fed you, clothed you, housed you…
Wh-what? No, no, I was defending the town.
She's right, it's not totally her fault.
Who even are you?
Me? [chuckling] Well…
When China's in danger from beasts most foul,
they'll soon face the stranger--
[villager 2] Whoa! Stop, stop, stop.
We'll never recover the harvest we've lost.
I didn't think it was possible, but you made our luck even worse!
[villager 2] Get out!
Get out, you.
Uh, when you say both of us, do you mean me too?
[groans angrily]
-[villagers muttering] -Yes. Yeah. Yep. Makes sense.
[soft music plays]
Hey, wait up!
Hey, hey.
I'm sorry about that.
Whoa! [exclaims]
Can I… come with you?
[scoffs] Come with me? Where?
I don't even have a home to go back to.
Why did you stay?
I mean, that place didn't seem like much of a home.
The vibes were very harsh.
[sighs]
I used to be different.
[Blade] I was shy, quiet, and easily scared.
On the other hand, my brother, who was the town's original hunter,
was loud, boisterous, and brave.
He was also my idol.
One day,
Nian attacked the town.
I was caught outside, alone and scared.
But I knew if I could just get home, I'd be safe.
I waited for my chance.
When Nian's attention was turned, I made a run for it.
I was almost in the clear, but I tripped,
and just like that, Nian was looming over me!
I thought I was done for, but--
-[clanging] -[Alfie] Over here, you ugly monster!
You want more? Come and get it!
Go! I'll catch up.
Remember,
no fear!
[Blade] He led Nian away,
giving me the chance to escape.
And though he said he'd be right behind me…
He never came home again.
I couldn't save my brother, so I tried to save the town.
That place was all I had left of him.
And now, I've failed them too.
I'm sorry.
I didn't know.
I hope you find the luck you've been searching for.
[wind whistles]
Alright. Let's see where my luck leads me next.
[atmospheric music plays]
What are you doing here?
-We called it. -Cut our losses.
Used to be such a nice town, but there's no point in staying now.
Come. Take a seat. Join us.
I sure could use a rest. Thanks.
[takes deep breath]
You know, all things considered, it's actually a nice morning.
Yeah. Hey, can I have some of that twine?
Normally, I'd charge you, but… I'll let it slide.
Ha! You're getting soft!
-Soft? How dare you? -[stomach rumbles]
What was that? Did anyone hear that? Could Nian be out there?
No, I'd have recognized that growl anywhere.
[sniffs, sighs]
Whoa! I thought Nian destroyed everything.
[chuckling] Well, almost everything. But we all pitched in together.
I had some extra rice flour in one of my storerooms.
And I made bowls out of some leaves.
Add a little sugar, and I found a way to make what we have left last!
[exclaims softly] This is so good! What's it called?
Nian gao.
Nian? You named it after the monster?
Hey, I have to find some way to capitalize on this.
Eh, okay. I get that.
I used to put these lanterns around the inn,
so travelers from miles away could see it.
Suckers.
[sighs] I guess I won't be needing them anymore.
[soft music plays]
Guess we'll have to make our luck elsewhere.
[groans]
I'm gonna have to get a real job now. No more making firecrackers for me.
My hands!
[exclaims]
[yells]
Hm?
[yells]
Firecrackers.
Firecrackers!
Nian was distracted by my good luck charms and firecrackers.
Yes. And?
He could have toasted me, but I think he was kinda scared.
[gasps]
What if we had one more shot to stop Nian from coming back?
To save your home.
I have an idea, but we don't have much time
and I need everyone onboard to pull it off.
[rhythmic music plays]
-Pack it all up! -Come on.
We gotta get to the mountains before nightfall.
Hey, no, stop! Everyone!
Everyone, I have a plan.
Uh, excuse me, could I-- Whoa!
[villagers clamoring]
[grunts, honks]
Everyone, I have a plan.
Anyone?
Hey, no, stop, everyone. I have a plan.
Over here. Trying to get something through to you.
[groans angrily]
Anyone?
Listen up! [echoing]
[exhales] Everyone, I have a plan.
Fu dao le.
You know what that means?
Your luck's upside down.
[laughing]
Okay, okay. Yes, that's right.
I've felt that way for a long time. Unlucky.
Which might be a surprise,
'cause I know you all think of me as this great monster hunter.
No we don't. No one here has ever thought that.
Okay, little harsh.
The point is, I lied.
I've never even successfully fought one.
Well, that makes a lot more sense.
I made these envelopes thinking
I'd come back home rich enough to share my fortunes one day,
but my village is gone.
[gasping]
Destroyed by a big nasty serpent while I was out trying to be a hero.
-[Po] Now I just wish I'd stayed. -[gasping]
Like your real hunter.
She's been fighting to protect this town for so long.
[emotional music plays]
Fu dao le has another meaning.
"Luck has arrived." But you have to welcome that luck in.
[Po] Through kindness, generosity, and community.
I know, because I've seen the luck it can bring firsthand.
[Po] From those who opened up their kitchen to me for free.
Free?
[Po] To those who welcomed me into their home for free.
And those who just wanted to spread a little joy, also for free.
Oh, well, I mean, I was trying to run it as a business, but, you know…
This is more than just a village. It's a home.
And if you're lucky enough to find a home, you don't walk away.
You fight to keep it.
[Po] Nian pulled you all apart, but together--
We can turn our luck around.
[gasps] Did you hear my whole speech, or just walk in now?
-I can start over if you want, or-- -Oh, I heard it.
[groans]
[sighs]
So, great hunter, what's the plan?
[Mr. Ping] Oh, we lost hope years ago, believing that Nian had no fears.
But we've come across some things that might change that.
[lively music plays]
[squawks]
Wow! Those are way bigger than the ones you normally make!
Ha! These aren't anything.
Just wait and see.
Ready!
[sighs, sniffs]
Well, take as much as you need!
Can't fight Nian on an empty stomach!
[chuckles]
Is that what I think it is-- Ow!
No peeking.
[atmospheric music plays]
Okay, everything's in place.
We're as ready as we can be.
If you're right, and this works…
It's gonna work.
And remember, we have the backup plan.
The Crimson Mask of Deception!
Right…
Why is it called that again? It's not even red.
[yelling]
What's this? You cleaned up for me?
Well, I'll take care of that.
Nian was blinded when he saw the red in my helmet,
so let's make sure that's all he sees.
[stirring music plays]
[yells] My eyes!
And he totally flipped when he saw my firecrackers,
so let's load 'em up so he has nowhere to hide.
[groans]
[exclaims]
Wha--
[grunting, whimpering]
He turned the wrong way!
[grunts] Don't worry! I'll lead him back to the town square.
[panting]
[exclaims]
[dramatic music plays]
Huh?
[exclaiming, yelling]
Yes! [grunts]
-[grunts] -[whimpers]
What is this? What are you doing?
We're not scared of you anymore,
because we figured out your biggest fear of all…
[Po] A village who knows how to turn their luck around.
And now it looks like your luck…
[exclaims]
Has run out!
[gasps]
I said, it looks like your luck's run out!
Uh, j-just a minute.
Or has it? [growls]
Quick! Backup plan!
-[roaring] -[screaming]
-Whoa! -[panting]
[cackling]
[Nian roars]
[dramatic music plays]
-[exclaims, groans] -[Po] Oh man.
I almost tripped on a rock back there. That would have been bad.
-[groans] -[crashing footsteps]
[roars]
[exclaims, grunts]
See that? They know they've lost.
You can always rely on fear to show you who people really are.
-Looks like you're alone, yet again. -[gasping]
[cackles]
[Mr. Ping] No she's not.
[exclaims]
[groaning]
[Po] Come on!
Didn't you hear? We're not afraid of you anymore!
[groaning]
[exclaiming]
[roars]
Is that all you have?
-[crashing footsteps] -Huh?
[gasps]
[dramatic music plays]
[percussive music plays]
Huh?
[yells] Who are you?
[whimpers]
[gasps]
[whimpering]
[groans] Next time, I get to wear the mask. [grunts]
[yelling]
Now!
[exclaiming]
[yelling]
-[villager 3] Get out of here! -[screaming]
[villager 4] Get out of here!
[villager 5] We're not scared of a stupid monster!
[exclaiming]
[clamoring]
-[Nian groans] -[fireworks crackling]
-[whimpering] -[clamoring]
[gasping]
[grunting]
[yells]
[grunting]
[echoing yell]
[gasping]
Come on, come on!
Feel the power of the Crimson Mask of Deception!
-[exclaiming] -[yelling]
-[growls] -[grunts]
[groans, gasps]
[groans]
[laughs]
You can't fight the inevitability of time.
Your luck will run out, so why even bother?
[screaming]
[Po screaming]
-[Po groans] -That did it!
-What are you doing there? -W-W-Wait-- [screams]
[gasps]
[groaning] Yeah!
Skadoosh!
[yells]
[Nian yells]
[lively music plays]
[stirring music plays]
[yelling]
There's plenty more where that came from!
And we'll be ready next year.
I will be back!
[serene music plays]
-Hooray for the hunters! -[whooping, cheering]
I never doubted you for a second.
You're the luckiest person I've ever met!
You really saved the town.
Oh, but you still owe your tab.
That went pretty well… [laughs] Wouldn't you say?
-I'd say that was pretty… epic. -[gasps]
[cheerful music plays]
[cheering]
-[laughing] -Sorry!
-[laughs] -Woohoo!
[grunts]
[serene music plays]
[Rukhmini] Nian gao. Two for the price of one.
[chuckles] Now who's getting soft?
Uh, well, i-it's just one day out of the year, hm?
-[soft music plays] -[wind blows]
-I wish this moment could last forever. -I wish we could do this every year.
I wish I made more nian gao.
What do you wish for?
[emotional music plays]
[Blade] Hey. I said, what's next for the Wandering Hunter?
Well, then, what's next, Po?
I…
[Po] I don't know.
I feel like we're running out of luck.
And I don't know how to turn it around.
Well I think I might, now.
It starts with us sticking together.
Whoa! Hey, wait a second.
[Mr. Ping] I have some nian gao candy!
Uh, I mean, they've been up there for eight years.
Oh, but what luck to remember tonight! [chuckles]
Oh! And check out what I can make!
Now, everyone make a wish!
I hope we remember this moment, no matter what happens next.
What, like a new year tradition?
Gong xi fa cai.
May the new year bring us luck and good fortune!
It already has.
[wind gusts]
I think our luck is turning around.
[serene music plays]
How did I do telling the story, Dad?
Epic, Po. Very epic. [laughs]
[rhythmic music plays]