The touching film stars two adult female pandas and fourteen panda cubs. The leading role of Pang Pang was actually played by six panda cubs from Wolong.
At the premiere, Harashima happily recalled the experience of acting with pandas. At first the cubs stood off him, but finally accepted him and they became friends. After spending more than two months with the pandas, Harashima became the first child ever kissed by a panda.
Actor Daichi Harashima said, "At first I was a bit scared of its sharp teeth and claws, but actually they are friendly animals. The crew wiped some honey on my cheek, and it started to lick me. I realized that it was just licking the honey and I relaxed. "
The film is Disney's second collaboration with Chinese filmmakers, after the 2007 film "The Secret of the Magic Gourd". Screened just a few days before the one-year anniversary of the Sichuan Earthquake, the film is expected to be a hit with Chinese audiences.
