Review: Turning Red

Turning Red is utterly adorable. Director Domee Shi’s film is bold, vibrant, and a total delight. Richly layered with gorgeous animation and imagination. Telling a story on the messiness of puberty. Pixar’s first Asian-led film showcases the importance of representation. We need more of this. Stream it now on Disney+. Oh, how I wish this was released to theaters.

---

Growing Up is a Beast.

This coming-of-age tale is full of heart, giving every viewer a big hug. Turning Red is Pixar's first film from the studio to be solely directed by a woman (Domee Shi). It also is the first feature film from the studio to have a lead Asian protagonist. All of this is good and important. In addition, I hope this is the start for more Animated studios to do the same. A milestone for Pixar, while Shi (Academy Award-winning Short, Bao) let her creative freedom run at large. In the end, Turning Red gifts us with an incredibly personal story. Our story takes place in Toronto, Canada, where we follow Meilin "Mei" Lee (voiced by a wonderful Rosalie Chiang). The year is 2002, and Mei is a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl who is energetic, hard-working and bursting with joy. Mei and her best friends are big fans of the hip boy band 4*Town. Think Backstreet Boys or NSYNC.

Mei's best friends are Miriam, Priya, and Abby — all of whom are voiced by actors Ava Morse, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and Hyein Park. Mei lives with her parents as they spend their days taking care of their Chinese temple. Mei's mother (voiced by the great Sandra Oh) is strict and expects the best out of Mei with school work and helping out around the house. As Ming Lee (Oh) disapproves of her daughter's personal interest, Mei begins learning to think for herself. She realizes that she is not the person her mother wants her to become, sending Mei's anxiety through the roof, causing tension between Ming and Mei. One night, another revelation happens that transforms Mei into a giant red panda, caused when she is in a state of high emotion. Not giving too much away, I will let the movie explain the red panda phenomenon itself. Mei has to learn to control her excitement and emotions — otherwise — she will turn into that giant red panda. In other words, she needs to control her inner panda.

Not to mention that she and her friends also want to really go to that 4*Town's concert. Shi's story is natural, beautifully written, and metaphorically told. Turning Red captures the fears and anxieties of teenage hormones and all of the messiness that comes with it. It feels incredibly authentic and creatively told. Turning Red's animation style pops and glitters scene after scene. There is gorgeous animation that is blended with Anime styles. Along with the silly humor that will keep you laughing, composer Ludwig Göransson's (Black Panther and Tenet) cheerful score will fill your heart with everlasting joy. While Mei is becoming a teenage rebel, she is also finding herself. And while Ming's parenting might come off as strict or overbearing, it also showcases the insecurities that parents face by letting your child grow up.

This does not take away from the parent's immeasurable love for their child. It only deepens it more on the screen. Lastly, Turning Red is a coming-of-age story that the whole family will enjoy, especially children of color, who can see themselves represented on the television. My younger sister Lingli has already watched this movie and texted me that she loved it. It is important for teenagers, like her, to see themselves represented on the screen. There is an importance in telling these stories, and I am hoping for more to come in the near future. As for now, Pixar's 25th feature film is a total blast from the beginning until the end. It is completely original, charming, funny, colorful, and one of the best films to come out in 2022. So, go wild because Turning Red's inner panda roars.

Turning Red is rated PG (Parental Guidance) Language | Thematic Material | Suggestive Content.

Stream it now on Disney+

Directed by Domee Shi

Starring Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho, Tristan Allerick Chen, and James Hong.