Turning Red (2022)

Turning Red Poster

Thirteen-year-old Mei is experiencing the awkwardness of being a teenager with a twist – when she gets too excited, she transforms into a giant red panda.

Overview
"Turning Red" is an exciting family-friendly cartoon animation produced by Pixar Animation Studios and launched by Walt Disney Pictures in 2022. The movie is filled with fun, fantasy, and drama, exploring styles of self-discovery, relationship, the age of puberty, and cultural generation gaps. Directed by Domee Shi who formerly worked on the Oscar-winning brief "Bao", "Turning Red" is lauded for her masterful storytelling and wonderfully crafted animation.

Main Plot
The 2022 animated flick "Turning Red" includes an adventurous 13-year-old girl named Mei Lee. She has a caring but overprotective mom and a pleased normal life in the bustling city of Toronto up until she discovers she all of a sudden becomes a huge red panda whenever she gets too emotional. This odd condition originates from an ancient family curse and is heavily tied to her family's heritage.

Mei's Struggle
Her change causes an upheaval in Mei's life and leaves her navigating complex teen concerns while trying to figure out why she turns into a red panda. As Mei faces her new scenario, she's required to hide her trick while coping with the relationship with her mom, school life, relationships, her budding teenage years, her crush and her young boy band obsession.

Household and Cultural Themes
"Turning Red" likewise takes a look at the dynamic in between immigrant families and their first-generation kids. Mei and her mom's relationship stand at the essence of this stress. Throughout the film, they clash over customs and expectations versus Mei's desire for independence and her own identity, escalating when her transformation is ultimately found. Mei's mom thinks the improvement is a curse, while Mei concerns see it as a true blessing.

Resolution and Key Message
In the climax, Mei is pushed into a routine to rid herself of the red panda, however she refuses, deciding to accept and like herself for who she is. The movie highlights the importance of self-acceptance and welcoming one's distinct qualities, regardless of societal and familial expectations. The motion picture concludes with Mei and her mother reconciling their differences and finding out to accept each other, celebrating both their individuality and their shared heritage.

Important Reception
"Turning Red" has gotten important honor for its clearly personal story, real humor, emotional depth, and innovative visual style. Critics and audiences noted the film's special technique to Asian representation and female adolescence, praising it for its capacity to assist children understand complicated feelings and experiences. Disney-Pixar's fun-yet-moving coming-of-age function "Turning Red" promotes acceptance and understanding, proving that everyone's journey to self-discovery can be just as distinct as turning into a huge red panda.

Top Cast

  • Rosalie Chiang (small)
    Rosalie Chiang
    Meilin 'Mei' Lee (voice)
  • Sandra Oh (small)
    Sandra Oh
    Ming (voice)
  • Ava Morse (small)
    Ava Morse
    Miriam (voice)
  • Hyein Park (small)
    Hyein Park
    Abby (voice)
  • Maitreyi Ramakrishnan (small)
    Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
    Priya (voice)
  • Orion Lee (small)
    Orion Lee
    Jin Lee (voice)
  • Wai Ching Ho (small)
    Wai Ching Ho
    Grandma (voice)
  • Tristan Allerick Chen (small)
    Tristan Allerick Chen
    Tyler (voice)
  • James Hong (small)
    James Hong
    Mr. Gao (voice)
  • Lori Tan Chinn (small)
    Lori Tan Chinn
    Auntie Chen (voice)
  • Mia Tagano
    Lily (voice)