Turning Red

Turning Red is a charming animated film released by Pixar Animation Studios in 2022. Directed by Domee Shi, this heartfelt movie centers around the life of a 13-year-old girl named Meilin "Mei" Lee, who navigates the challenges of adolescence while managing a unique family legacy. The film features a talented voice cast, including Rosalie Chiang as Mei and Sandra Oh as her mother, Ming.

Set in Toronto, Canada, in 2002, Mei discovers that she transforms into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions. This transformation stems from a hereditary curse linked to her ancestors. As she grapples with the ups and downs of teenage life, including friendships and family expectations, the film humorously portrays her journey of self-discovery.

Domee Shi, who previously directed the Oscar-winning short film Bao, based this story on her own experiences as a young girl in Toronto. The film's development began in May 2018, following Shi's successful pitch to Pixar in 2017. It took about four years to complete, making it one of Pixar's fastest productions, all while being made with a budget of around $175 million.

The film was originally scheduled for a theatrical release in March 2022, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it premiered online on Disney+ on March 11, 2022. Still, it received a limited theatrical run in various countries, grossing over $21 million worldwide.

Critically acclaimed, Turning Red received praise for its animation, storytelling, and the way it tackles the themes of growing up and embracing one's identity. It was nominated for the Best Animated Feature category at the 95th Academy Awards, among several other accolades.

Plot Summary

In the film, Mei Lee lives with her strict mother, Ming, and her supportive father, Jin. She leads a double life, trying to meet her mother's expectations while secretly following her passion for the boy band 4*Town with her friends, who are equally enthusiastic. When a moment of embarrassment causes her to transform into the large red panda for the first time, Mei learns to hide her transformation from her parents.

As the story unfolds, Mei discovers the roots of her transformation and learns that it is tied to her family history. Her mother explains that their ancestor, Sun Yee, received this power during wartime to protect her village. Mei is informed that she must undergo a ritual to seal the red panda spirit within a talisman, which complicates her desire to attend a 4*Town concert on the same night.

Throughout her journey, Mei learns to embrace her red panda side, and her friends support her in understanding and controlling this unique aspect of herself. As the story climaxes, Mei confronts her mother, leading to a dramatic and emotional resolution that brings them closer together.

Voice Cast Highlights

• Rosalie Chiang as Mei Lee
• Sandra Oh as Ming Lee
• Ava Morse as Miriam Mendelsohn
• Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Priya Mangal
• Hyein Park as Abby Park

Production and Development

The film's production was led by an all-female team, making it a landmark for Pixar. Domee Shi's direction, along with Julia Cho's screenplay, brought a fresh perspective to animated storytelling. The animation style blends Pixar's 3D technology with hand-drawn elements inspired by anime, creating a unique visual experience that resonates with audiences.

Music

The film's soundtrack features original songs by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell, further enhancing the film's vibrant and youthful atmosphere. The music plays a critical role in expressing the characters' emotions and the overall theme of self-acceptance.

Release Information

Besides its release on Disney+, Turning Red had special screenings in various cities and will have a re-release in theaters on February 9, 2024, paired with the short film Kitbull.

Overall, Turning Red is not just an entertaining animated feature; it also offers a meaningful reflection on growing up, cultural identity, and the complexities of family relationships, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.