One thing that I’ve always been passionate about is animation. Whether it’s anime or more westernised animation from studios like Disney, Pixar, Dreamworks, and Sony. There’s something magical and captivating about the world of animation. It’s ability to create the impossible or simply immersive the audience in colour and wonder. Animation is a completely unique artform. One that has been gradually gaining legitimacy. Let’s face it, even when animated films are aimed at a younger audiences, adults can love them just as much. Turning Red is no exception. I’ve been waiting desperately for Turning Red and I’m so happy that it’s just around the corner. Luckily, I had the chance to watch it early and I’m hoping this review will get you guys ready for this fur-ociously quirky and endearing rollercoaster.
Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough… Whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda.
Most Disney films, and animated films in general, tend to take us on a journey through a modernized and hyperrealistic cityscape or a completely fantastical wonderland. Turning Red, to me, felt somewhat unique since it focuses on this beautiful blend of modern and fantasy. You have Mei Lee’s school life which is typical and ‘normal’, but then you have her world outside of school which hones in on this traditional chinese aesthetic and that really opens up once you learn of her ancestors’ ancient connection to the adorable red panda.
Not just that, but it feels like it has been a while since a film has truly tapped into nostalgia, and I never really expected Turning Red to be the film that would throw me back to when I was at school. Turning Red‘s dedication to reviving the early 2000s is completely and utterly brilliant. Sure, there are elements that are exaggerated, but it hits all of the right notes and it felt really good to just sit back and be reminded of that time. A time full of flip phones, giant box TVs, tamagotchis, boy bands, and puberty- which actually becomes a pivotal driving force hidden under the thick layers of red panda fur and cuteness.
Yes, in its essense, Turning Red is a film about growing up both physically and in regards to identity. Mei Lee is very much trying to figure out who she is without the constraints laid on her by her mother, and her red panda form certainly helps her embrace that more rebellious side. Something I’m sure we can all relate to looking back on our teenage years, red panda or not. One of the biggest elements in this film is the arrival of 4*Town, a fictional band that Mei Lee and her friends adore- and that’s putting it mildly. Despite growing up outside of the ‘fan girl’ and boy band obsession, I was still very much a voyeuristic viewer. Growing up with the likes of Justin Bieber and One Direction, it was almost impossible to escape them in the classroom and in the halls at school. Seeing that same level of obsession and adoration was incredibly funny and very reminiscent.
Despite this film being for kids, it felt like Disney and Pixar really wanted to reach out to the older fans just to remind them of how things were. This idea of nostalgia has a really big role in Turning Red and honestly, I think that’s where the charm originates from. We’re taken back to a much simpler time outside of the minefield of social media, rising technologies, and evolving attitudes. This film is about being a kid and the use of a giant red panda just makes that transition into a teenager less daunting.
To that degree, it isn’t a huge stretch to say that Turning Red is actually a very relatable film. For obvious reasons, I can’t transform into a giant red panda- Believe me, I’ve tried. However, we’ve all experienced the struggles associated with growing up. Strict parents, rules, bullying, indentity, discovering your first crush, as well as natural curiosties. What Turning Red does so well is disguise these elements and attach them to this red panda alter ego. In reality, it’s almost as though there is a red panda in us all.
For the younger ones, it’ll make growing up appear less scary since Mei Lee eventually owns these new traits. Whereas for the adults, it’s a great opporunity to reflect and laugh at this hysterical and rather accurate throwback. It really boils down to this idea that Turning Red adapted many of the things that I experienced at school, and thus it felt a lot more personal to a degree. Even as a Disney lover, there haven’t been many instances where it feels as though a certain film has been anchored towards me and my personal experiences. But, Turning Red changed that. Even thougb this film centres mostly around the female experience of growing up, I never felt excluded. As a male in my mid 20s, I felt heard and understood.
As with any Disney and Pixar project, Turning Red is beyond visually impressive. Much like Luca, the animation aesthetic felt very different compared to other big hitters. There’s a playfulness to the style. The world itself looks pretty realistic even through the lense of animation, but the characters are just so incredibly unique and diverse. They are all so brilliantly designed and they just spring to life thanks to the wonderful voice cast and immensely talented animators.
What I loved the most was that Turning Red used various types of styles to create something that looked truly different. You can definitely feel an anime-esque presence with some of the facial expressions and definitely in regards to the final act. These styles are utilized brilliantly to make us laugh, give us those big epic moments, and to give everything and everyone this coat of cuteness. It’s almost like a chibi aesthetic and it suites the film perfectly. This film is about a group of dorky kids who thrive on their ability to be different and bold. The animation on its own beautifully captures that freeing and adventurous spirit.
Turning Red is a fun, vibrant, and wild adventure about growing up that cleverly uses the adorable red panda to let people know that change… And even a little rebellion is a good thing. The film is carried by an amazing cast who help bring this world and its combination of both past and present to life. The animation is simply fantastic, and you can really tell that this was a passion project. A passion for Canada, chinese history, nostalgia, and animation in general. More importantly though, it’s a film that carries a very strong message. A message that is executed perfectly. Turning Red is a must-see so make sure you catch it when it drops on Disney+ on March 11th.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Turning Red launches exclusively on Disney+ on Friday 11th March, 2022. Will you be watching Mei Lee’s transformative adventure? Let us know in the comments.
This new wacky and heartwarming classic from Disney and Pixar stars Rosalie Chiang as Mei Lee, Sanda Oh as Mei’s mother, Ming, Orion Lee as Mei’s father, Jin Lee, and Wai Ching Hi as Grandma. Also joining as Mei’s close and dorky friends are Maitreyl Ramakrishnan as Proya, Ava Morse as Miriam, and Hyein Park as Abby.
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