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Turning Red
(Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios)
By Lucas Allen
For their 25th feature film in their extensive catalogue of computer-animated masterpieces, Pixar dips its hands into subject matter not seen in any of their movies before this. “Turning Red” is the feature debut of director Domee Shi, who directed the Oscar-winning short “Bao” for Pixar. It’s also the third Pixar film after ‘Soul” and “Luca” to debut on Disney+ even though it could’ve had a theatrical release, with the improving pandemic and superhero movies bringing back the crowds.
Taking place in 2002, the movie revolves around 13-year-old Mei (Rosalie Chiang), an Asian-Canadian girl facing a new school year in the eighth grade. She and her best friends Miriam (Ava Morse), Priya (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) and Abby (Hyein Park) are hoping to score tickets to see their favorite boy band 4*TOWN. Unfortunately, Mei’s mom Ming (Sandra Oh) is too strict to let her attend the concert, as well as take part in other teenage girl stuff like boys and parties. One morning, Mei wakes up to see herself as a red panda. Her mother soon tells her that she’s experiencing an ancient power that was passed onto her from her ancestors.
On top of that, Mei can’t get too excited or she’ll instantly change into her panda form. The only way for her to be cured from the power is to take part in a ritual during the next red moon or be stuck in her panda form for the rest of her life. However, Mei secretly becomes a sensation in her school before she and her friends use her power to raise money for the upcoming 4*TOWN concert. But when she finds out that the next night of the red moon is on the same night as the concert, it causes further friction between her and her mother.
The movie is essentially a classic mother-daughter story with the Pixar touch all over it. It deals with issues involving puberty and generational difference, sort of like “Finding Nemo” and “Brave,” but combined those with 1985’s “Teen Wolf.” It’s not only a perfect piece of nostalgia for anyone who grew up at that time, but also relate to such growing pains with the family at any young age. Plus, it’s nice to see a movie where the Asian community and its traditions are well-represented, especially from the filmmakers who experienced it.
Like any great Pixar movie, this one pack plenty of laughs as well as the ability to tug at the heartstrings at any good moment. The colorful animation and interesting visual choices for the characters add to the fun viewing experience. Oddly enough, the story’s third act decides to add elements of anime and kaiju into its climax. Again, it’s a fun ride, but the filmmakers could’ve found a more natural resolution for their main characters than what they came up with.
It’s worth noting about the music, including the score by Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Goransson (Black Panther), deftly combines traditional Asian sounds with the sounds of electronic pop of the early 2000s. There’re also a few songs by 4*TOWN that consists of singers Jordan Fisher, Finneas O’Connell, Josh Levi, Topher Ngo, and Grayson Villanueva including “Nobody Like U” and “U Know What’s Up.” These songs written by O’Connell and Billie Eilish may not carry the same catchy listening experience as the Backstreet Boys or *NSYNC on first listen, but these will likely grow on you while watching the film.
Chiang is full of comedic energy in her first feature film role, making her character both likable and cheerful. Oh also brings energy to her role as the most overreacted and overprotective mother in screen history. Other worthwhile members of the cast include Ho-Wai Ching as Mei’s grandmother and veteran character actor James Hong as Mr. Gao.
It may be no “Soul,” but Turning Red is still the right colorful concoction for your rainy afternoon. Pixar proves time and time that they’re not afraid to tell important stories for both kids and adults. For those looking for a good laugh with the right dose of nostalgia, this movie will certainly satisfy.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG (for thematic material, suggestive content, and language)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
