TURNING RED: Pixar’s Latest Showing That Red Truly Is A Lucky Colour
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Directed by Domee Shi
Stars: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho, and Tristan Allerick Chen
Pixar takes to Toronto for their latest release, something that feels so special for Canadians as “the Six” is animated to fully show the beauty and diversity of the city. The films focus diverting from the typical kids and family message- to tell one for the teenage demographic. Sure the focal point being from a female new teen, but the story itself could be relatable to all people going through the tough transition from child to teenager- watching yourself change, and the slow development into independence from your family. A film made with so much love for culture, family, and growing up- there was so much to love with Turning Red.
A 13-year-old girl named Meilin turns into a giant red panda whenever she gets too excited.
On a story basis everything is fleshed out wonderfully by Shi. Meilin is introduced magnificently, and the viewers are given an understanding as to the importance of family within her life and culture. We’re then introduced to her mother played by the incredible Sandra Oh, a very tough helicopter mom that is too involved with her recent teenage daughters life- this gives us the understanding of the internal conflict that Meilin is going through in her journey through this confusing time. Her friend group is also wonderfully crafted out, and I think every person of all ages could relate to the goofy larger than life personas of Meilin’s friend group; we all had a friend that reminded us of one of Mei’s friends.
The animation is as always just perfection, the colours of Meilin’s Panda are beautiful. The colour palette chosen to represent Toronto is breathtaking, every colour compliments the last in the best way- creating such a unique feeling city.
Voice acting wise its a solid cast, Rosalie Chiang does a great job of bringing Meilin to life- and her emotional notes are so strong throughout. Orion Lee & Sandra Oh are wonderful additions as the parental characters, Oh has more to do in it- but Lee does a great job of being the more grounded and less strict father figure within Meilin’s life. Lastly Ava Morse should get a round of applause for her voice work as the best friend character Miriam, both her and Chiang give so much emotional notes to their characters- that when put together the conversations come off so natural and well off.
Canadians will love the representation of one of our cities in a Pixar films, and teenagers, preteens, and families going through that, will all appreciate what Shi and companys intentions were with Turning Red.
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