Exciting news for families who love animated films: Pixar’s newest release, Turning Red, is now available to stream at home on Disney+. This charming movie tells the story of a 13-year-old girl named Mei Lee, voiced by the talented newcomer Mia Tanaka, who transforms into a giant red panda whenever she feels strong emotions—something that happens quite frequently! Directed and co-written by Domee Shi, the Oscar-winning director known for her short film Bao, Turning Red takes viewers on a journey through Mei’s life as she navigates the challenging waters of adolescence while trying to please her overprotective mother, Ming (voiced by Emma Chen). Set in Toronto’s Chinatown in 2002, this coming-of-age story captures the ups and downs of puberty in a way that both parents and children can appreciate.
Where Can You Watch Turning Red?
Turning Red is currently streaming on Disney+ for subscribers at no additional cost. For those in regions where the platform isn’t available, the film will be released in theaters at a later date. This release marks the third consecutive Pixar film—following Luca and Soul—to bypass theaters and head straight to streaming platforms due to the pandemic, although select locations like New York and Los Angeles will have theatrical showings.
Who is the Target Audience for Turning Red?
Rated PG, Turning Red is recommended for children aged 6 and up. It’s important to note that other popular films like Encanto, Raya and the Last Dragon, and Zootopia also carry a PG rating, but may contain themes and language that are best suited for older children.
Cast and Music Highlights
The voice cast features Mia Tanaka as Mei Lee, Emma Chen as her mother Ming, Simon Park as her father Jin, and friends played by Ava Lee, Hyein Kim, and Maitreyi Ramirez. The film’s soundtrack includes catchy tunes from Grammy-winning siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas, the latter of whom lends his voice to a member of Mei’s favorite boy band, 4*Town. Notably, Turning Red is Pixar’s first feature film solely directed by a woman.
What Critics are Saying About Turning Red
Critics have praised Turning Red for its exploration of the complex relationship between mothers and daughters, with Maya Phillips from the New York Times noting that it “captures the emotional nuances as a child prepares to leave the nest.” While the film incorporates cultural traditions, some critics, like Tomris Laffly from Roger Ebert, argue that it may still present a child-friendly take on exoticism. Jessica Kiang from Rolling Stone describes the film as a delightful metaphor for the confusion of growing up. Overall, David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter believes the film’s humor and energy will appeal to a broad audience, not just young women. Peter Debruge from Variety commends Shi for inspiring girls to embrace their true selves.
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Summary
Turning Red is a heartwarming Pixar film now streaming on Disney+ that tells the story of Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl who turns into a giant panda when she experiences strong emotions. Directed by Domee Shi, this coming-of-age tale addresses the challenges of adolescence and the mother-daughter relationship, making it a relatable choice for families. Rated PG and suitable for kids over 6, it’s a fun watch filled with humor, catchy music, and meaningful messages.
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