The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

The online student news source of Lovejoy High School

The Red Ledger

Review: Pixar’s ‘Turning Red’ original, unconventional

Pixars+Turning+Red+was+released+Feb.+21+on+Disney+Plus.+TRLs+Audrey+McCaffity+explains+the+missed+audience+of+preteens+and+up+in+the+films+advertising.++
Courtesy of Disney News
Pixar’s “Turning Red” was released Feb. 21 on Disney Plus. TRL’s Audrey McCaffity explains the missed audience of “preteens and up” in the film’s advertising.

In Pixar’s first film of 2022, “Turning Red” explores becoming a teenager in the early 2000s. The film was released on Feb. 21, but it skipped a theater release in favor of Disney Plus. 

The movie follows Meilin “Mei” Lee, a 13-year-old girl of Chinese heritage, who faces average challenges of an adolescent girl, as well as a very large and unique “inconvenience.” One morning, Mei wakes up and finds herself to be a red panda. Her mother later explains the spirits blessed their ancestor, Sun Yee, with the ability to transform into a red panda, a trait that only women in their family inherit. Mei strives to control strong emotions while facing the decision to undergo a ritual concealing the red panda forever.

The film does a great job of showing the change young girls go through as they become teenagers. It showcases topics that are not often covered in films like periods and highlights the changing dynamics of families as their children grow up. The tension between Mei and her mother’s relationship is shown well throughout the film. Near the end, Mei and her mother get into a huge fight, but this only brings them closer in the end. The film shows that even though Mei is finding her own path, her mom is always going to be in her life.

The animation of the film is high quality, and Pixar adds detail in every scene that makes the movie aesthetically pleasing. The giant red panda that Mei turns into is cute, and the fact that she transforms when she feels almost any emotion is important. The film ends up using this to validate showing your emotions at the appropriate times. 

One thing that Disney and Pixar could have done better was changing the advertising. There has been some controversy that the film handles topics that are too mature for the intended audience, but I think this stems from advertising. The movie should be targeted towards preteens and up, but some of the ads may have made parents believe the film was meant for their elementary school-age children. Nothing in the movie is “inappropriate,” but if parents understood more about the movie before making the decision, the controversy could be avoided. 

Much of the feedback that this movie has received has brought up some of the “cringe” scenes that take place. While this is true, it is very clear that the point of the movie is to help move beyond these moments and show people that their struggles will not last forever. 

Overall, I think that the movie tells a good story for its intended audience. While it is certainly not for everyone, it develops an important story of understanding that many would benefit from.

Rating: B+

Leave a Comment
More to Discover
About the Contributor
Audrey McCaffity, Section Editor
Beginning her fourth and final year on staff, Audrey McCaffity is more than excited to take on the role of Community Editor. The past four years have been filled with challenges, but TRL has been one constant to look forward to even on the hardest days. McCaffity dedicated lots of time to the varsity basketball team over the past three years and can’t wait to end on a good note her senior season. With the stress of college applications taking up much of her summer, McCaffity looks forward to being back in the stands at a football game wearing her leopard gear and surrounded by her favorite people. If she has learned one thing over her high school career, it is to always plan something to look forward to. McCaffity is determined to make her senior year the best of her high school experience. 

Comments (0)

The Red Ledger values the opinion of its readers and encourages them to discuss its content. All comments are subject to approval by The Red Ledger staff. The Red Ledger does not allow anonymous comments and requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments. Comments are reviewed as often as possible. Comments with inappropriate content will not be published. Once submitted, comments become the property of The Red Ledger. To see our full Comment Policy, visit https://www.theredledger.net/about-us/policies/
All The Red Ledger Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *