*Note: there are movie spoilers below*
Disney Pixar’s newest animated film, “Turning Red,” directed by Domee Shi, has caused controversy since its initial release just over a month ago, so I decided to watch it myself. Within the first 10 minutes of the film, I was hooked. “Turning Red” stars 13-year-old Mei, a Chinese girl living in Toronto with her parents. This movie highlights the struggles of puberty, parental expectations, and femininity through Mei’s uncontrollable shape-shifting into a giant red panda. This coming-of-age movie exposes its audience to adolescent emotions, especially that of young girls, and should be viewed by many.
When I first pressed play on “Turning Red” I had no idea the title was an illusion to puberty. Quickly though, I realized the whole film was a metaphor for periods. When Mei wakes up as a red panda, her reaction was similar to many girls when they first find blood in their underwear. Even her mom, who is aware of the family curse, assumes Mei has started her period and jumps into action with pads, ibuprofen, and heating pads. Contrary to the numerous online reviews complaining how “Turning Red” exposes children to the female menstrual cycle way too early, I think anyone who is bothered by this needs to rethink their parenting methods. It is pertinent to teach boys and girls about periods not only to normalize them, but to make females feel less shame and confusion when they do become women. I love how Disney has made a movie young teenagers can relate to. I wish I had this movie when I first got my period.
Similar to the theme of puberty in “Turning Red,” director Shi has developed a protagonist who models the extreme mood swings of teenage girls. Going through puberty is a confusing time with unpredictable emotions and lots of tears, so I appreciate how at the end of the movie Mei decides to keep her panda and embrace her emotions. Even as a grown woman I can relate to the anger, confusion, and lust covered in the movie. When Mei’s mom becomes furious and re-channels her inner red panda, I felt recognized. Not only do 13-year-olds have breakdowns, but so do grown women, and that’s okay.
Finally, “Turning Red” is a movie made for people who have strict, controlling parents with high expectations. Stereotypically, Asian parents put extensive pressure on their children to have perfect grades, be musical prodigies, and “honor the family.” Although I can’t personally relate to this, I know plenty of peers who experience burnout because their parents want them to be surgeons, lawyers, and dentists. Mei is a representation for these people, who can hopefully follow her lead to speak up for themselves.
“Turning Red” is an amazing coming of age story which emphasizes the importance of self-love, normalizes female rage, and validates those with overbearing parents. Even as a 13-year-old animated Chinese girl who turns into a giant red panda when overly emotional, Mei is an extremely relatable character and this movie is so important to show to kids and adolescents alike. Domee Shi absolutely blew this movie out of the park and deserves recognition for her hard work. Go watch “Turning Red” right now, you won’t regret it.