Film Review: "Turning Red" (2022).

"Growing up is a beast" in Turning Red. This computer-animated coming-of-age fantasy comedy film directed by Domee Shi, in her feature directorial debut, written by Shi and Julia Cho and produced by Pixar Animation Studios. Mei Lee is a confident, dorky thirteen-year-old torn between staying her mother's dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, is never far from her daughter - an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren't enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she "poofs" into a giant red panda.

In late October 2017, after the completion of Shi's Pixar short Bao, Pixar invited her to pitch three ideas for a full-length film. Her concepts were all based on coming-of-age centered on teenage girls, with the one that became Turning Red based around a girl going through a "magical puberty", which Shi has written based on her own personal experiences. Manga and anime such as Sailor Moon, Ranma ½, Fruits Basket, Inuyasha and My Neighbour Totoro served as influences for the film. Shi pitched these concepts, including Turning Red. Pixar all unanimously loved Turning Red and approved the idea. In early May 2018, it was reported that Shi was writing and directing a full-length feature film, making her the first woman to solely direct a Pixar film, as well as the first solo Pixar director for a feature film. In early December 2020, Shi's film was announced with the title Turning Red, with the plot also being unveiled. The film was originally scheduled for a March 11, 2022 theatrical release date, by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. However, in early January 2022, due to the rapidly increasing spread of the Omicron variant, the decision was made to shift the film from its planned theatrical release to its direct-to-streaming release on Disney+. In international markets where Disney+ is not available, it was released theatrically. The decision was met with dissatisfaction from Pixar.

The film features the voice talents of Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Wai Ching Ho and James Hong. The cast is both incredibly charming yet venomous in their emotions that can sneak up on the audience with their power and presence.

A light, enjoyable movie that would look much better coming from any other studio. However, with the weight of history that comes with the Pixar name, many will be expecting more. The film is an absolutely charming animated feature that takes audiences to an unforgettably touching trip to Toronto, Canada. The film welcomes underdogs and outcasts of all stripes to learn to love themselves, and it encourages us all to look back on our childhoods fondly. Read on surfaces alone, the film presents a familiar coming-of-age fable about growing up and family, albeit impeccably animated and confidently told. As usual in Pixar films, the characters are well-developed and the story is compelling. The artwork is detailed, bright and colorful. Everything is first-rate. This is a top quality animated film.

Simon says Turning Red receives:

Also, see my review for Luca.