What Is the Story About?
Meilin Lee (Mei) is a child prodigy who wants to fulfil her mother’s desires. She always performers excellently in almost every department of her school. But she also has a spunky side which she shows only in front of her besties: Miriam, Abby, and Priya.
However, Mei’s life changes drastically after gaining the power of turning into a big Red Panda. Her mother tells her that one of their family’s ancestors, Sun Yee, is responsible for bestowing this unique power of transformation to every female member of their family. But they discovered a ritual to capture the spirits of Red Pandas on the night of the Red Sun and lock them inside a talisman for good.
Will Mei sacrifice her Red Panda’s power or keep it to explore herself in a new way? Watch the movie to find out!
Performances?
Rosalie Chiang lends her voice to Mei’s character in the movie. And she has done a hell of a job with it. She gives her heart out while giving her voice to a character like Mei. Plus, her beautiful voice performance instantly connects us with her character. She has a bright future in the field of voice acting.
Analysis
Domee Shi has directed Turning Red. The latter extends Pixar’s list of family-friendly movies by giving us a safe but light-hearted and emotional watch.
We know that Pixar has delivered a lot of iconic and unforgettable animated masterpieces to the viewers since its inception. And this film does not belong to that legendary category at all. Yes, it manages to hit most of the notes. But when we compare it to the rest of the studio’s triumphs, something just does not feel right with this movie.
The first half of this animated flick is spot-on. Pixar knows how to introduce its leading characters in a flawless, impressive, and innovative manner. And it does the same with Mei’s introduction as well. Also, most of the characters stand out. Apart from Mei, other characters like Ming (Mei’s mother), Miriam, Abby, and Priya will dazzle the viewers. Additionally, the movie delightfully exhibits accurate Chinese cultural elements.
The most important thing about the film’s plot is the complicated relationship between Mei and her mother. We can say that the movie relies heavily on it. But it also makes it worth watching.
But the more this flick moves forward, the more it loses its momentum or steam. On top of that, the final act depends too much on emotions. It also felt a bit rushed. The makers could have done a bit more with it. Although, if you watch movies for fun or cannot control your love towards cute pandas, then give your precious time to this one without any worries.
Other Artists?
The finale belongs to Sandra Oh’s Ming and her version of a giant Red Panda. Her performance perfectly represents the over-the-top and over-controlling persona of Mei’s mother. Other than her, the trio of Ava Morse, Hyein Park, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Miriam, Abby, and Priya respectively breathes the fire of freshness and joy into the movie.
The rest of the cast also does a decent job.
Music and Other Departments?
Black Panther, The Mandalorian, and Tenet fame Ludwig Gorranson’s musical score does not disappoint us. Three of his soundtracks in the film shine the most: ‘Turning Red official theme’, ‘Panda-monium’ and ‘Stadium Ritual’. Furthermore, Pixar never lets down its audience when it comes to delivering top-notch animation and perfect editing. And the duo of Nicholas C. Smith and Steve Bloom executes the film’s editing exceptionally well. Also, most of the story looks good except for its unsatisfactory final act.
Highlights?
Voice performances
Animation
Musical Score
First half
Drawbacks?
Not-so-satisfying final act
Pixar plays too safe with this one
Rushed in parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes
Turning Red Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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