It’s a classic coming of age story and it is one that every Asian mother will likely resonate with – because we will relate so strongly to the mother-daughter relationship that Mei Lee (voiced by Rosalie Chiang) and her mother, Ming (voiced by Sandra Oh), have in the new Disney Pixar Turning Red movie (available on Disney+ from March 11). “Turning Red” is directed by Academy Award® winner Domee Shi (Pixar short “Bao”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (“Finding Dory”).
The movie is set in Toronto, Canada and the year is 2002, but the Asian parenting style reflected by Ming is unmistakable for any Asian household that had a tiger mother. From Mei Mei’s portrayal of being studious and stressed out over grades, to her rebellious streak to watch a boy band concert, this movie is the perfect depiction of everything that we millennial parents would have gone through as pre-teens and teens (and would likely want to avoid passing down to our kids).
We loved “Turning Red”s entire premise, complete with a twist, because while the rest of us had to process through our anger and frustration privately, Mei Lee would turn into a giant (mostly adorable) red panda, revealing her excitement, anger or frustration!
Turning Red Movie Review From An Asian Millennial Parent’s Perspective
GIANT PROBLEM – In Disney and Pixar’s all-new original feature film “Turning Red,” 13-year-old Mei Lee “poofs” into a giant panda when she gets too excited (which for a teenager is practically ALWAYS). Featuring Rosalie Chiang as the voice of Mei Lee, “Turning Red” will debut exclusively on Disney+ (where Disney+ is available) on March 11, 2022. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
Here are 7 things you can look forward to in the Turning Red movie when watching it with your kids on Disney+:
1. The relatable Asian parenting style
If it’s one thing most of us grew up with, it was classic Tiger Mother Asian parenting styles. The strict curfews, the stress of having to perform well in school, the need to ask for permission to do every little thing… these are all evident in the movie and very relatable to us as parents.
2. The boyband era we all lived through
In the movie, the protagonist is obsessed with this boyband called 4town and it is so reminiscent of our pre-teen boyband days (which seem to be making a huge comeback now in the K-pop era).
3. Teaching kids the value of friendship
Mei and her friends are a close-knit group and many of us also grew up having these beautiful friendships that probably carried on into our adulthood. It’s a great representation of friendship and loyalty.
4. Showing the kids parts of our childhood
Can anyone say tamagotchi?! That’s just one of the many things that millennial parents will remember from our iconic childhoods, among CDs and other “vintage” references. Boy, we’re old.
RED ALERT – In Disney and Pixar’s all-new original feature film “Turning Red,” 13-year-old Mei Lee “poofs” into a giant panda when she gets too excited (which for a teenager is practically ALWAYS). This unfortunate new reality for the teenager lands her in a multitude of awkward situations. Featuring Rosalie Chiang as the voice of Mei Lee, “Turning Red” will debut exclusively on Disney+ (where Disney+ is available) on March 11, 2022. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
5. Teaching the kids about managing emotions
The entire premise of the movie is based on how the lead character turns into a red panda whenever she has big emotions to display. If kids are not taught to manage their emotions well, it can become disastrous. This movie addresses those big emotions and it’s a great way to speak to our kids about managing them well.
6. Learning OUR own lessons about acceptance
The wonderful thing about this movie is that as millennial parents, we will likely relate to BOTH Mei Lee and Ming. We are now parents but we’ve also never stopped being sons and daughters. We might have moved out of our parents’ home by now, but it doesn’t mean that we have really learnt to accept our parents as they are (and understanding that they too have a past). And this might also lead us to struggle with accepting our children the way they are. This movie addresses all of these issues and brings a new perspective to light.
7. The most adorable red pandas
Of course, the best thing to look forward to in this movie is the adorable red pandas! Mei Lee transforms herself into a giant red panda (which gets everyone to fall in love with her instantly because of how cute it is!) and it showcases a beautiful animated journey of her development and growth. There’s no better way to illustrate emotions than with a fluffy, lovable animal!
Enjoy watching the Turning Red movie on Disney+ with your kids!
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