The specificity of Turning Red is its greatest strength
Some viewers have reprimanded Turning Red for being too specific, but this is actually the film’s biggest strength and unifying factor.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Turning Red, which is now running on Disney +.
One of the most interesting debates recently has been about how Turning Red it was a far too specific story, which led to questions about why Pixar didn’t make it more relatable and universal for everyone. CinemaBlend had to release a controversial online review, which many considered to be tunneled and ignorant, asking why it was targeting a group. Until then, although Mei’s journey as a Chinese descendant living in Toronto initially seems to be adapted for certain viewers, this is actually Turning RedIts greatest power, because it helps to educate people about another culture, while demonstrating how cosmopolitan North America should be.
It is strange to hear the negatives alienated from this bold story, because these movies do not appear often. Disney has tried to push more content out of the world, which is why Black Panther and many of the Marvel TV series have gone beyond the white eye. eternal and Shang-Chi it continued to provide insight into minorities and marginalized groups, allowing different people to see themselves on screen.
In this regard, Turning Red talking more to the people of Asia, Mei struggles to stifle the red panda inside, which was transmitted by her ancestor, Sun Yee. However, it is still a universal story, because although these animal transformations do not exist in real life, many of Mei’s other struggles do exist. She is the product of a generational trauma, struggling to live up to her mother’s expectations, going through puberty and menstruation, while just wanting to see her favorite boy band, 4 * Town.
Her father, Jin, was not even highly regarded by Ming’s family, while Ming and her mother, Wu Lee, fought hard in the past. Give Mei the fear of being herself and her mother disapproving of her friends, and many will realize that these are all problems that many growing people face. In this case, it’s the journey of a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl, but Mei’s DNA is where the magic is. When it comes to specifics, such as temple rituals and the prayers her family takes part in, how Mei delights in her lovers, while she disappoints her mother who controls too much with the wrong notes and how she has to win. and more Asian stereotypes at school, seeing This on screen can help non-Asians understand Mei’s people even more.
And it is most welcome at a time when anti-Asian sentiments and xenophobia are spreading again, which shows even more why these stories are essential. What adds to the rich upholstery is how Turning RedIt is closely based on the growing experiences of director Domee Shi. Because it is based on her past, she will feel extremely authentic for immigrant children and for those who think they are “the other”.
Put the lid on, Turning Red it opens the minds of those who want to learn more about their fellow citizens and to drive a kaleidoscopic society built on diversity and representation. This message of equality can be expressed through unique elements of fantasy, but this does not prevent the beautiful culture exposed. Nor does it disconnect the masses from the adoration of the film, as individuality and identity are celebrated. As seen with Jin cooking Asian food, Mei and her family had a lot to offer in addition to the panda story, and unless more movies are made like this with other cultures and ethnicities, Charm and Cocothen the world would be more bland than vibrant melting.
Turning Red is now airing on Disney + and will be released in theaters in regions where streaming service is not available.
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