Why Turning Red Is Good (4 Reasons Why!)


There have been a lot of arguments about the movie – Turning Red – since its release by Pixar studio. 

Some people commend it while others talk down on it. The entire confusion might have got you wondering if it is a good movie.

Don’t worry, it is a good movie. hence, in this article we will learn the reasons why it is good.

The animation film – Turning Red cannot be all rotten like an overdue tomato;  it must have its good sides even in the midst of all the social debates. 

Let’s read more to find out!

#1- It has an interesting storyline and lively and colorful animation.

Turning red is an unusual and beautiful comedy animation with lots of funny scenes to make you laugh and feel relaxed. 

It is one of its kind, master-crafted with beautiful animations which will make you fall in love with the likes of rats, insects, and pandas. 

Also, it has a great finish, strong characters, and some pro-family themes. 

#2- It talks about the belief that children need to do well and satisfy their parent’s expectations.

The movie explains how one has to be ‘the bright child’ of the family. (An outstanding achiever, an impressive kid with good education, etc.)

This expectation becomes worse when the family lives in a first-world country.

And while it is understandable because of the chances of a better future, it also hinders the child’s expression and makes her feel restricted to the level where she lies to herself.

In this film, Mie’s mum Ming praises her continually as she makes nice grades in school and does great work in their temple.

But Mie is helpless to communicate her emotions and interests to her mum due to the perfect image of an ideal child in her head.

#3- Turning Red teaches about puberty.

While the largest and most common understanding of the movie may be puberty or a clash between one’s family, it went ahead to address something that a great number of kids are so ashamed to talk about.

It is their growing time and they would love and need their families to support them as they go through this path of their life.

Dr. Roskin explained that Turning Red shows how the puberty stage in the life of a child can be one in which parents do not know how best to help their children.

They don’t know what an honest chat about puberty, body changes, and sex can benefit their kids when they get to that time of their life.

#4- Turning Red encourages how you can stay true to themselves

Staying true to oneself is a question of personal honesty and self-regard. It means standing up for what you believe in.

Mei accepted her red panda’s fate by using it in her favor.

On one of the occasions, she broke the spell, using it to leap to the concert arena, though not in a single bound as superman would, but in three or four lovely hops.

As she changed between human and panda, she finally made her way into the hall and settled with her friends inside.

What is Turning Red a Metaphor For?

Turning Red is a metaphor for puberty.

The film uses an unwieldy, wild, and big red panda as a metaphor to describe the confusing feelings of puberty.

The movie is Pixar’s first movie to be written, directed, and produced by women; thus, the clever metaphor for puberty. But not everybody understands it.

Domee Shi (The Director) and Julia Cho (The co-writer) have put together a quick and fun way to define the experience of becoming a teenager with the coexisting changes that occur in one’s body. 

Is Turning Red about a girl getting her period?

No! Turning red is not just about a girl getting her period.

Although parents may be caught off guard by their kids who ask questions about periods or puberty after watching the movie.

However, Experts say that the real problem is not talking about periods.

The big issue is that it feels like a big topic in households that parents do not educate their children about it and these children are overpowered by not having this information before they start menstruating.

Mei Lee,  is an admirable 13-year-old girl, with adorable confidence. 

But it all changed when she marked her womanhood by “turning” into an 8-foot red panda anytime she is emotional – a metaphor that Mie’s mum mistook for her period.

Tackling the topic of periods seems abnormal, particularly extreme for an animation lord like Pixar studio, given that 8/10 of films broadcasted by the studio concentrate on males. 

By twisting the storyline with the red panda changes, the producers of “Turning Red ” plan to remove the shame associated with menstruation — for everybody, not only young girls.

This intention strives to be achieved by putting the movie on the screen and having it be something that portrays stigma, but is also exciting.

Why is Turning Red Controversial?

Turning red is controversial because of some opposing views of whom the movie is meant for.

The argument is that the movie is limiting in its scope and exaggerates the real-life experience of growing up.

The review of O’Connell’s on Twitter reads “I recognized the humor in the film, but connected with none of it. By rooting ‘Turning Red’ very specifically in the Asian community of Toronto.”

He continued, “the film legitimately feels like it was made for [director] Domee Shi’s friends and immediate family members,”.

Indeed turning red needs to widen its space to reach a larger number of viewers. The target audience for the film feels very precise and very limited. 

Parents are complaining that animated films are made for a universal audience for such exaggerated moments, but turning red is not! 

Instead, Pixar has built a lustful teenage movie centered only on girl issues that are not healthy for their younger kids. 

Final Thoughts

You now know why Turning Red is a good movie; not only does it teach some morals, but it also provokes self-realization. (Just the way Mie did realize herself)

You’ve learned the hidden story (metaphor) of puberty, all that the movie talked about period, and why people debate the theme – a huge controversy all over social media.

You might love to know more about turning red, Click here!

If you found this article helpful, share it with your loved one.