Pixar’s newest animation, Turning Red, will feature several familiar voices and some exciting newcomers to the acting world. The animated film follows Meilin “Mei” Lee, a 13-year-old girl who discovers she has inherited the ability to transform into a red panda, with the caveat that she does so whenever she experiences strong emotions. But, with the support of her close friends Miriam, Priya, and Abbey, Mei is determined to make the best of her situation and may maintain calm while dealing with the stresses of adolescence. As one would expect from this calibre, the voice cast is stellar, and here’s whatever you need to know about them.
About the Film: Turning Red
Turning Red is a 2022 American computer-animated fanciful comedy film written and directed by Brad Bird and distributed by Walt Disney Motion Pictures. Domee Shi ran her feature directorial debut, Shi and Julia Cho wrote it, and Lindsey produced it. Rosalie, Sandra Oh, Ava, Hyein, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho, Tristan Allerick, and James Hong star. It follows Meilin “Mei”, a 13-year-old Chinese student who transforms into a red panda whenever she feels strong emotions due to a hereditary curse. Inspired by Shi’s childhood experiences in Toronto, the film began production in 2018. It is the first Pixar film directed entirely by a woman.
The opening Plotline of the Film:
Meilin “Mei” Lee, 13, of Toronto, family live with Ming and Jin and helps to maintain the family’s temple dedicated to their Sun Yee. Mei later has a vivid nightmare about red pandas. She has transformed into a giant red panda when she wakes up that morning. She hides from her parents and discovers that she is only overcome with emotion, though her hair remains red, forcing her to wear a beanie to school. Ming initially believes Mei is having her first period but discovers the truth when she humiliates her at school, causing the latter and flee in fear and tears.
The Voice-over Artist of the Film:
Rosalie Chiang plays 13-year-old Meilin “Mei” Lee. Ming Lee, Mei’s strict and overprotective mother, is played by Sandra Oh. Priya Mangal, one of Mei’s best friends, is played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. Hyein Park plays Abby Park. Jin Lee, Mei’s quiet but supportive father, is played by Orion Lee. Wu, Mei’s grandmother, and Ming’s mother are all named Wai Ching Ho. Tristan Allerick Chen plays Tyler Nguyen-Baker. Mr. Gao is played by James Hong, a local elder and friend of the Lee family who is a trained shaman and assists in the red panda-sealing ritual. Devon, Mei’s secret crush and the local convenience store, is played by Addie Chandler. Mr. Kieslowski, Mei’s teacher at Lester Middle School, is played by Sasha Roiz. Lily Sanfelippo plays Stacy Frick.
How does the Plot End?
Mei notifies Ming that she will not be removing her powers because she has accepted herself for who she is. Following the destruction of the SkyDome, Mei’s situation has improved, as she now has a better understanding of her abilities and balances her temple responsibilities with her community interaction. More people will visit the temple to see Mei in her red panda transformation, with merchandise proceeds benefiting the Skydome’s reconstruction. Ming is still worried about her daughter but respects her more as she goes out with her friends. Mei is looking for Jin, who is in the basement listening to 4*Town and embracing the memorabilia in a post-credits scene.
How is it Like By Everyone?
Turning Red’s development began in 2018 when Shi pitched the idea to Pixar in October 2017. Turning Red premiered on Everyman Borough Yards in London, England, on February 21, 2022. It was released on Disney+ in countries where the service is available on March 11, 2022, along with a concurrent limited run at the El Capitan Theatre. It will be released theatrically, where the streaming service is unavailable. It was planned for a worldwide theatrical release, but the change was made due to other COVID-19 pandemic disruptions caused by the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. The film received critical acclaim for its story, humor, visuals, animation, voice cast, and cultural references.
“Turning Red,” Pixar’s latest feature film, is the first to be directed entirely by a woman, with Domee Shi at the helm. “Turning Red” follows Meilin “Mei” Lee, a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl approaching puberty. Mei’s ancestors have a mystical connection with the red panda species, and one morning she awakens from a nightmare to discover that she has transformed into a giant red panda. Mei’s parents are aware of the impending change, but their reactions differ. Mei’s friend group accepts her unique ability and loves her no matter what. Many well-known voices bring these animated characters to life, so if you recognize some but can’t quite put a face to them, don’t worry.
