Disney Pixar’s latest animated film Turning Red has sparked a conversation among viewers about the importance of representation and authenticity on the big screen.
The movie which was released last week, is set in Toronto and tells the story of Chinese-Canadian teenager Meilin “Mei” Lee as she navigates school, friendships, and the trials of adolescence. According to The Independent, the film has a positive rating of 94% on Rotten Tomatoes with critics describing it as “joyous” and “heartwarming”.
Many people took to social media to express their delight after watching the movie, praising the makers for capturing the essence of growing up Chinese in the West.
Turning Red also marks a major milestone in director Domee Shi’s career as the first female director in Pixar, The New York Times reported. Shi had previously directed the Pixar short film, Bao, for which she won an Oscar.