The new Disney, Pixar animated movie Turning Red pays homage to Canada and its largest city Toronto as the film’s setting.
Film talks about an adolescent Chinese Canadian girl, 13-year-old Meilin Lee who turns into a giant red panda when confronted with heavy emotion.
Critical reviews of Turning Red have had some conservative parents raising eyebrows on how teenager concerns were depicted in the story—- menstruation, crushes, sexuality and rebellion to parents.
The movie scenes use iconic Toronto landmarks and has all sorts of Canadian recognition including a Manitoba connection.
Brandon, Manitoba University professor Dr. Alison Marshall acted as cultural consultant for the film. Marshall has deep knowledge of Chinatowns and Chinese Canadian history and was even handed an award for her work in 2021.
Despite some backlash, the overwhelmingly positive response in global streaming viewership records only show how Turning Red is loved by many. Mei has also became an inspiration for many teenagers who can relate with same emotional and physical challenges in their puberty stage.
Now streaming on Disney channel and directed by Oscar®-winning Chinese Canadian director Domee Shi, Turning Red features voices of many Canadian talents including Ottawa-born actress Sandra Oh.
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