Turning Red (2021) Dir: Domee Shi
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So this has been on my radar pretty much since it came out. I wasn't sure what to expect beyond Disney/Pixar's usual blend of heartwarming and funny moments, but I was nonetheless excited.
What I saw was a unique and bizarrely hilarious film with some very well addressed themes and undertones. Its narrative was fun and quirky, but addressed a number of social issues and themes.
The film very effectively addresses and references periods and sanitary products, which is really positive for a Disney film. It helps to normalise periods for children, particularly young girls.
The film is a metaphor for adolescence and growing up, as well as the challenges of life and being your own person, something it manages to convey wonderfully.
The animation was of the typical Disney and Pixar quality, with some great features and references to the World of anime.
One thing I appreciated was the film's more modern perspective on young people and their views and behaviours, rather than a more stereotypical and dated expression.
Rosalie Chiang stars here, and her energy and enthusiasm bursts through the audio and beyond the equally enthusiastic animations.
Sandra Oh lends her vocal skills to a meaningful and challenging supporting role, and shows her ability to express her character's emotional duality remarkably well.
There were a couple of other noteworthy supporting performances that I enjoyed, those being from Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Ava Morse and successful music producer and performer FINNEAS.
Director Domee Shi produces an immensely pleasurable and delightful story that takes a far more modern and forward thinking look at childhood that has perhaps been absent from previous Disney efforts.
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