Turning Red - Why We Need More Movies Like This | Film Analysis

[@adriarchy]

oh that last part about the mom losing control that the obsession turns to killing intent is rather interesting. I understand the reaction that it's wrong because it is but even the best of us aren't always right and well obsession has been fatal. it's kinda uncomfortable to think about though, when someone crosses that point there's no return so how can this person have ever been a good one at any point? that's always how these things are treated. oh yeah it's so uncomfortable to think about.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I definitely think there is this aspect of control some parents have over their children that may turn into an obsession and I think that's what we saw with the mom. The best way I can make sense of it is exactly what you said, a metaphor for how losing control and rage can accidentally harm those we love. 🙏🏾

[@SocialBobcat]

I really need to watch this one. Don’t understand anyone who would dog the film for targeting a specific audience demographic, as if that’s not done elsewhere in other movies.

[@itakeonmovies]

Definitely the main point of this video. I think everyone can have their opinions and I do think relating to a film adds extra layers to why one would love a film, but definitely not the sole reason one should hate one. Plus here, it feels like an excuse for why people really don't like the film. ✊🏾

[@PrincessSaskia84]

very well thought analysis well done!!❤

[@itakeonmovies]

I really appreciate that! 🙏🏾

[@NaikaVideo]

Thanks for this fantastic review. I adore Turning Red and I think the backlash over its 'period policing' is just hilarious. It really does capture that early 2000s vibe to a tee, almost...uh, a little too well. Domee Shi's love of Ranma, Dr. Slump and Totoro really came to life here and I think it's one of the better anime-inspired properties to have come out in North America in a LONG while. But like you said, the film isn't without criticism. I think Meilin's mom still gets off the hook for her antics way too easily (still hilarious but, still bad). Also, per a lot of Black fans of the film, Mei should've had a Black friend in the mix as it definitely would've made their love of 4Town feel less like the 2000s, when appropriation of black art was rampant without nary a criticism. Hopefully if there's a sequel to this, they can rectify that? And to add to your question about Mr. Gao and why he knows mystical stuff, this a very very inside reference for most Asian diaspora folks who watched a lot of Hong Kong supernatural films growing up, but Mr. Gao is, literally the neighborhood Taoist magician (or the neighborhood ghostbuster to some extent), who's usually called upon when mystical or scary hijinks arise. If you've ever heard of the Mr. Vampire franchise, then that's a good place to start if you want to know more. Great video once again!!!

[@itakeonmovies]

I agree. I definitely see her anime influence all throughout this film and its amazing. And the 2000s influence is very relateable. Also, I can definitely see the lack of black characters in general throughout the film being a cause for concern for some, but I didnt have a problem with it personally. I grew up in California where diversity is everywhere and I dont think I had a "best friend" in every race. What I mean by this is it would have been cool to see, but I don't hold it against the film simply becasue it felt more real. Having a best friend in every ethnicity could have felt a bit forced. Also, in her particular area in Toronto, I'm not sure how many black were in proximity to her, but I admit as a Cali guy I am ignorant to that information. It couldve been many. And as for the mysticism, I completely understand how Mr. Gao and some others knew about these rituals and aspects of the culture, but I was thinking more along the lines of how everyone in the neighborhood seemed rather relaxed with these giant pandas running around or how no news outlets captured the events. However, I'm sure I missed something or am being too critical there lol. Definitely nothing that ruins the experience for me at all! Thank you for all of the explanations. 🙌🏾

[@NaikaVideo]

@@itakeonmovies That's a really good point regarding 'forced friends' and all. I srsly didn't think about it in that way. I know the film does have some shots of news reports capturing Mei's run from her Mom when she transformed at school, but other than that, yeah. EVERYONE there was uber uber chill about it, making me wonder if, in this universe, the Red Panda thing is a known constant or not. Fantastic observations!

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah, just my take although I can see the inclusion of some black characters being a great addition, I'm always here for that and great catch, totally forgot about those news scenes. Definitely feel like it's such a minute critique on my part. Lol The film is great.

[@Y20XTongvaLand]

This is not a movie just for young womn. I realized pretty soon after watching the movie is that the part of me that disliked it was the part of me traumatized by my mother. Everytime the mom is on screen, I had a physical reaction to how she decides to parent. I'm a 30-year old Salvadoran man relating to a teenage Chinese girl. This story is not niche and not narrow. I did at first feel it was not necessarily a movie fit to show younger kids, maybe below ten or nine, but that would be up to the discretion of each parent depending on when they want to have those important life discussions with their kids. I'm not a parent though, so I don't know if that take is misogynist at its core or just from not having the experience and wisdom of a parent. I will say that I was, unfortunately, introduced to more adult stuff at a very young age, and I persnally would want that avoided in a child of mine too early.

[@itakeonmovies]

Turning Red is absolutely a movie for anyone, however, I do beleive its a movie that tells a story from a pretty underrepresented group of people. Young adolescent girls. This isn't to say that young boys or even adults of any race or situation can't draw from it either. In fact I think young boys can learn to respect the changes young girls go through instead of making fun of them or chastising them. And then there is the whole parental aspect of the film, which I imagine a lit of people can relate to such as yourself. I think that's what makes the movie great. And that's a great point. Ultimately we can't tell parents what should be suitable for their kids to watch, nothing misogynistic about that. I personally am a father, to a little boy and I'd love for him to watch this movie. I think the earlier we can normalize that aspect of life that girls go through, the better. But that's just me.

[@hyenaboy7504]

@@itakeonmovies "Turning Red is absolutely a movie for anyone" It IS a Pixar film, after all.

[@TheMovieSequelDude49]

The overwhelming hatred for things loved by mainly young girls (Twilight, boy bands, etc.) makes this kind of backlash expected if still very depressing. As Lindsay Ellis said, "as a culture, we kind of hate teenage girls." Honestly, the only thing that disappointed me about Seeing Red was that, behind the scenes, Disney forced the crew to get rid of any scene that had LGBT+ elements to it. Which is especially unfortunate given the recent wave of controversy involving supporting homophobic senators.

[@deejaybundst1671]

the only thing that stopped me from watching this movie earlier was the billboards which featured a large red panda face with a panicked and anguished expression. i was worried the whole movie was just going to be, like, painful and annoying, like an emoji movie. i should have trusted Pixar more.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I do think the marketing for this could've been a little better. However, it's nothing like the emotional movie I'm proud to say..lol. You're right , Pixar I don't think can make something that bad. Lol

[@EndlessDream]

I like the movie's animation. Its comical AF.

[@itakeonmovies]

Yeah I enjoyed the animation too. All the anime influences were a nice touch to pixars already solid visuals. 🙏🏾