A Young Girl’s Coming of Age Film
What did I just watch? That was my very first thought as the credits were rolling. I will attempt to break down the good, the bad, and the absolute cringy in Disney Pixar’s latest animated movie. This Disney Pixar Turning Red Christian Movie Review will give you the info you need before watching this movie with your family.
Synopsis of Disney Pixar Turning Red: Christian Movie Review for Parents
From Disney: “Disney and Pixar’s “Turning Red” introduces Mei Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang), a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming (voice of Sandra Oh), is never far from her daughter—an unfortunate reality for the teenager. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda! Directed by Academy Award® winner Domee Shi (Pixar short “Bao”) and produced by Lindsey Collins…”
Mei Lee is a 13-year-old girl living in Chinatown in Toronto, Canada, with her over-the-top mother, Ming, and her mostly silent Dad. She makes plans with her 3 best friends, Miriam, Priya, and Abby to see the boy-band, 4*Town. (For the cast of voice characters, see the end of the review.)
The movie centers around Mei’s 8th-grade class experiences and her perfect grades. There is a conflict between her and her mom. She wants to spend time with her friends, but family duties, loyalties, and studying get in the way.
Oh, and when Mei gets upset or angry, she turns into an 8-foot red panda that can be smelly and destructive.
Turning Red Christian Movie Review: The Good, the Bad and the Cringy Content:
In my movie reviews, I try to give parents enough information to make informed decisions before watching a movie with their children. However, not every parent objects to all content that I may mention. Additionally, I don’t object to everything that I personally mention. In this Turning Red Christian Movie Review, I will try to highlight the good, the bad, and the things that had me cringing.
I have to admit that this movie had me reflecting on my childhood, the good and bad decisions I made, the conflict I had with my parents, and how I vowed I would do things differently. While I did do some things differently with my own kids, I did realize that many of the things my parents did and said helped keep me safe and healthy.
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Overview:
The red panda is cute and seems aimed at appealing to young children. However, overall there is so much preteen and teen content that this movie will be confusing to watch for a young child. This is billed as a coming-of-age movie and deals with themes such as menstruation and sexual attraction.
Do you know how big red pandas really get? See here to find out!
Obviously, Turning Red is a metaphor for the changes a young girl experiences when she goes through puberty. However, I didn’t get that reference before watching the film.
In much of the film, Mei lies to her mother and sneaks around.
Language:
While there are no swear words in the film, there is one use of OMG and a few ”potty language” moments.
However, there are so many uncomfortable moments. I truly believe that we should be open and honest with our children, and boys and girls need to learn about menstruation and sexual feelings. Are you ready to have these conversations with your children?
“Has the red peony bloomed?” Mei’s mother asks her, thinking that she has started her period. Her mother brings in bottles of Tylenol, Midol, and packages of sanitary napkins.
Mei Lee says to her mother, “I like boys. I like loud music. I like gyrating. I’m 13 – deal with it.”
“She’s so brainwashed.” This is in response to Mei not going along with her friends.
“My panda. My choice” is spoken. Obviously, this is a play on “my body, my choice.”
Sexual Content:
While there is no “sex” involved in this movie, there are plenty of references to the coming-of-age feelings a young girl may experience.
In one scene the red panda dances and shakes her butt.
Mei draws pictures of a boy she has a crush on. One drawing shows him shirtless and she is in his arms. Her mom finds the drawings. The audience does not see all of the drawings, but her mom asks, “Did he do these things to you?”
In another scene, Mei wrestles with her feelings and says, “What were you thinking drawing those things? Those horrible sexy things?”
“We are walking into the concert girls and walking out women.” I am unsure of what is implied by this. Is it just because this will be their first concert?
Violent Content:
While there is little violence, Mei (as a panda) does attack a boy and destroy things. Her parents warn her that there is a dark side to the panda. She is put in a room with just a mattress on the floor. We see claw marks on the door of the room later.
There is plenty of property damage from the giant red panda.
Spiritual Content:
Mei’s mom is the temple keeper. In addition to taking care of the temple, Mei and her mom also give tours of the temple. This is a beautiful representation of Mei’s Asian heritage. The attention to detail in how they care for the temple, the cleaning, the prayers, and the respect shown is admirable.
Praying to ancestors is a Chinese custom. These are some of the lines you will hear in the movie: “Instead of honoring a god, we honor our ancestors.”
“Our ancestors are mystically connected to red pandas.”
“The gods granted her wish.”
“On the next red moon, you’ll undergo a ritual.”
“I’ll give you anything. Money. My kidney. My soul.”
During the ritual, there is chanting. This ritual is to return the red panda spirit from where it came. During the ritual, the person crosses to another “dimension” and encounters their dead ancestor. The spirit of the red panda is removed and placed inside a charm or necklace to be contained. (Maybe I am not explaining this correctly, but this is my interpretation of what occurred during the film).
There is a nightmare sequence where statues have glowing eyes and Mei’s family temple is destroyed.
There are also other religious symbols in the movie such as a Sikh dastar or turban (head covering), Muslim hijab, and other religious coverings.
Other Content:
Mei’s mother keeps her own secrets. She has not shared with her daughter about her childhood and what she went through when she became a panda herself.
Mei’s mother is completely overbearing and intervenes way too often. She marches down to the corner store to confront the young clerk who is oblivious that Mei has feelings for him. She stalks her own daughter, hiding behind a tree at school and hanging out in her car across from the playground.
My Recommendation for Viewing Disney Pixar Turning Red: Christian Movie Review for Parents
While I advocate using movies to teach and don’t shy away from movies with different religious beliefs, I just don’t even know what to say about this film. Certainly, all movies can be used to teach, but is the religious ritual content too much for your family to handle? This is a question only you can answer for your family.
Next, I truly believe this movie is aimed at 8-15-year-old girls. As a mom with 4 sons and 1 daughter, I could see how this movie is not relatable to boys or men. While we want to discuss these topics with our boys, and this movie may be what a parent wants to jumpstart that discussion, I just feel that it misses the mark.
It seems many of Disney’s movies center around rebelling against your parents. Rapunzel (her mother really was an evil person), Ariel, Mulan, Luca, and so many others fit in this theme. But with many films, there is the understanding that while youth rebel and pull away from their parents, the parents are not entirely wrong. Take for example King Triton – while Ariel really did need to lead her own life, the price she paid was too high and she needed her father to fix her mess.
Comparing Turning Red with Mulan
However, let’s compare Mulan and Turning Red. In Mulan, she leaves her family home and lies about who she is to protect her family. In Turning Red, Mei lies to her parents, and sneaks around to go see a boy band. Do you see the difference?
Is Disney just blatantly trying to get kids to rebel against their parents? Or are they really thinking they are doing a great service? Either way, this “coming of age” film omits the fact that 13 year olds consider themselves adults, but if they go out and get in trouble it is still the parent’s responsibility to help clean up the mess created.
From a spiritual standpoint, if you watch this film, make sure to talk with your children about ancestor worship, praying to gods, and the rituals that take place in this film. What does the Bible say about these practices?
One last thought: Am I the only one that thought that Priya looked like Mirabel from Encanto?
Movie Details:
Release Date: March 10, 2022
Rating PG for thematic material, suggestive content and language.
Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Director: Domee Shi
Producer: Lindsey Collins
Cast:
Rosalie Chiang as Meilin “Mei” Lee
Sandra Oh as Ming Lee (Mei’s mother)
Ava Morse as Miriam (friend) – Ron’s Gone Wrong
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Priya (friend)
Helen Park as Abby (friend)
Orion Lee as Jin Lee (father)
Wai Ching Ho as Grandmother
James Hong as Mr. Gao
Tristan Allerick Chen as Tyler
Addie Chandler as Devon
Other voice characters: Lori Tann Chinn, Mia Tagano, Sherry Cola, Lillian Lim, James Hong, Sasha Roiz, and Lily Sanfelippo.
Other Fun Facts About Disney Pixar Turning Red:
Director Domee Shi has said she based the movie on her experiences growing up in Chinatown in Toronto, Canada.
The color red was used for the panda because it does represent your period, but also being angry or embarrassed. These are feelings that women can remember surrounding their periods.
Additionally, the director is a fan of Japanese animation like “Sailor Moon” so you may see scenes that remind you of that style.
More Fun Facts:
To represent Toronto, Canada in 2002, Pixar’s team used subtle details such as milk sold in bags, background characters with t-shirts reading “Oot and Aboot” and “Don’t Moose with Me.” Additionally, the graphics in background items represented the era.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this movie about menstruation? Absolutely. The director herself said it was about periods. But it is also about the conflicts that a young teen girl feels. Doing the right thing according to your parents, or doing what she wants to do.
What time period is this movie set? It is Toronto, Canada in 2002. The director was 13 in 2002. She lived in Toronto.
What are the names of the singers in 4*Town? There are 5 members of 4*Town. Robaire, Jesse, Aaron T., Tae Young, and Aaron Z.
What is the tower in the background of the film?
The iconic CN Tower is shown multiple times, and so is the SkyDome.
What does the color red represent in Chinese culture?
Red symbolizes good fortune, luck, joy, and happiness.
What does the red panda represent in Chinese culture?
In China, the red panda is a symbol of peace and friendship.
What are the songs that 4*Town sings?
Nobody Like U; 1 True Love; U know What’s Up. The original score was created by Ludwig Goransson and the songs were written by songwriters Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell.
Where can you watch Turning Red? Is Turning Red on Netflix?
Turning Red can be found streaming on Disney+ on March 11, 2022. Turning Red is not on Netflix.
What positive messages does Turning Red have?
Besides the lessons about puberty and big feelings and emotions. Turning Red can be used to discuss the awkward and intense feelings that both girls and boys experience during puberty.
Furthermore, there is plenty of representation within this movie. There is a girl who has a visible diabetes insulin pump.
What is the controversy regarding Disney Pixar Turning Red?
Turning Red has had some controversial reviews. Many of these reviews are due to the PG rating versus a PG13 rating. This is the first Pixar movie that has addressed controversial topics. Also, the movie was marketed at Disney Jr. watchers. Disney Jr. would be ages 3-7. This movie was not made for that audience.
Additionally, there appears to be some talk about the fact that Disney cut some LGBTQ+ content or scenes.
Another point to look at is that this movie encourages teens to embrace their inner beast. However, as a Christian, I believe you embrace the Holy Spirit and allow God to direct your life, not your “inner beast.”
What does Mei’s dad say to her?
“People have all kinds of sides to them. And some sides are messy. The point isn’t to push the bad stuff away. It’s to make room for it; live with it.”
What Easter Eggs can be found in Turning Red?
The Pixar Ball can be found in a swimming pool at Tyler’s birthday party.
There is a sticker on a skateboard that represents Buzz Lightyear.
Toy Story Pizza Planet Truck is one of the Easter Eggs that can be found in every Pixar movie except The Incredibles. It is found near the Skydome.
A113 which is the reference to a classroom at California Institue of The Arts. It is used near the Skydome and as a seat number on a concert ticket.
A clownfish sticker is on a door that represents Finding Nemo.
Meilin draws a merman which is a nod to Luca.
There are several moments where we see bao buns which makes a nod to the Pixar short film Bao.
Abby’s clothes really look like Boo’s door from Monster’s Inc.
There are flags hanging from buildings while Mei as a panda is running home. These look similar to the ones found in Coco.
You can see the gem from Onward in the science classroom. There is a sticker from the animated short Burrow.
What Movies Can My Family Watch Instead of Turning Red?
Luca is a cute movie that many parents have liked. REVIEW HERE!
Here you can find a list of all the movies that I have reviewed over the years. HERE
To learn about the real Red Pandas, their habits, habitats, and more click here!
Other Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the big deal with saying “My Panda, My Choice?”
Children often repeat lines that they hear in movies. My Panda, My Choice, is a play on my body, my choice which is a saying that is popular among those who advocate for abortion on demand. Furthermore, the movies, sayings, and books that children watch often influence their thoughts and feelings on issues without them even being aware.
Many people are saying that the main objections to this movie are the topic of periods and puberty. Is that what you think the main objection is?
My main objection to Turning Red is the spiritual content. I would never have a Shaman stand in my living room and perform a ritual like the one that is depicted in the movie. I do want my children to learn about other cultures and religions, but I don’t want those religious ceremonies performed in my home.
Reviewing movies for parents from a Christian perspective since 2005. Know Before You Go!
Christian Homeschooling mom – 30 years and counting
Autism Mom & Disney enthusiast
Dear Patty,
With love and care, I would like to share my thoughts with you. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. As a Christian parent, I can tell that you tried to be careful and as objective as possible while writing your review. However, at times we must stand up for the sake of truth, no matter if people label us as fanatics or something alike. If a film is supposedly marketed for an audience of 3-7, but the fact is that this movie is for 13+, then something is wrong. People at Disney are not naive, so this apparent mistake was on purpose to expose younger kids to content that is inappropriate for their age, not to mention that one of the characters in the movie (the “girl” in green) is a boy that pretends to be a girl. Disney is an advocate for LGBT lobbying, and they are trying to indoctrinate our kids with their ideology by using as an attractive means an animation movie about a red panda. This is not surprising to me. I would strongly recommend to avoid this movie for Christians at any age. (I didn’t watch it myself, but saw a 10 minute summary, that was enough).
God bless you.
Caleb:
I know that there are Christians of every denomination that read my reviews. I try to inform parents about what is in the movie, and allow them to make their own decisions, and they are the ones that are ultimately responsible to God for what they allow their children to do.
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I started watching Turning Red lastnight with my 6 year old niece and was uncomfortable the whole time and wanted to just turn it off. Then right when I was getting really antsy about it, the TV lost its internet connection and couldn’t get a signal. I sighed with relief and never finished it. Everything you hit on stuck out to me as well. Thank you for putting it out there.
Thank you for your feedback. God does work in mysterious ways!
I forgot to add this but another thing is that as a Christian, I found Mei Mei’s religion uncomfortable to watch. My mom and I had to fast forward those scenes so it would not hinder our faith.
At least in Mulan, Pocahontas, and even Coco, the pagan religions were subtle.
Absolutely. I would not welcome someone in my home to perform those rituals, and I don’t want them in my living room.
Blessings,
Patty
I regret watching the movie, Turning Red because it was cringing and embarrassing. Yes, Disney and Pixar had made other movies about children rebelling their parents but at least they were sympathetic and/or their actions were understandable. For Mei Mei, what was her excuse? Yes, it stinks that she can’t go to the concert but her mom had a valid reason: she’ll get too excited and turn into a Panda. There was no need to lie and sneak out to go to Tyler’s party. It was hard to root for her to be independent or grow her voice because she’s 13, and is still technically a minor who has to obey her parents until she becomes a legal age. Whatever she secretly likes really is bad. It’s normal for her to like boys and loud music, but who the heck likes gyrating? I don’t know anyone that does.
As an adult, I found the movie to be too juvenile but I can’t imagine children under 12 enjoying this, either. Other than encouraging rebellion and lying, the movie also promotes the idea that friends are better than your family.
Another thing is that Rapunzel, Ariel, Moana, Luca, Remy, Nemo, and Miguel, were actually kind people so, when they rebelled, I thought either, “Okay, they’re not thinking straight,” or “No, don’t make those bad decisions!” They also suffer consequences from making those bad decisions.
With Mei Mei, I thought, “Wow, what a jerk!” She was as her school principal described her, “A mildly annoying young lady.” I didn’t like how she was mean to Tyler when she said she’ll come to her party but won’t give him any presents. Kid, it is customary to give the birthday boy/girl presents. Pixar usually makes movies that promote family over anything so I was dumbfounded with Turning Red, they promoted this message that friends-even if they are bad influence-are better than family and that rebellion and sneaking out behind your mother’s back is good.
I would have liked Turning Red a bit more if Mei Mei actually suffered consequences for sneaking out and lying (giving up her Panda for good) and if someone tells her mother that although her daughter is not perfect, that doesn’t mean that she’s not worthy of love.
Are there any movies in which it’s the kid that is in the wrong; not the parent?
I agree. We rarely see consequences for lying or disobeying. In fact, in Turning Red, at the end Mei goes off with her friends while her parents work to replace the Skydome.
Blessings,
Patty
I think this movie encourages disobedience and lying to parents. It introduces concepts of demonic possession and glorifies spirits being attached to ones soul and makes it look attractive to kids. .very bad…
I think the demonic element bothered me more than anything else. However, most Christians are desensitized to content like that.
Blessings,
Patty
So let me get this straight: this movie is uncomfortable and ‘un-Christian’ (🙄) for being about a body function that’s a part of existence as a human being? Also, the ancestor honouring is wrong, so along with everything else, this movie’s not for kids? You Christian fundies are something else.
Thank you for writing so well about this movie! I had no pre-conceived thoughts and really appreciated such a balanced Christian perspective. You have confirmed that it’s a skip for our young family!
Thank you for your comments. I am glad my review helped your family.
Blessings,
Patty
Hello. I heard things about this movie that had me concerned so I went looking for a Christian perspective. Thank you for going to such detail. I typically search out reviews before watching anything with the family, especially because I have 2 on the autism spectrum, ages 20 and 16, a 17 year old, and my bonus boy who is 9. Trying to find something that is appropriate for all of us can be quite a challenge. I can clearly see from what you’ve written here this is not going to be something we can watch together without being prepared for major discussions. And I will certainly be bookmarking your site for future reference. Thanks again!
Thank you! If there are movies you would like to see reviewed, I am open to suggestions. While I can’t review everything, I try to review the most popular G and PG movies (and occasionally a PG-13).
I did watch this with my 17 year old autistic son. The 2nd time it was on (I was watching it with my husband – we were asked to be on a podcast), my son didn’t even come in the room. That speaks volumes about his thoughts on it.
Blessings,
Patty
Excellent, Excellent review. Thank you for thoroughly and thoughtfully applying a Christian worldview to this film. I’ll be sharing this and returning again for other films. You’re using your gifts to honor Christ. God bless you!!
Chris:
I cried while reading your response. Writing a review really is a labor of love and believe it or not, my reviews take hours. Many times I am writing at 2 AM because I devote the majority of my day to my own family. I know that God called me to this and any time I get discouraged, He sends me someone to encourage me.
Blessings,
Patty
Thank you for your honest review. My young daughters wanted to watch this so I previewed it the morning of movie night. I cringed at several parts that were just to old for my girls. I think it will be a good movie to watch when they are older to start the discussion on these topics but for now it’s a no for my family.
Thank you for commenting. I am glad you previewed it. I wish more parents were as diligent with raising their children.
Blessings,
Patty
Thanks for sharing this review, I went in blindly and watched with 2 of my boys, about 1/2 way through, my 9yo looked at me and said “this is stressful!”, I couldn’t agree more!
Colleen:
Thank you for sharing. My husband and I rewatched it and the second time watching it was worse than the first.
You want to know why people are leaving the church? Giving up Christian “values”? Because of the bigotry and disregard for other ways of knowing. You make it sound like “rituals” and “praying to the gods” are something to be concerned about children seeing?. Are you afraid they will learn about how others make sense of the world? That’s pretty bold since Christians are known for shove their beliefs down others throats. This movie was an amazing depiction of the realities of growing up, the challenges of puberty, the beautiful and sometimes messy experience of coming into your own, and the importance of surrounding yourself with friends who support and love you. It is such a shame to see people twist the meaning of this movie. Would you prefer to continue the narrative that girls should stay pure, obedient, to be seen but not heard, to not be so emotional, and to hold in feelings even at the expense of ones own needs? If you think things like kids watching a movie like this puts them at risk for becoming rebellious and less pure, well wait until you see the results from keeping them in a bubble of Christian values. The sheltered ones who are shamed for the normal behaviors associated with growing up, are almost always the ones who end up rebelling even more. Good luck with that!
I do not know anything about you. Are you a Christian?
BTW: I have 5 children ranging in age from 35 – 17. I am quite happy with how my children turned out. And luck had nothing to do with it!
What this comment doesn’t understand is that there is one truth. Jesus claimed to be the only way. So why in the world would I want my kids thinking about “praying to the (false) gods.” Yes, it confuses them to hear that message in a children’s show. Yes, I want my kids to grow up pure and protected. And, yes, Jesus is Lord. One day you’ll admit it from bended knee.
Amen!
Blessings, Patty
Absolutely agree @ Courtney! I have been teaching my children about being overly religious about everything . We can disagree and not adopt ideas as our own yet continue to acknowledge the good in things. I often share how acting this way does more harm in advancing the kingdom of God when we live in a bubble never looking outside of out own belief system in order to stay “holy”. Relationship vs religion is very much a thing taught in my home. as the old time saying goes “ don’t be so spiritually minded you are no earthly good”
I did not know the main themes of the story, and wish I had looked it up. My 4-year-old wanted to watch it, so we did. I don’t think it was appropriate for her, and I’m annoyed that it was so heavily advertised to her age group (Disney Jr). Certainly, some things were over her head. But she also picks up on language. I’m certain I heard the main character say “crap”. So that’s that. The underlying story was not awful. I just wish they went about it differently. And I wish their TV advertising was a bit more upfront. But, it’s Disney.
Thank you for your comment. I did not know that the movie was heavily advertised on Disney Jr. Disney has spent a lot of money promoting this movie.
Getting ready for church, so I don’t have time for a full comment, but first thanks for taking the time to review movies from a Christian standpoint. Second, I wanted to say that my 5.5 yr old son said when Priya first came onscreen, “Why is Mirabel in the movie?” We are a mixed-nationality couple, who is living in our 2nd international country with our 3 kids, so he has not been sheltered under a homogeneous-insuring rock, nor is he tone-deaf or racist.
We watched the movie a bit late last night (with my girl 11.5yr, 8yo and 5.5 yo boys), but we didn’t have time to discuss much. We openly discuss the human body, periods, and reproduction in our family, so while I was not expecting the references, they didn’t make me uncomfortable. “Making room for our bad/messy bits,” as the Dad said and the lying were worse. Families do encounter messiness and clashes, but the model presented for muddling through them is slight and questionable when the ending phrase of My Panda, My Choice meets a resigned abashed smile from the mom.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
We do not shy away from conversations in this household either. I appreciate you thoughts on the movie!
I respect your opinions on this film. However, I thought I might point out the rating is PG-Patental Guidance. PG does not always mean family movie and may include scenes not suitable for all children. Context is important and parents need to remember what PG actually means. It’s. Up to parents to decide what not to watch rather than film company’s catering to just Christian tastes. I saw the film and have no issue with it. I also understand I am speaking from opinions that are contrary to the majority here.
Thank you for commenting. I do understand exactly what you are saying. Disney is not a Christian company, but I think too many people have false expectations from media companies.
Blessings,
Patty
Great review, so thorough! Thanks for caring enough to share. Will be watching this with my 14 year old sister. We’re excited.
Let me know what you think of the movie.
I always check your site to see if you have reviewed a movie before we decide to watch it or decide if I’m going to test watch it first. Although my 8 year old son knows about periods, etc. he is still so innocent. He doesn’t know about sex and that type of language (he is homeschooled) and we don’t believe he is ready to be exposed to it. Strange to see it in a Disney film. Thank you for the review.
Thank you for reading the review and commenting. Let me know if there are movies you would like to see reviewed.
So I had no idea it would be about all that it was about . I was like you thinking what did we really just watch. I watched it with my husband and our 5 and 6 year old girls. They giggled at the part when the girls was looking at the boy in the store through the window but didn’t get much of the other more mature stuff in the movie. It did hit home a bit for me . Me and mom bumped heads at that age and I see now that I’m a mom those “friends” are long gone but my mom is always by my side.I think the last 15 minutes is where I was like yeah this movie is alright but nope not now. The ritual was a bit much since she was in pain and the chanting. My panda my choice. Come on , really? That didn’t have to be in there. And yes I thought priya looked like mirabell as well. It’s not racist . You didn’t make fun you just stated she looks similar and she does. I will definitely remember your site for the future before watching something with my kids. Thank you for a honest review.
Thank you for your comment.
I so appreciate your words regarding Mirabel and Priya. I appreciate the support. It is hard to put your thoughts out there to have them criticized. I really do this as a service to parents and I make very little money on my blog. As a homeschooling mom with an autistic son I cannot devote myself full time to my business. However, when I get a comment like yours I know that I am doing exactly what I was called to do.
I am a homeschooling mother as well. I have 3 little girls. One who has adhd. So hats off to you for dedicating time to helping other families out, i am wore out by noon haha .. keep up the good work 🙂
Respectfully, I think this review really misses the mark of what this movie was trying to show. This was the first time Disney had a modern day coming of age story of a girl, and told the story of growing up in an immigrant/Asian family that is unique to Disney but relatable to so many young teens, especially girls. I don’t think this movie has ever tried to encourage rebelling against parents, but rather normalized recognizing your true self and feeling comfortable with the idea that it might be different than the image your parents create for you. As a parent, I think this is so valuable for my kids (both my boys and my girls) to learn, because I don’t want my kids to ever think that who they are is wrong and bad and needs to be hidden, I’d rather them tell me so I can get to know their true selves as well, just like the mom does by the end of the movie.
Also, you comparison of Priya, who is very clearly south-east Asian, to Mirabel, who is presented as Latina, feels like you’re grouping them together solely for their brown skin (the only other similarity being their shoulder length hair??), which, frankly, feels tone deaf and racist.
Christine:
Thank you for your thoughts.
As far as my comments about Priya and Mirabel, Disney (as well as many other animation studios) openly reuse people, scenes, etc. It is much easier than creating from scratch. Saying they are similar is not racist or tone deaf but realistically reusing characters and changing the nose, hairline, and rounding out the face a little makes sense from a workload standpoint. I was just pointing out that they are similar.
I am not the only one that has said that. If you look side by side at the two characters there are striking similarities, but also some of their movements are the same.
https://youtu.be/KPq53eVvXKQ
there’s nothing racist about her seeing a resemblance. Go somewhere else you troll
Thanks for the support.
I completely agree with this commenter (except the racist part). It’s more about listening to you kids and letting them be who they truly are. Not what path you chose for them.
My 13 year old son and husband both enjoyed this movie.
Religion plays no part in our family but I want to say to OP I did appreciate your review.
Thank you for commenting. I do write from a Christian perspective, and while I know you need to listen to your kids, I do have adult children that I am close with. That doesn’t start when they become adults. It begins the minute they are born.
Great Review! I did watch this movie as a family with my 7 yr old boy & 11 yr old girl.
I wish my husband & I would have watched it first.
We were definitely in disbelief…
We saw a lot of red flags as Christian parents. Not only in the rebellion but def the sexual content.
We learned to also search up reviews (Christian) before watching a movie with the kids.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Bookmark my site for more movie reviews. If I don’t have a review for something you want to see, let me know and I can get one up. (Homeschooling, autism, and life sometimes means I get behind.)
I’m a Christian parent. I loved the movie. My nine year old love the movie. This review is so shallow and obviously the message went right over all of your heads. There is more to bring g a good Christian than avoiding sex talks and keeping your daughters away from boys. Stop equating other culture’s religions with devil worship. How judgmental!!
Ironically, you have come to my blog and judge me without really knowing anything about me.
I have 5 children ranging in age from 35-17. We openly discussed sex with our children. I am thrilled with how my adult children turned out. But I did not go trolling on websites to tell other people how to raise their children when my children were little.
How about we have a conversation when your daughter is an adult and you let me know how your parenting worked out? Titus 2:3-5
I’m always trying to get people to think about cultural values vs true Christian living, and your comments made me think. I’m aware that too many Christians spiral down I to fear of doing wrong, in this case I think the reviewer is on the button. The film, as I understand it, is yet another stitch in the tapestry portrayingthe West (built on Christian values) as being one among equals. The film, by slight of hand, introduces ideas, values, other religious belief and practices, etc as of equal value to Christianity. As such, the film works against the Gospel and should be watched with caution.
Thank you for commenting. I keep saying, if it was just about puberty, or just about a young girl, or… But there is so much that works to undermine a Christian household in this movie.
Blessings,
Patty
Respectfully, You said your daughter is nine which is exactly who she thought the movie was aimed at and didn’t really have any issues with that age group watching- so I think it is wonderful that you both enjoyed it! We liked it as well but there were a few moments where I was like ok that was a little bit much but we got over it and overall thought it was fine. Her point wasn’t that you should avoid these topics with your kids just that parents of 5 or 6 year olds may not have been prepared for all that which is who the movie was marketing to. My daugher is 6 and while we are pretty open with the period stuff, and she discusses thinking boys are cute– the drooling and sexy pictures that she was drawing was a little much for her I think she felt a little embarassed by that.
As a Christian, the comment I disliked the most was one kid said her mom saying the boy band was stripper music. Luckily she missed it so I got to avoid answering the question of what a stripper was to my 6 year old. I wouldve answered honestly but personally am not ready for her to know that people take their clothes off for money and don’t see why this needed to be in the movie at all. For a 9 year old I probably wouldn’t have a single problem with this movie. Also I don’t think she related other religions to devil worship- just giving parents a heads up that they are in there so they can prepare their conversations for possible questions. I am also curious if you think being a good Christian involves belittling someones views on their own blog and calling them shallow and judgemental for just stating facts about a movie because your comment seems very hateful vs just stating your opinion? I think as Christians a main goal should be to relay informaion however our views are in a loving manner.
I also wasn’t crazy about the “My Panda, My Choice” comment… not even really for the context itself but just for the fact that they are trying to make childrens movies so political these days!! Can we not just let kids be innocent kids for a while they literally have their whole lives to worry about these issues why do they need to be pushed on them so young. Not even that I agree one way or the other but parents should be the ones teaching their kids not movies. With all that being said– I know that PG movies will require me to prewatch just to see what is really in them.
Thank you for commenting so much better than I could. I have been overwhelmed with the support (both comments and email) regarding this review. There are so many more in support of my review than negative. And I haven’t even begun to respond to the emails!
Great review! I was wondering about this movie. My girls love red pandas and will want to see it. Thanks for all of the heads-up info and talking points!
Thanks for reading and commenting. I would love to know your thoughts if you decide to watch it.
Thanks for sharing this! I don’t think I’ll be watching this with my 8 year old as I’m not ready nor is she to have those conversations. SO glad I read this before putting it on for family movie night… I can see watching it down the road when she’s a little older!
Thank you for reading and commenting. I would love to know your thoughts if you decide to watch it without her.
I think that’d make it a good way to start the convo. It’s better to get ahead of these things instead of having to do clean up after. At least make it clear you aren’t going to treat it like it’s a bad thing or anything to be ashamed of. Puberty has a LOT of terrifying things to deal with, making it clear you’re there for them is key.
There is so much more than just puberty in this movie to unpack with a young daughter especially if you are a Christian. Not all children are ready to deal with all of the content. The other worldview and the sexualized content also need to be considered before watching.