Margaret Kendall

PANDAH! (Sorry, just needed to be said) I'm writing this review on 2022's new movie to explain some of the hate it's been receiving, hopefully to clear up any suspicion you might be having before watching. Or... you know, just to rant. Hopefully by the end you'll be ready with popcorn in hand to watch! I'd like to first start by saying how much I loved this movie! I'm 13 and also in 8th grade (probably not good idea to share that on the internet, but anyway...) and I related to this movie on a monumental scale. I AM Mei!!! Well, I'm not Chinese-Canadian and don't turn into an 8 foot tall red panda, but everything else -! I was really surprised to see many negative reviews here in the world wide web, and just wanted to hate on them for a second. Firstly, one of the biggest reasons the movie has earned some one-star reviews is the period talk. *long sigh* Please, don't shy away from "protecting" your children from normal bodily functions. As a person who *experiences* menstrual cycles myself, I feel represented by this. And so do my Mom and my girlfriends who've seen the movie. Is that weird? There hasn't been a relatable movie for girls our age about that subject.. probably ever! And I think that it's amazing! (PS, if you do have a younger child who you don't think is ready for this material, don't worry. It's not explicitly said, and despite "pads" being discussed, my very little sister didn't pick up on anything, so I think it's all good.) 10000/10 representation for the ladies! This is such a big part of half of human kind's life, and Turing Red paints it in such a good way. That's really refreshing right now, as periods have been receiving a lot of shame for no reason. Why shouldn't it be recognized in media? *Stops to prevent this from turning into a feminism rant* Another issue with some parents is Mei's behavior. She's been accused of 1) "Thinking about boys the wrong way" Ummm... OK? But allow me to just say this: no matter what you hold yourself to, if you are a straight women, you have thought of boys that way. It's a scientific fact. I'm sorry, but it is! Don't be afraid of this being represented in a Pixar movie. There's nothing dirty, so in my view it passes the test. Some people are also upset at how Mei explains to her mother that because she's thirteen, it's OK that she likes boys, certain music, and does not have a problem with gyrating (yeah, you're just going to have to watch it to get that joke). Were you not like that when her were thirteen? 2) "Being a lying little obnoxious brat" A lot of people are really upset that Mei disobeyed and lied to her parents. I agree: That's not good behavior. But phases like these are part of growing up. Not to mention, the story is partially about how Mei needs to learn to become her own person (not just the one that her parents want to be), learn how to become a more rebellious person, and she DOES receive consequences for her actions. I'd say that the positives of Mei's character far over weigh that. Plus, good message! Finally, if you have an aversion to the words "Perv," "Stripper music" then don't watch. if you have trouble with flashing lights, you may also want to skip over the nightmare scene. The movie can be enjoyed by anyone, but it's going to be more fun for girls. Overall, and I don't usually say this, but I think people are making too big of a deal. There's nothing wrong with this movie, and it deserves too big thumbs up. It's a great progressive (some of the lines may make you get political, but really guys?) story, and one any young teen will relate too.