Why Turning Red Director Domee Shi Thought Bootylicious Was The Perfect Song For A Pivotal Scene
Pixar Animation By Shania Russell/March 11, 2022 9:36 am EST
Today’s the day we can experience the joy of Pixar’s latest, “Turning Red,” another homerun from the heralded animation studio, courtesy of Domee Shi, writer, and director of the acclaimed short film “Bao.”
Not too long ago, she condensed the bittersweet realities of motherhood into a fantastical tale of a dumpling coming to life, so you won’t be shocked to learn that “Turning Red” also weaves magic into a universal tale of self-discovery. Other than one very minor detail, our lead character, Mei (Rosalie Chiang) is just your average 13-year-old girl! She harbors young crushes, doodles during class, fangirls about boybands, and appreciates the power of a good pop song like, for example, Destiny Child’s “Bootylicious.” Oh, and when she gets a little too excited she turns into a giant red panda. You know, teenager stuff.
Why Turning Red Director Domee Shi Thought Bootylicious Was The Perfect Song For A Pivotal Scene
Pixar Animation
By Shania Russell/March 11, 2022 9:36 am EST
Today’s the day we can experience the joy of Pixar’s latest, “Turning Red,” another homerun from the heralded animation studio, courtesy of Domee Shi, writer, and director of the acclaimed short film “Bao.”
Not too long ago, she condensed the bittersweet realities of motherhood into a fantastical tale of a dumpling coming to life, so you won’t be shocked to learn that “Turning Red” also weaves magic into a universal tale of self-discovery. Other than one very minor detail, our lead character, Mei (Rosalie Chiang) is just your average 13-year-old girl! She harbors young crushes, doodles during class, fangirls about boybands, and appreciates the power of a good pop song like, for example, Destiny Child’s “Bootylicious.” Oh, and when she gets a little too excited she turns into a giant red panda. You know, teenager stuff.
Not too long ago, she condensed the bittersweet realities of motherhood into a fantastical tale of a dumpling coming to life, so you won’t be shocked to learn that “Turning Red” also weaves magic into a universal tale of self-discovery. Other than one very minor detail, our lead character, Mei (Rosalie Chiang) is just your average 13-year-old girl! She harbors young crushes, doodles during class, fangirls about boybands, and appreciates the power of a good pop song like, for example, Destiny Child’s “Bootylicious.” Oh, and when she gets a little too excited she turns into a giant red panda. You know, teenager stuff.
Mei, can you handle this?
Two wins for the price of one! Not only does Mei have the anthem of a generation to help her get hyped and comfortable in her new, red panda body — she also has the perfect rhythm for breaking out into a chaotic dance scene! I haven’t yet had the pleasure of enjoying this inspirational sequence, but the thought of our bubbly protagonist embracing her confidence whilst icons Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams whisper, “I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly” is guaranteed to make me cry.
“She’s finally getting comfortable with her body and celebrating it. It’s about confidence. It was also funny to see a giant red panda dancing to that song.”
“Turning Red,” which was co-scripted by Julia Cho, also features a score from Ludwig Göransson, along with songs on the soundtrack written by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell. Their original songs are performed by the biggest boyband in the world of “Turning Red,” and the object of Mei’s adoration, 4*Town. Here’s Disney’s official synopsis for the film:
“Turning Red” drops exclusively on Disney+ on Friday, March 11, 2022.
Turning Red introduces Mei Lee, a confident, dorky teenager torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming, 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, she “poofs” into a giant red panda!
