Mirabel and Mei both have their families on the maternal side as supporting characters, but unlike Julieta and Pepa, and like Agustn and Flix, Ming doesnt keep her maiden name. She has a rainbow friendship bracelet with a green and pink-red bracelet underneath on the right wrist and a pink watch with multiple buttons on the left. The band members are voiced by Finneas, Jordan Fisher ("To All the Boys: P.S. As explained by Mei's mother, the reason she has this power is through an ancestor's mystical connection with red pandas. She is the most mellow (and seemingly least phased, at least by her facial expressions) of the friend group of four, but she shares in their excitement over certain things like 4*Town, the boy band that Mei and her friends love. Exuberant, ambitious, and over-achieving, Chinese-Canadian Meilin excels at school and at home. That includes her protective, if not slightly overbearing mother, Ming. But when the teen mysteriously begins to poof into a giant, uber-emotional red panda at the most inconvenient times, a gulf opens up between Mei and her mom, forcing a reckoning between Meis two selves: the spirited teenager and the obedient daughter. Mei is a quirky, confident, and naive 13-year-old teenage girl who has a fantastic ability to transform into a red panda, with which her family has a deep connection. The D23 Team. The Aristocats: Marie With the film being set in 2002 as confirmed by producer Lindsey Collins. She gets back to her senses by Miriam and her friends notice Tyler exposing Mei for her love of Devon. But after she notices her friends agree to not want to get tickets at all. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Not only that, but she was also supposed to have a freckled cousin named Leo who could also transform into one. Whenever her emotions get the better of her (whether it be getting too excited or too scared), she turns into a giant red panda and has to calm herself to change back. Mei and her family take all the stuff out of her room leaving only her bedsheets, Winifred, pillow, and blanket. Even spotting Devon at one point. Elegantly turned out and poised at all times, Ming takes her professional duties seriouslybut shes even more dedicated to keeping an eye on her precious daughter, Meilin. Mei has been compared by many (including Domee Shi and, The fact that Mei's hair is black at the beginning of the film, but turns red after her Red Panda curse is similar to Susan Murphy the protagonist of DreamWorks Animation's 2009 film, Another similarity is Zenitsu Agatsuma from the, A third similarity is Freddy Lupin from the, Mei is also the third female Disney character to wear glasses that is from a different country/city, the second being. with both powers having their appearance as huge animals. Pixar / Disney. The color signifies the passion, anger, and love that she feels throughout the film. The fear of inadvertently transforming, as well as Ming's helicopter parenting, makes Mei very anxious and frustrated. When Mei undergoes the ritual to seal her panda spirit, she realizes the panda helped her to be her true self, not because of the transformation, but because it gave her the courage and confidence to be who she is and not the "perfect daughter" she was raised and expected to be and refuses to give it up, defying her mother and family's expectations. Ming however wants to go with Mei. Her friends take notice that she is acting very uncharacteristic, and wonder if she's alright. Powers and abilities She has the ability to transform into a giant red panda whenever she feels a strong emotion. Lisa Gutierrez writes about medical and health-related issues for The Kansas City Star. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Snow White Dopey Magic Mirror The Evil Queen Grumpy The Prince Sleepy Doc Winter Snow White The Witch Mei explains however since she turned thirteen, she's been doing her own thing, wearing what she wants and saying what she wants twenty-four seven, three sixty-five. As she gets on the bus, Mei explains that she's an adult now, at least, according to the Toronto express, while showing her bus pass to the bus driver, who congratulates her uncomfortably. Her teeth are pointier than her human form, however, she bears the same reddish-brown eyes as her human form her eyebrows however are white and thick, and she has white messy whiskers. is the same Mei her friends and family know and lovebut in the form of an unpredictable, eight-foot-tall, smelly, and inadvertently destructive red panda. Then we see a montage of Mei, answering math questions, and French questions. Much like Mei, Turning Red as a film is doing a complex balancing act and not every plate spins with ease. Turning Red is an unconventional coming-of-age tale from Pixar, and as such it's attracting some unconventional criticisms. She can also proficiently speak French and play the flute. Mei runs through the streets and roads and then transforms which shoots her into the air this time. Her room's going to remain like that for a while as a precaution to ensure no more accidental transformations. Journey Into Imagination: Figment Sketch Figment They get scared by her presence, as Mei takes in her friends to tell her that the red panda is her, and tells them all to chill. Once Meis red panda powers activate (her ancestors were close with the species in the past), Mings helicopter mom personality goes into even more overdrive. Disney/Pixar. Mei notices a guy that passes by her and she gets lovestruck. But the response is surprisingly different, as Stacy and her friends would do so much as give their liver for it. Miriam then challenges Mei to some test which she has to sing with her friends, She is then rewarded a disc. They meet their female family members. RELATED:How Turning Red Sets Up A Sequel & Spinoffs. Disney Wiki is a FANDOM Movies Community. Children often come of age at different points in their lives. But Mei with a slow realization that becomes pure fury calls it out as a curse. The Nightmare Before Christmas: Jack Skellington Sally Oogie Boogie Lock, Shock, and Barrel Mayor of Halloween Town Its main conflict is the excess of emotion that women suppress manifesting in ways that are familiar to even those of us who don't turn into big red pandas. Aja Romano writes about pop culture, media, and ethics. She shows her besties that the ideal men are 4Town, she and her friends are "4Townies" and it's always ride or die for all of them. She was also really extroverted, dramatically entering school and proudly hanging out with her friends. Mei-MeiVery enterprising, mildly annoying young ladyMajor weirdoOverachieving dork-narkLoyal customerGross red monsterFreakLittle quirkMama's girlPanda girlPerfect little Mei-MeiPrecious little Mei-MeiFurry ticking time bomb of awesomenessMagical bearAnimalWerewolfFluffySweetie Toy Story: Woody Buzz Lightyear Jessie Rex Emperor Zurg Bo Peep Billy, Goat, and Gruff Duke Caboom Ducky and Bunny Slinky Dog Hamm Mei tells Ming that she is not separating from her spirit, and Ming tells her that she will go by with her on that decision all the way through. Luca: Luca Paguro Alberto Scorfano She goes through unbearable pain, but pushes herself through. Ashamed, she fails to stand up to her mother and come to her friends' defense, which disappoints them. Red Panda Mei Priya (voice of Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) (pictured to left of Mei) Active Peter Pan: Tinker Bell Peter Pan Captain Hook Wendy Nana Smee John Darling Slightly Holiday Tinker Bell Topaz Tinker Bell Captain Pan On Mei's own, she is very intelligent: a straight-A student in school on all subjects. She also has an upward and well-formed back with a narrow pelvis, and she also has visible claws hidden under her paw sheaths. Hes a necessary balance to his strong-willed wife Ming, and a doting and loving father to his daughter Mei. Ming soon believes Mei just experienced her first period and goes to get "everything [Mei] needs". Meis parents are aware that this change is set to arrive, but they react very differently. Unfortunately, however, this gift became more of a curse with no enemies to protect the family from. She walks closer to her reflection to be met with herself with black hair. Mei takes notice that she didn't transform this time, and asks for Abby to hit her, which didn't transform her yet again. By learning to control her emotions better, she can transform only parts of herself. A bit of a tomboy, Miriam regularly rocks a flannel shirt and slouchy cap, and she shares her friends obsession with boy band 4*Town. 4Town (Robaire in particular), math, her red panda form, ice cream, brownies, karaoke/pop music, pizza, her friends, school, cute animals, beanies, Devon (formerly), badminton, congee, loud music, gyrating, dumplings, making people laugh, cleaning, parties, Carter Murphy-Mayhew, her stuffed animal Wilfred, watching TV, drawing, sticking out, her flute case, her family Mei is represented by the color red, for very obvious reasons. Then, Mei arrives at the partythe party however is ruined when Mei appears in a cheaply made red panda outfit. Theres no doubt: Ming is fierce, stubborn, funny, controlling, andas Mei would put ita lot, but the deep love she has for her family is always apparent. Mei then goes to find Ming in the astral realm, only to find her as a 16-year-old. Tyler demands Mei a ride when she isn't in the mood. Streaming on Disney+ March 11, 2022.Thirteen year old Mei is experiencing the awkwardness of being a tee. Indiana Jones Marion Ravenwood On the night of May 25th, Mei and her family eat a meal before the ritual. Turning Red Wiki is a FANDOM Movies Community. Alice in Wonderland: Alice Mad Hatter Queen of Hearts Cheshire Cat As seen, Mei clings onto rooftops, city post lights, and chimneys. And then the party gets moving, as Mei dances with everybody and people ride upon her. Mei transforms into her panda form at school. Mei and her friends are working on some red panda pendants. Tangled: Rapunzel Flynn Rider Maximus Mother Gothel Her and Mei's relationship is sort of similar to another Pixar mother-daughter duo, Merida and Queen Elinor in Brave (which was released almost a decade prior to Turning Red) as like Elinor, despite wanting what's best for her daughter, she oversteps her bounds and it results in her relationship with her daughter becoming toxic. Appearance As a human, Mei is a young fair-skinned 13-year-old teenage girl with short, straight black (later red) hair and bright hazelnut eyes. Red pandas do this when they are scared, frightened, or aggressive. When mad, her form slightly alters with her head and cheek fur pointing upwards, her eyebrows having a more pointed shape, her fangs become sharper, and her eyes become an intense, almost-dilated fiery red color. Both families have connections with stuff, their backstories are both related to war, and they discover the magic. She however notices that the key to not being a red panda is to remain emotionally calm. She has the best intentions for her daughter, but in vocalizing every little thing Mei could improve within herself, she can create an impossible image for Mei to meet. But the realities of adulthood hit harder than she thought when she realized the truth of what growing up is. Enchanted: Giselle Wedding Giselle Lightyear: Captain Lightyear Sox Moana: Moana Maui Abby (voice of Hyein Park) (pictured left) She wears an indigo or denim-colored box pleated skirt with mauve ankle-length leggings, pink socks, and gray and pink sneakers. In Disney's Turning Red, Meilin "Mei" Lee just wants to be a typical girl: singing, dancing, admiring cute boys and trying to catch her favorite band, 4*Town, to swoon over the dreamy teens. Born in 1989, Mei is a confident, dorky, 13-year-old torn between staying her mother's dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. Now, we used Mei's estimated height to determine Priya and Miriam's heights. Hercules: Hercules Meg Pegasus Hades Phil Zeus Baby Pegasus Ming hopes for her best, as Mei gives a fake smile with two thumbs up, as she goes into the school. Treasure Planet: Captain Amelia Jim Hawkins John Silver Elegantly turned out and poised at all times, Ming is the devoted keeper of the Lee Family Temple in Toronto's Chinatown. Due to her panda form's size, she possesses great strength and the ability to leap great distances. I'd rate Turning Red around 9+ because at that age kids probably will have at least a vague idea of puberty and what is being talked about, and should still be able to enjoy the style of the movie and the comedy slice of life aspect. She stares at herself in absolute shock and utter disbelief, trying to convince herself it is all a dream. But since these events aren't the definition of exact science, it's hard to pinpoint when a child may begin to understand themselves and start to pull away from the family dynamic. Pixar's Turning Red offers a unique look at growing up. According to an article dedicated to Domee Shi, Mei is going through puberty throughout this film, despite the red panda transforming. Meis friend group embraces her special power, loving her no matter what. Priya Mangal is a main character in DisneyPixar's 2022 animated feature film, Turning Red. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan recently broke into fame with her main character role of Deve Vishwakumar in Netflix's Never Have I Ever, a series created by Mindy Kaling based on Kalings memories of her childhood as a first generation Indian-American girl. Before joining . Red pandas, in real life, do this when they're cold and naturally sleep in that position. There is a ritual that seals the red panda spirit into a jewelry piece, but Ming tells her that the more Mei transforms the harder it is for the ritual to be done. Contents 1 Personality 2 Appearance 3 Role in the film 4 Trivia 5 Gallery 6 External links Personality She has to not let any of her female family members down. Ming retorts by saying she always puts her family first. But one glance at her red panda spirit (who doesn't want to be separated from her), and all the memories of her being a red panda and cherishing every bit of it, through good and bad came back to her. When hiding the change in Mei's hair color, she is seen wearing a red tuque with light red stripes with maple leaves in between them. Mei stops Ming, however, it was too late, as Ming drives to Daisy Mart in a fit of rage. Hocus Pocus: Winifred Sanderson Mary Sanderson Sarah Sanderson Binx Billy Butcherson Young Winifred The Book When Mei leaves school she meets up with her friends and then goes to check out the store clerk Devon, who Mei isn't fond of at all at first glance. She is the third Pixar protagonist who wears glasses after, She is also the second female Disney protagonist to wear glasses, after, Mei Lee is similar to Son Goku and many other people of the Saiyan race from the franchise. Character information She then notices her friends are the people that help her maintain this panda. When confronted by her mother (who'd flown into a rage and unlocked her panda spirit after it shatters on the floor), Mei finally stood up to Ming, confessing her lies, but declaring she wasn't the "cute little Mei-Mei" Ming wanted her to be anymore and that she (Ming) had to deal with it. Before Mei's hair was red, it was black. According to the official Pixar website, red panda Mei Lee is eight feet tall. The Jungle Book: King Louie Baloo Bagheera Kaa The Incredibles: Mr. One Hundred and One Dalmatians: Cruella De Vil Perdita Patch Winter Cruella In the end, Turning Red is about being your true self and embracing it, and until Shi or anyone else from the production crew confirms or denies that Miriam was in love with Mei, this bond is up to the interpretation of the audience. Abby is a stick of dynamitea fierce-but-tiny warrior who will not hesitate to launch herself at anyone who threatens her besties. Likes Lets take a closer look at Mei and her family and friends, in advance of the films big debut this Friday: Meilin Lee (voice of Rosalie Chiang) Directed by Domee Shi and starring Rosalie Chiang and Sandra Oh, Turning Red tells the story of Meilin "Mei" Lee, a 13-year-old girl in Toronto who loves listening to boy bands, hanging with. Big Hero 6: Hiro Hamada Baymax Honey Lemon Wasabi Go Go Tomago Fred She will transform into her red panda self when she feels intense emotion (which often happens). According to an article dedicated to Domee Shi, Mei is going through puberty throughout this film, despite the red panda transforming. Sun Yee's daughters were also revealed to move to a new world. Mirabel is two years older than Mei, and Mei has a power while Mirabel doesn't. She then skydives into the crowd to get to Miriam, Priya, and Abby. Mei, right off the bat, is shown to be a very headstrong, intelligent, 13-year-old teenage girl, full of personality, belief, and confidence. Aside from her Red Panda form, this was best showcased through her actions, which show her as a young girl that did her best to mimic the adult way of living. The Lion King: Scar Rafiki Timon Pumbaa Simba Nala Unfortunately for Mei, Ming disproves 4Town so Mei must hide it from her to not disappoint her mother. I Love You", Josh Levi ("Friday Night Lights"), Grayson Villanueva and Topher Ngo. She's a quiet wild card with a deadpan sense of humor and a calm and collected approach to school . Mei then has to be stuck with her aunts for a while, As Tyler and her friends await her appearance. Shes a quiet wild card with a deadpan sense of humor and a calm and collected approach to school, friendship, and just about anythingexcept 4*Town. Mei then shouts at Ming "Take it mom!". Lady and the Tramp: Lady Tramp She cares deeply about the environment, as she and her friends are shown with campaign signs to protest current issues, such as the whale populations, and the human littering that needs to stop. To see Mei's journey into young adulthood, Turning Red is now streaming on Disney+. ", Abby, who is voiced by Hyein Park, completes Meis friend group. Then Mei's mom, Ming, voiced by Canadian actress Sandra Oh, walks into her room. Mei and her friends operate the plan by directing students to Room 202 for "panda pics" Then Mei's panda form becomes a hit among the school, with T-shirts, prop Panda ears and Tails, etc. This in turn leads to her relationship with her mother becoming strained. Mei then dashes into her math class, and her tail disappears. Mei apologizing to her friends for not standing up for them earlier. Pixar's Turning Red tells the story of Mei Lee, a teenage girl from a family where all women turn into red pandas whenever they feel intense emotions. Believing she has no hope that this form will go away from her and tells her friends to go on without her.