Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Women-led filmmakers empower inspiring coming-of-age docu.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
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Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red
What's the Story?
In EMBRACE THE PANDA: MAKING TURNING RED, the core film crew headed by women share their journey about making the 3D computer-animated coming-of-age Pixar feature Turning Red. The team reflects on their years as kids and teens through photos and firsthand interviews and how those memories are applied to their craft. The women also speak with experts about the look and behavior of pandas to get just the right feel for the film.
Is It Any Good?
This stylish blend of storytelling is superbly-crafted entertainment for tweens and teens who may want to develop a deeper interest and career pursuit in the moviemaking process. The documentary Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red truly demonstrates what it could take to get there, including encouragement by friends and family. "She just always believed that I know what's best that gave me so much freedom to be the artist that I am today," says production designer Rona Liu (Bao) about her mom. Director Domee Shi (Bao) recalls that her parents saved all of her drawings and writings while growing up "in Toronto and being the only child of my over-protective mom and dad." Danielle Feinberg (WALL-E), a visual effects supervisor, further spells out that the team's Turning Red is a "film about growing up and figuring out who you are and embracing that." And so does Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red in its very eloquent delivery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the teamwork by the women filmmakers in Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red. How do they also demonstrate communication and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Why is a panda chosen as the animal to tell the story about Turning Red's Meilin "Mei" Lee? What does director Domee Shi mean that the film is a "metaphor for magical puberty?"
How does the director show perseverance as a kid with artistic talent? Why was the craft considered an escape for production designer Rona Liu?
In what ways may carrying on a family's legacy be a significant topic among immigrant kids? Is it important to you? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 11, 2022
- Cast : Domee Shi , Rona Liu , Danielle Feinberg
- Director : Erica Milsom
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Disney+
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 48 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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