The cast of Blushing have spoken out in support of Pixar’s new film and its versatility following a controversial review of the animated film published by CinemaBlend. The review was removed from the network after members of the press called it “sexist”, “racist” and others. CinemaBlend Managing Director Sean O’Connell wrote a review stating that the film’s appeal was limited as it was set in Toronto’s Asian community.
“I recognized the humor in the film, but I didn’t understand any of it. Rooting Blush very specifically in Toronto’s Asian community, the film legitimately feels like it was made for [director] Friends and immediate family of Domi Shi,” O’Connell wrote in a recently published review. “Which is good, but also limits the scope a bit.”
O’Connell doubled down on his opinion of the film in a recently deleted tweet that accompanied his review. The post read: “Some Pixar films are designed for general audiences. “Blush” – no. The target audience for this seems very specific and very narrow. If you are into it, this may work very well for you. I’m not in it. It was tiring.”
Blushing was directed by Domi Shi, who won an Oscar for an animated short film with Pixar’s Bao proposal. The film tells the story of Meiling “Mei” Li (voiced by Rosalie Chang), a 13-year-old girl who finds herself transforming into a giant red panda every time she gets emotional.
Asked by the CBC if Blushing’s storyline would limit its appeal as the review suggested, voice actor Chang replied, “Of course not. This is a movie about growing up, everyone goes through these changes… I think different people from different cultures go through it in different ways, but at the end of the day, the basic mess and change is something that everyone can relate to.”
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, star of the Netflix sitcom I’ve Never Been, who voices May’s friend in the film, also called the film’s story “universal” in response to the lengthy review. The actor added:[Many people will be able] relate to Meiling’s story, whether you’re a young Chinese woman from Canada or not.”
Domi Shih also disagreed with the review and told CBC, “[The film] it is a love letter to that time of our lives. This is a puberty love letter. It’s a love letter in Toronto.”
CinemaBlend announced Tuesday that the review has been removed from their website. CinemaBlend Editor-in-Chief Mac Rhoden issued the following statement: “We were unable to properly edit this review and it should never have come up. We removed it from publication and gave it to someone else. We’ve also added new levels of editorial control. Thanks to everyone who spoke out.”
O’Connell also issued the following apology on Twitter: “I sincerely regret my review of ‘Lurning Red’. Thanks to everyone who responded with criticism, no matter how harsh it may be. It is clear that I was not sufficiently carried away by the film and did not explain my point of view at all. I really appreciate your feedback.”
Despite the review’s withdrawal, backlash against O’Connell and CinemaBlend continued. Entertainment Weekly digital editor Yolanda Machado tweeted, “This is [review] was written by your managing director, not some junior writer. As an editor, there is not that amount of editing that would erase racism. What are you doing to make sure he is held accountable and this doesn’t happen again?”
Blush will debut March 11 on Disney Plus.
This was written by your MANAGING DIRECTOR, not some junior writer. As an editor, there is not that amount of editing that would erase racism. What are you doing to make sure he is held accountable and this doesn’t happen again? (before!)
— Yolanda Machado (@SassyMamainLA) March 8, 2022
.@CriticsChoice as well as @CinemaBlendthe tweet and review could be deleted but now we are all aware of Sean O’Connell’s racist and sexist views because he was given a platform to spew his bigotry on.
Is this what you stand for? Is this what you’ll endure?
Delete it now. pic.twitter.com/3trF8ozIw3
— Lacey “GAY GAY GAY Gaaaaaay” Worrasi-Banis (@LaceyBanis) March 8, 2022
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