Ming Lee
Who are these hip-hoppers? And why are they called "4*Town" if there are five of them?
Played by Sandra Oh 
Turning Red (2022) · 105 quotes
Turning Red (2022) · 105 quotes
Sun Yee, revered ancestor, guardian of the red pandas, we humbly thank you for protecting and guiding us. Especially Mei-Mei.
More lines from Ming Lee
21 quotes Ming Lee
Ming Lee
The Daisy Mart has lost a loyal customer today.
Ming Lee
Did the red peony bloom?
Ming Lee
[as a school security is trying to keep her out]
Mei-Mei! Tell him it's me! Mei-Mei! Tell him it's mommy! Mei-Mei! Tell him you forgot your PADS!
Ming Lee
As you know, our ancestor Sun Yee, had a mystical connection with red pandas. In fact, she loved them so much…that she asked the gods to turn her into one. [narrating] It was wartime. The men were all gone. Sun Yee was desperate for a way to protect herself and her daughters. Then one night, during a red moon, the gods granted her wish. They gave her the ability to harness her emotions, to transform into a powerful mystical beast. She was able to fend off bandits, protect her village, and save her family from ruin. Sun Yee passed this gift to her daughters, for when they came of age. And they passed it to theirs. But over time, our family chose to come to a new world. And what was a blessing became… an inconvenience.
Ming Lee
No one can see her like this. I never wanted this for her.
Ming Lee
It's one thing to stay calm at home or school. But a concert? You'll get whipped up into a frenzy and panda all over the place.
Ming Lee
This isn't music, this is filth! And it's not worth jeopardizing your life over.
Ming Lee
What was that? Am I the only one who sees the danger here? There's no way she could keep her panda in. And $200?! For what?! Who do they think they are, Celine Dion? Hmph. Unbelievable. I saw that look. Where does she get that from? Treating her own mother like that.
Ming Lee
[while trying to apologize to Tyler's parents after Meilin attacked their son]
I am so sorry. She's never done anything like this before. I don't know what came over her.
Ming Lee
[scolding Miriam, Priya, and Abby]
I knew you were trouble. Putting all these thoughts into Mei-Mei's head, parading her around. Now she's lying, sneaking out. She attacked a defenceless boy! You think this is a joke? Do you know how dangerous this is?
Ming Lee
She is a good girl, and you've taken advantage of her.
Ming Lee
You can do it! Keep going!
Ming Lee
[after Mei runs off to the concert]
GET BACK HERE! [trips herself] No!
Ming Lee
How could she? [growls as her sadness turns to fury] How could she do this to… her own… mother?! [her talisman pendant necklace breaks, releasing her red panda spirit as it merges into her body; everyone steps back in horror as she rises in mid-air with her eyes glowing red] MEI-MEI!!!
Ming Lee
Mei-Mei! [angrily picks up her daughter] You are in big trouble, young lady! (Meilin: Mom, let go!) I'm shutting this down, RIGHT NOW! Everyone, GO HOME! Where are your parents?! Put some clothes on!
Ming Lee
Get back here! (Meilin: MAKE ME!) You think you're so mature! Lying to me! Blaming me! How could you be so…so… CRASS?!
Ming Lee
[as Panda Meilin twirks her butt at her; disgusted]
What are you doing?! Stop moving like that!
Ming Lee
I see you, Mei-Mei. You try to make everyone happy but are so hard on yourself. And if I taught you that…I'm sorry. So, don't hold back. For anyone. The farther you go, the prouder I'll be.
Ming Lee
This thing's hungry all the time. [starts feeding her digital pet red panda] Eat up, little one. Oh, you're so hungry. Munch, munch, munch.
Ming Lee
Hold on. You're not going out like that, are you?
Scenes with Ming Lee
16 scenes Ming
Sun Yee, revered ancestor, guardian of the red pandas. We humbly thank you for protecting and guiding us. Especially Mei-Mei.
Meilin
May we continue to serve and honor you and this community.
Both
Always.
TV Announcer
[A commercial of 4-Town's live performance tour is shown on the T.V. while Meilin and her parents are making dinner]
You've heard their hits, you've seen their moves, and now you get to experience them live! The worldwide pop sensation 4-Town will be kicking off their North American tour! Tickets on sale now!
Meilin
[gasps in excitement]
Oh, my gosh!
Ming
Who are these hip-hoppers, and why are they called 4-Town if there are five of them?
Meilin
Uh, I don't know. Some of the kids at school like them.
Ming
You mean Miriam? That girl is odd.
Jin
Dinner's ready.
Meilin
[Ming pulls up at the Daisy Mart after catching her daughter's drawings of her and Devon]
What are you doing? [following her mother] No, no, no, no, no, no! No, no, no, no, no, no!
Tyler
[They enter the store as Ming angrily marches over to Devon while passing Tyler] [laughs smugly]
Oh, snap!
Meilin
Mom, no!
Ming
[points to Devon, fiercely]
You! What have you done to my Mei-Mei?!
Devon
Uh, who?
Tyler
Meilin Lee, right here! [points to Mei, standing next to him]
Ming
I should report you to the police. How old are you? 30?
Devon
I'm 17.
Ming
Oh, see, see? This is what happens when you don't wear sunblock and do drugs all day! She's just a sweet, innocent child. How dare you take advantage of her! [takes out Meilin's drawings and throws them on the counter in slow-motion]
Meilin
Mom! NOOOOOOOOOO!! [echoes]
Devon
What?!
Tyler
[Everyone gasps at Meilin's drawings and start laughing at her] [laughs]
What a weirdo! [mocks her by kissing the air]
Ming
[Mei looks at everyone laughing at her and Tyler looking at her, blushing in embarrassment of humiliation]
The Daisy Mart has lost a loyal customer today. [leaves the store with her daughter as everyone continues laughing; sighs exasperatedly] Thank goodness I was here. That degenerate won't come near you again. Now, is there anything else I should know about, Mei-Mei?
Meilin
[clutching her skirt, tightly]
Nope. All good. [cut to her in her bedroom a little later, screaming her head into a pillow] You sicko! What were you thinking?! Why would you draw those things? Those horrible, awful, sexy things?! [later pacing around with a panicked smile] It's fine. You'll move to another city, change your identity. [screaming under her bed whilst stomping her feet wearing her bunny slippers; then whining and moping to a framed photo of her and Ming] Mommy, I'm so sorry! [stuffing her face in a pillow on a spinning chair, the chair stops as it hits a mirror; to her reflection; angrily] You are her pride and joy, so ACT LIKE IT! [slaps herself; later rips the drawings out of her notebook and throws them in the trash can; back to her reflection] This will never happen again. [takes off her glasses, turns off the light as she gets into bed, and goes to sleep]
Panda Meilin
[After Meilin screams from seeing her reflection as an 8-foot red panda in the bathroom mirror] [traumatized]
This isn't happening, this isn't happening! [whimpers in panic, sniffs the scent of her panda form and gags and starts to sob] WAKE UP, WAKE UP, WAKE UP!
Ming
[knocking on the bathroom door]
Mei-Mei, is everything okay?
Panda Meilin
[panicking]
DON'T COME IN HERE!
Ming
Mei-Mei, what's going on honey? Are you sick? Is it a fever? A stomach ache? Chills? Constipation?
Panda Meilin
No!
Ming
Wait. Is it… that? [Jin stops in his tracks, swallows something in his mouth and backs away slowly] Did the-- Did the red peony bloom?
Panda Meilin
No! Maybe?
Ming
[gasps in horror]
But it's too soon. Don't worry, Mei-Mei. I'll get everything you need. Mommy's here! Jin. Jin! IT'S HAPPENING!
Panda Meilin
[after Meilin accidentally steps the toilet on her foot; angrily]
NO, IT'S NOT! WILL YOU JUST GET OUT?! [she covers her mouth]
Ming
Excuse me?
Panda Meilin
I didn't mean that. I'm a gross red monster! [sobs] Stop it! Stop talking! [slaps herself]
Ming
[clears throat]
Mei-Mei, I know this is upsetting, but we are going to get through this together. I have ibuprofen, vitamin B, a hot water bottle, and...pads. Regular, overnight, scented, unscented, thin, ultra-thin, ultra-thin with wings--
Panda Meilin
Uh-huh. All right. Awesome. Just leave them by the sink.
Ming
Mei-Mei. Perhaps we should talk about why this is happening.
Panda Meilin
No! I mean, nah. It's okay.
Ming
You are a woman now. And your body is starting to change.
Panda Meilin
[muffled]
Mmm-hmm.
Ming
It's nothing to be embarrassed about.
Panda Meilin
Mom, please!
Ming
[starts her hand on the shower curtain]
You are now a beautiful, strong flower...
Panda Meilin
No, no, no, no!
Ming
...who must protect your delicate petals and clean them regularly.
Jin
[Alarm suddenly starts beeping as she quickly opens the shower curtain without looking back at her] [offscreen]
Uh, Ming?! Ming!
Ming
My porridge! [opens the door and runs out of the bathroom] Jin. Jin!
Ming
[pulling up at the middle school, dropping her daughter off]
I know it feels strange, Mei-Mei, but I promise, nobody will notice a thing.
Meilin
[monotone]
Thank you for your concern, Mother. But I'll be fine.
Ming
Well, here's your lunch. I packed extra snacks. And herbal tea. For cramps. It helps relax your…
Meilin
[panicky]
I got it! Thank you! Bye!
Ming
[Lee Family Temple; Panda Meilin, Ming, and Jin enter the Sun Yee shrine and Ming lifts up the bottom part of the tapestry, revealing a secret compartment in the wall, then opens it, and takes out a small wooden chest] [sighs deeply]
As you know, our ancestor, Sun Yee, had a mystical connection with red pandas. [opens the chest and takes out a small scroll] In fact, she loved them so much…that she asked the gods to turn her into one. [opens the scroll, revealing a story] It was wartime. The men were all gone. Sun Yee was desperate for a way to protect herself and her daughters. Then one night, during a red moon, the gods granted her wish. They gave her the ability to harness her emotions, to transform into a powerful mystical beast. She was able to fend off bandits, protect her village, and save her family from ruin. Sun Yee passed this gift to her daughters, for when they came of age. [back to reality] And they passed it to theirs. But over time, our family chose to come to a new world. And what was a blessing became… [smiles sheepishly] an inconvenience. [bites her lower lip]
Panda Meilin
[looks at the tapestry of Sun Yee; shocked]
Are... you... [with her eyes glowing red; outraged] SERIOUS?! [angrily tries to tear it into shreds as her parents try holding her back]
Jin
NO!
Ming
Mei-Mei, NO!
Panda Meilin
IT'S A CURSE!
Ming
She meant it as a blessing!
Panda Meilin
YOU CURSED US! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!
Ming
Mei-Mei, stop! Listen to me! Listen! There's a cure!
Panda Meilin
[calms down]
Really? How do you know?
Ming
Because... it happened to me.
Panda Meilin
Why didn't you warn me?!
Ming
I thought I had more time! You're just a child. I thought, if I watched you like a hawk, I'd see the signs and be able to prepare. But it's going to be fine. I overcame it and you will too. On the next red moon, you'll undergo a ritual that will seal your red panda spirit into one of these. [holds up her panda necklace] And then you'll be cured. For good. Just like me. But any strong emotion will release the panda. And the more you release it, the more difficult the ritual will be. There is a darkness to the panda, Mei-Mei. You only have one chance to banish it, and you cannot fail. Otherwise, you'll never be free.
Jin
[looking through the May 2002 calendar]
Let's see, the next red moon will be the 25th.
Panda Meilin
That's a whole month away!
Ming
We'll wait it out together. And I'll be with you every step of the way.
Ming
[worried]
This is awful. What are we gonna do?
Jin
Don't worry. We'll get through this.
Ming
No one can see her like this. I never wanted this for her. Did you see how she was in the temple? Her eyes…
Meilin
[Meilin hears their conversation and cries, poofing into her panda form throughout the night; The next day, Ming and Jin hear their daughter thumping around the walls in her room, trying to get rid of her panda form]
Please… just… go away.
Panda Meilin
No! Why? Why?
Miriam
Mei, it's us. Open up.
Meilin
Crud, no. Guys, what are you doing? Go away!
Priya
Are you okay? Tap if you can hear us.
Abby
One for yes, two for no!
Miriam
We were so worried. We thought you died of embarrassment.
Priya
You need more pads? I brought extra.
Abby
Forget that. 4-Town's coming to Toronto!
Panda Meilin
[opens up the curtains]
What?
Panda Meilin
[Miriam, Abby and Priya scream at the sight of Mei's panda form, There was soon a series of screams back and front of Mei, Miriam, Abby and Priya. Quickly, Mei dragged them inside.]
Hey! It's okay, everybody be quiet! Everybody, it's just me! Shut up! It's okay, it's me! It's Mei! Calm down, all right? I'm gonna let go and you're gonna be chill. Got that?
[Her friends nod. Then Mei slowly lets them go.]
Ming
How is this possible?! What happened to your panda?
Meilin
It's easy. When I start to get emotional, all I do is imagine the people I love most in the whole world. Which is you guys.
Ming
Oh. Oh, Mei-Mei.
Meilin
So, now that that's settled, I just have one teeny-tiny favor to ask.
Ming
[scene cuts to Ming looking at Mei, not happy later that evening…] [defiantly]
No. Absolutely not.
Meilin
What?! But this is once in a lifetime!
Ming
Mei-Mei, it's one thing to stay calm at home or school, but a concert? You'll get whipped up into a frenzy and panda all over the place.
Meilin
I won't, I won't! I promise! You saw me keep it in!
Jin
Ming, maybe we should trust her.
Ming
It's them I don't trust! Look at those glittery delinquents with their… [shudders in disgust] Gyrations. Why on earth do you want to go so badly?
Meilin
[imagines herself and her friends at the concert while chugging soda, and Robaire proposing to her; back to reality]
Like I said, I just want to broaden my musical horizons.
Ming
This isn't music, this is filth! And it's not worth jeopardizing your life over. Right, Jin?
Jin
Uh--
Ming
[insistently, thinking Jin agrees]
See? Your father agrees. No concert, and that's final.
Meilin
[inhales sharply with a tightened sarcastic grin]
Okay, well, thanks for listening. Good night. [picks up her 4-Town CDs and radio, and walks to her room with an annoyed scoff]
Ming
What was that? Am I the only one who sees the danger here? There's no way she could keep her panda in. And $200?! For what?! Who do they think they are, Celine Dion? [the phone rings and Jin gets up to answer it] Hmph. Unbelievable. I saw that look. Where does she get that from? Treating her own mother like that.
Jin
Hold on. Ming, it's your mother.
Ming
[panicking]
I'm not here! [lays down on the sofa, curling in a fetal position, then takes the phone out of Jin's hand; shakily] Mother. Hello. [on speaker] How's everything in Florida?
Grandma Wu
[while putting makeup on]
Ming. I know about Mei-Mei.
Ming
I was just about to call you, but everything's fine. [hesitantly] I'm gonna handle the ritual on my own.
Grandma Wu
[scoffs as she puts lipstick on]
The way you "handled" Mei-Mei being on the news?
Ming
No one knows anything. They barely saw her!
Grandma Wu
I'm on my way... with reinforcements.
Ming
NO, I CAN HANDLE IT! I CAN... [Grandma Wu hangs up]
Tyler
You want your money? Then get your butt down here now!
Panda Meilin
Forget your money, and forget you!
Miriam
Mei! Let's just go.
Panda Meilin
[growls in anger]
Tyler
What about our deal?!
Panda Meilin
SHOVE YOUR DEAL!
Tyler
Fine, get out of here! Go back to your psycho Mom and your creepy temple, you freak! [Panda Meilin growls furiously, having to have heard that, and jumps off the roof and attacks him] Oops!
Miriam
Mei, no!
Panda Meilin
Take it back! Don't talk about my family like THAT!
Miriam
[shocked]
Mei, you're hurting him!
Panda Meilin
[screams in frustration]
I HATE YOU!!!
Ming
[off-screen]
Mei-Mei, STOP! [showing up] What is going on here?!
Tyler
[Meilin looks at her mother, then to Tyler] [sobbing; sickness]
I'm sorry. Just get off of me, please.
[Panda Meilin looks at everyone gasping fearfully at her with a horrified expression of what she has done; Later… Tyler's parents scold Ming while Meilin remorsefully watches, along with her friends] Tyler's Mom: [weeping] I cannot believe you would let your daughter do this! This is a civil and a society. And we see this!
Tyler's Dad: Do you understand what she did to my boy? We have invited people to have good fun.
Ming
I am so sorry. She's never done anything like this before. I don't know what came over her. [in unison] I'm sorry again.
Tyler's Dad: No! No! I don't want to hear your apologies, okay?
Tyler's Mom: [looks at Meilin as they go back inside the house] She is an animal!
Tyler's Dad: [to everybody] Alright, party's over! Everyone, go home! [Meilin braces herself as Ming walks over to her for chastising, but passes her instead]
Ming
[to Miriam, Priya and Abby; sharply]
I can't believe you girls would use her like this.
Miriam
What?
Priya
But we didn't.
Abby
No, we'd never.
Meilin
What?
Ming
I knew you were trouble. Putting all these thoughts into Mei-Mei's head, parading her around. Now she's lying, sneaking out. She attacked a defenseless boy! You think this is a joke? Do you know how dangerous this is?
Miriam
We didn't mean to, we just wanted to see 4-Town.
Ming
4-Town! You manipulated her for a bunch of tacky delinquents?!
Miriam
No! She wanted to…
Ming
Don't you blame her. She is a good girl, and you've taken advantage of her.
Miriam
Mei, tell her! [Meilin looks up at her mother and she looks down to her, then buries her face in her chest, refusing to tell since she's torn between two worlds]
Priya
What?
Abby
[provoked]
Dude.
Ming
[stares coldly at the girls before turning to her daughter; starts to leave]
Come on, Mei-Mei. [holds out her hand] Let's go.
Jin
Mei!
Meilin
Dad?
Grandma Wu
We have to save your mother!
Chen
She's gone loco!
Jin
Mei, we have to the ritual again!
Meilin
What happened?! She's HUGE!
Jin
I told you, she was big!
Meilin
THAT BIG?!
Mingzilla
Mei-Mei!
Mingzilla
THIS ISN'T YOU!
Meilin
[savagely]
This IS ME! [angrily bites Mingzilla's paw as she poofs into her panda form]
Jin
[Mingzilla roars and screams in rage and let goes of her, making her fall]
Mei, are you okay?
Panda Meilin
[angrily]
I'm not your little Mei-Mei anymore! I lied, Mom!
Mingzilla
[shocked]
What?!
Panda Meilin
It was my idea to hustle the panda. My idea to go to Tyler's party! It was all ME! I like boys, I like loud music, I like gyrating! [her eyes turn red] I'M 13, DEAL WITH IT!
Grandma Wu
[After a short pause, Mingzilla growls extremely livid over being lied to and ratted out by her own daughter and roars in fury]
The ritual. [claps her hands] Everyone in position!
Meilin
[fighting Mingzilla while poofing into her red panda form and her human self]
All I wanted... was to go to the CONCERT!!!
Mingzilla
I never went to concerts! I put my family first! I tried to be a good daughter!
Meilin
[growls lividly]
WELL, SORRY, I'M NOT PERFECT! SORRY, I'M NOT GOOD ENOUGH! AND SORRY, I'LL NEVER BE LIKE YOU! [flies directly at her and headbutts her between the eyes, knocking her out, unconscious]
Young Ming
[In the Astral Realm, Meilin finds Ming, who looks a little younger, when she heard her sobbing] [sobbing hysterically]
I'm sorry... It's all my fault.
Meilin
[kneels down]
What happened?
Young Ming
I... I hurt her!
Meilin
Who?
Young Ming
My mom! I got so angry, and I... and I lost control! I'm just so sick of being perfect! I'm never gonna be good enough for her... or anyone!
Meilin
I know it feels that way. Like, all the time. But it isn't true.
Ming
[sadly sighs as Grandma Wu hugs her]
I'm sorry.
Grandma Wu
Shh. You don't have to apologize. I'm your mother. [to Meilin; sighs] May Sun Yee guide you and keep your safe. One at a time, ladies. And quickly.
Chen
That's it? Mei-Mei's keeping the panda?
Helen
It's her life. Now move.
Ming
No! Mei-Mei, please. Just come with me. [holds out her hand, begging her daughter to come along]
Meilin
[shakes head in refusal]
I'm changing, Mom. I'm finally figuring out who I am, but... [gasps softly; sadly] I'm scared it'll take me away from you.
Ming
Me, too. I see you, Mei-Mei. You try to make everyone happy, but are so hard on yourself. And if I taught you that... [short pause] I'm sorry. So, don't hold back... for anyone. The farther you go, the prouder I'll be.
Meilin
[with her panda ears and tail]
Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad!
Ming
[stops her]
Hold on. You're not going out like that, are you?
Meilin
[scoffs]
My panda, my choice, Mom. [chuckles before hugging her, remembering her not to go through their fight again] I'll be back before dinner, okay?
Ming
[sighs]
Fine. Oh, um... You're welcome to join us.
Miriam
[gasps]
For Mr. Lee's cooking? [in unison with Priya] Uh, yeah!
Priya
[in unison with Miriam]
We are so there.
Ming
Don't load up on junk!
Meilin
Thanks for covering for me, Dad!
Jin
Have fun!
