Today is the day Disney’s live-action Mulan adaptation was set to hit theaters. But like so many other movies, it has been delayed to a still-to-be-announced new release date. However, we’re still rolling right along with a throwback review to the 1998 animated hit.
With everything going on in the world right now with the coronavirus pandemic, we’re all looking for ways to bring a little extra fun and joy into our lives. So I’m just going to focus on the good that Mulan has to offer. Yes, there are issues and nitpicks to be had, but we’re all about #GoodVibesOnly right now.
Duh
Might as well start with the heavy hitter, “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.” While Disney is renowned for producing hit after hit with their animated movies, they rarely come out with a true banger of an original song. But “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” would definitely qualify. Twenty two years later and the song still absolutely slaps.
Mulan Herself
A movie is nothing if it doesn’t have an interesting and engaging main character. And Mulan certainly hits both those marks as the leading lady. Growing up in a traditional Chinese culture, there are certain expectations for a family’s daughters. But none of those are of particular interest to Mulan, outside of bringing honor to her family. That part weights heavily on her shoulders, but she wants to forge her own path in honoring her family and ancestors.
When she secretly takes her father’s place in the Chinese army, she risks all of that, and her own life, to save him. But in doing so, in the end she brings more honor and glory to her family than anyone could have ever imagined.
And she does it by ultimately staying true to herself. So much of the movie is about Mulan pretending to be a man. But when it’s all said and done, she emerges victorious by using her smarts and instincts over brute strength. And when she does fight during the movie’s climax, she does it in her regular everyday clothes, rather than the more masculine military armor. It may seem like a small distinction, but a simple visual like that can do wonders for a movie.
Dark and Serious
Mulan hits on some more intense themes than many other Disney movies tend to. Perhaps no scene better encompasses that than this one.
We don’t see where that arrow ends up, but we all know. It’s subtle enough where the younger viewers won’t necessarily catch on to what just happened. But as far as Disney movies go, it does serve as a bit of an “Oh wow, they really just did that” type of moment.
And The Huns leader Shan Yu doesn’t get the traditional Disney villain treatment either. There’s no villain song, no goofy side or levity to him, no jokes at all. He’s pure evil. But he still manages to be an effective character. He doesn’t receive much development (none, really, if we’re being honest), but he doesn’t need it. We don’t need to know more about him. He’s the bad guy and that’s all there is. And sometimes that’s enough.
Grandmother Fa
She’s just the best. It’s always better when there’s one character who only has a few minutes on screen but is nothing but a blast the entire time.
And this is probably the best and funniest line of the movie, and is up there with any quote from the Disney pantheon.
The live-action Mulan will be here, just a matter of time. But until then, take solace in the fact that you can still watch its animated counterpart as much as you want.
Next week: Set It Up (Netflix)
The next few will likely be more fun, feel-good type movies. There’s no reason to take on extra drama or intensity right now. So we’re going to keep it light around here for the time being. Drop a comment if you have a suggestion!