Mulan 2020: Evolution from girl to warrior to woman

Disney’s latest live-action remake though promising surely leaves room for more and yet serves as a symbol of hope, for girls who do not wish to conform with the standards set for them by society. Nick Caro’s Mulan is a story of coming full circle?

The release of Disney’s latest live-adaption of Mulan meant to be released in March of 2020, although delayed due to the ongoing pandemic, COVID-19, has officially premiered on DisneyPlus, on the 4th of September, 2020 and has garnered mixed reviews. Many die-hard fans of the Disney tale have shown disappointment because of the modifications in the 2020 version. However, there are some who feel the edits are in lieu with our changing global societies and standards.

The titular character of Mulan seems better developed to suit the interests of the younger generation, for one. The 2020 version focuses more on the evolution of the young and aspiring Hua Mulan from a village girl to a warrior and eventually honourable woman. Mulan played by Liu Yifei is stronger and more determined from the beginning, not just when her father is summoned by the Emperor to join the army, as was the case with the 1998 version, in which the character of Mulan was voiced by Ming-Na Wen.

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The beginning is different from the cartoon version, released in 1998, in that there is a narrative voice that performs in the manner of a chorus (such as in Greek plays) and lays the foundations of the plot before the action commences and the viewer is hooked into the story.

No doubt, Disney has set the bar high when it comes to future live-action adaptions of its timeless classics, however, despite having made minor adjustments to the plot and the characters especially with regards to the peoples-favorite, General Lee Shang, Disney has shifted focus to strong female characters namely the titular protagonist and the leading side-kick to the villain, played by American-born Chinese actress Liu Yifei and Chinese-born Singaporean actress, Gong Li.

What has the fans bummed primarily though, is the fact that Disney has not included any of the loved and empowering anthems from its original animation (the songs in the movie have instead been featured at the end with the credits), Disney has taken another step forward and replaced the lovable talking Mushu (the Hua family’s dragon guardian) voiced by Eddie Murphy in the 1998 and 2009 versions, to a voiceless phoenix that barely watches over our warrior, and if that’s not enough, they have replaced the characters of the beloved grandmother with a younger sister and General Shang with Chen Honghui.

Moreover, while there is great attention to detail with regards to the costumes and cinematography, even characters, the performance of senior actor Jet Li seems lacking due to perhaps the shaky development of character in the first half of the film. The second half is another story entirely, not only is Jet Li able to take control of the scenes with his stage presence, he manages to pull off the role of a forgiving ruler. Although based on Disney’s past record of make live-adaptations, the cinematography and detail in Mulan (2020) is amazing yet, it lacks the true essence of what makes it special to young and aspiring boys and girls.

Additionally, the confrontation scene between the “witch” and Mulan/Hua jin, is very well paced, showing us two sides of a similar situation. Both outcasts, both daring to be different, yet one outshining the other by gaining approval and acceptance from her people and bringing honour to her family.

There is reference of “chi”, Mulan despite being a woman possesses it, making her a remarkable soldier in the Emperor’s imperial army and enables her to present the three pillars of virtue: Loyal, Brave & True. The 2020 version of the movie stands to interpret the three as disciplines to true living: Loyalty to your country, brave in the face of adversity, and true to your character and yourself, so that you can be the best version of yourself. The latest remake goes on to add a fourth virtue which is often overlooked and honours the character of Hua Mulan for her “Devotion to family”.

Disney establishes that if a person is devoted to his/her family, they can conquer any hurdle or face their greatest fears to protect their loved ones. Post-confrontation Mulan, not only fights for her country keeping in mind the 3 virtues but also manages to conquer the unstoppable villain, because she is true to herself and loyal to her country.

Consequently, fans of the Disney tale finally get to experience their female hero in battle. Something that was greatly lacking in the previous version. The fight is a detailed depiction of Hua Mulan as a female warrior in a sea of seemingly capable men. Except for one mountain, covered in snow, which is used by Mulan to defeat the enemy troops, the battle landscape is largely barren as depicted in this latest adaptation.

The first half of the movie focuses on setting the plot while the second half caters to the desire of the audience for a proper fight/battle.

Lastly, the audience gets to see a moment of reflection and remorse in the ending scenes of the matchmaker who cries in shame when the royal guard announces that Mulan has brought honour to her family, her Emperor and her country.

According to Lindsay Bahr of AP, the 2020 adaptation of Mulan is “so beautiful that it will take your breath away”. While, Matt Goldberg of Collider has stated, “The best Live-action Disney adaptation”.

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The new Mulan is about showcasing a rebel with a cause situation, with stronger female characters. Rather than the socially acceptable docile and sensitive female characters. The film manages to establish a connection between Mulan as a woman and Mulan as a warrior.

Directed by Niki Caro, produced by Chris Bender, Jake Weiner, Jason T. Reed, and executive production by Bill Kong, Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Coddington, Mario Iscovich, the 2020 screenplay is credit to Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Lauren Hynek, and Elizabeth Martin. Director of Photography is Mandy Walker and costumes designed by Bina Daigeler.

The cast of the live-action adaptation includes: Liu Yifei as Hua Mulan, Donnie Yen as Commandor Tung, Jet Li as the Emperor of the Imperial Kingdom, Gong Li as Xian Lang “the Witch”, Yoson An as Chen Honghui, Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan, Susana Tang as Hua Xiu, Tzi Ma as Hua Zhou, and Rosalind Chao as Hua Li with a special cameo by Ming-Na Wen (and her daughter) who voiced the character of Mulan in the 1998 adaptation.

Some posters from the film officially released by Disney on DisneyPlus, in September, 2020.