Mulan

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 4, 2020 (Disney+)

Genre
Action, Adventure, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Liu Yifei as Hua Mulan
• Donnie Yen as Commander Tung
• Gong Li as Xianniang
• Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan
• Yoson An as Chen Honghui
• Jet Li as The Emperor
• Tzi Ma as Hua Zhou
• Rosalind Chao as Hua Li
• Xana Tang as Hua Xiu

Director
Niki Caro

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Whale Rider (2002)
• North Country (2005)
• The Zookeeper’s Wife (2017)
• McFarland, USA (2015)

Producer

• Chris Bender
• Jake Weiner
• Jason T. Reed

Writer

• Rick Jaffa
• Amanda Silver
• Lauren Hynek
• Elizabeth Martin

Budget
$200 million

Production Company

• Walt Disney Pictures
• Jason T. Reed Productions
• Good Fear

Running Time
115 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

• Violence
• Some language
• Mild thematic elements

Movie Story
Mulan is a live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1998 animated classic, inspired by the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. The story follows Mulan (Liu Yifei), a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father’s place in the Imperial Army when China is threatened by northern invaders led by Bori Khan (Jason Scott Lee).

Mulan, determined to uphold her family’s honor, leaves home to join the army, where she faces intense training and the challenges of concealing her true identity. Guided by her courage and inner strength, Mulan gradually earns the respect of her fellow soldiers and her commander, Tung (Donnie Yen). Her journey is complicated by the presence of Xianniang (Gong Li), a powerful witch who serves Bori Khan and sees a reflection of herself in Mulan’s struggles.

As the war against the invaders intensifies, Mulan must decide whether to reveal her true identity to save her comrades and country. The film emphasizes themes of bravery, honor, and the importance of staying true to oneself, offering a more grounded and serious tone than the animated original. It incorporates elements of traditional Chinese martial arts and culture, with a focus on action and drama.

Special Effects
The special effects in Mulan are integral to bringing the film’s epic battle scenes and magical elements to life. The film features extensive use of CGI to create sweeping landscapes, grand armies, and the mystical abilities of Xianniang. The action sequences, including martial arts combat and large-scale battles, are choreographed to highlight the agility and strength of the characters, particularly Mulan. The effects enhance the visual spectacle of the film, contributing to its epic and cinematic feel.

Box Office Performance
Mulan was released on Disney+ with Premier Access due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bypassing a traditional theatrical release in many regions. Despite the challenges, the film garnered significant viewership on the streaming platform and had a limited theatrical run in certain markets, grossing approximately $70 million worldwide. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for its visuals, action sequences, and Liu Yifei’s performance, but criticism for some deviations from the animated original and the lack of musical elements.

Filming Locations

• Zhejiang, China
• New Zealand
• Hengdian World Studios, China

Notable Quotes

• “Loyal, brave, true. These are the qualities we see in a good soldier.” – Commander Tung
• “The phoenix is rising. The journey to a warrior has begun.” – Hua Zhou
• “My duty is to protect my family.” – Mulan

Behind-the-Scenes
The making of Mulan involved a global effort, with filming taking place in multiple locations across China and New Zealand to capture the vast and diverse landscapes of the story. The production faced numerous challenges, including the need for extensive battle choreography and stunts, which were performed by the cast with the guidance of martial arts experts. Director Niki Caro focused on creating a realistic and culturally respectful portrayal of the story, which included working closely with cultural consultants to ensure accuracy in the depiction of Chinese traditions and values.

Liu Yifei underwent rigorous training for the role of Mulan, including martial arts, sword fighting, and horseback riding, to convincingly portray the character’s transformation into a warrior. The decision to omit certain elements from the animated version, such as the musical numbers and the character of Mushu, was made to align the film more closely with the tone and style of a historical epic.

Awards

• Academy Award: Nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Visual Effects
• BAFTA Award: Nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design
• Critics’ Choice Super Award: Nominated for Best Actress in an Action Movie (Liu Yifei)

Final Verdict
Mulan offers a visually stunning and action-packed reimagining of the beloved Disney classic, with a focus on realism and cultural authenticity. While it departs from some of the elements that made the animated version a favorite, the film succeeds in delivering an epic tale of bravery and self-discovery. Liu Yifei shines in the title role, bringing depth and strength to Mulan’s character. The film’s grand scale, impressive special effects, and powerful performances make it a noteworthy entry in Disney’s live-action adaptations, appealing to both fans of the original and newcomers alike.

IMDb Rating
5.7/10