MULAN

1998, Disney Animation

Animation

Rating: G

Approx. 89 mins.

THE STORY:

Mulan (Ming-na Wen) is a young woman on the threshold of maturity who just can't seem to fit in with the Confucian ideals of a dutiful daughter and wife. She thinks for herself and believes that she is capable of far more than is expected of her. 

Despite her shortcomings in the eyes of others, she is the pinnacle of filial piety when she secretly takes the place of her aging father for military service. She disguises herself as a man and joins the army to stave off the invading Huns. The spirits of her ancestors send a small, awkward dragon, Mushu (Eddie Murphy), to watch out for and support her. Soon Mulan finds herself attracted to her commander, Li Shang (BD Wong), and he also finds himself drawn to the young man under his command.

In the end, Mulan is revealed to be the brave woman she is and returned home. All is resolved after she thwarts an enemy plot and restores peace to the empire. She turns down offers to join the emperor's court, and returns to her father. Before long, she is followed by Li Shang, and the matchmaker's predictions of Mulan's unmarriageability appear to be greatly exaggerated. 

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

•  none

VIOLENCE:

• nothing graphic, central theme is war/ invasion

TEACHING POINTS:

• girls can do whatever they set their minds to, just as well as men
• tradition is important, but 

THE UPSHOT:

Of all of the recent Disney movies I've had to watch, this caused my eyes to roll the least by far. Yes, Mulan has the typical 'princess' physique and beautiful features, but she spends a lot of the movie dressed as a man. She is successful because of her mind, not because of her looks or family legacy. She is an agent of change, not an accessory. I think this is a great message for girls, and one that Disney has a duty to address more consistently.

I also like the fact that the story is at least based on historical fact, and that it features a non-white, non-blonde heroine. I wish Disney had produced something equivalent in the 15-odd years since Mulan was released.

4/5