Review 575: Mulan (1998)

Mulan is a

Based on the ancient Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, In China during the Han dynasty, the Huns led by their ruthless leader Shan-Yu (Miguel Ferrer) invade and sweep down on the Chinese Wall. The Emperor (Pat "Mr. Miyagi" Morita) calls up all able men to defend the kingdom. One of these men is Fa Zhou, father of Fa Mulan (Ming-Na Wen), a free spirited young woman who does not

Director Tony Bancroft & Barry Cook animation direction is marvelous (the scene where Mulan finally decides to fight in her father and puts on her armour is really powerful and makes us as an audience feel the emotional weight of her descision). The animation is splendid (the colours are richly vibrant bringing out the films oriental, Asian influences. The score by Jerry Goldsmith is

Unlike most Disney Renaissance era, Mulan features only a few choice songs (Reflection, I'll Make a Man Out of You, A Girl Worth Fighting For) and are sung sparingly over the course of the 88 minute runtime but this less-is-more approach with the primary focus being on action and adventure certainly pays off.

Mulan isn't simply defying convention, but her family's desire that she abide by the plans of the local matchmaker and marry whomever she selects for her.

 

Li Shang, Mulan's commanding officer is also interesting because he's a young man who's given an enormous responsibility to lead and train the new recruits, due to nepotism because of his father is a high ranking in the Emperor's army, despite his inexperience and all he really wants is to make his father proud and he has a lot to live up to. He's very by-the-book and puts his duty above his feelings. reserved and thoughtful, a more logical and calming influence to Mulan's adventurous personality.

A major highlight of the film is Mushu (Eddie Murphy), Mulan's would-be guardian and companion. Mushu was once a guardian spirit of Mulan's family but has been demoted to the unappreciated position of an incense burner and gong-ringer for the deceased Fa ancestors ever since he failed to protect a Fa family member.
Mushu proves to be a brilliant foil for Mulan, whereas she is  Mushu is more zany, impulsive and enthusiastic. Whilist Mulan is on this mission to save her loved ones, Mushu, at least initially, wants to use Mulan status as a war hero to make him a family guardian. Over the course of the film, however, he proves that, in spite of his selfishness, he has a good heart and is determined to help Mulan, even if he's the one who starts the trouble

 

Mulan brings honor to the Disney Canon, 4/5.

The Anonymous Critic.