Mulan (2020)

Disney’s Mulan (2020), directed by Niki Caro, is a live-action reimagining of the beloved 1998 animated classic. It tells the legendary tale of Hua Mulan, a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the imperial army and defend the nation from northern invaders.

Visually striking and ambitious in scale, the 2020 adaptation shifts away from the musical and comedic tone of the original, opting instead for a more serious, epic war-drama style. Liu Yifei stars as Mulan, delivering a poised and physically impressive performance. She carries the film with quiet strength and grace, though the script often holds her back from fully exploring the emotional depth of the character.

One of the biggest departures is the omission of beloved characters like Mushu and the iconic musical numbers, which disappointed many fans. In their place, the film introduces a mystical element—Mulan’s “chi”—and a new character, Xianniang, a shape-shifting witch who serves as a dark mirror to Mulan’s own journey.

While the action sequences are well-choreographed and the costume and set design are undeniably beautiful, the film struggles to find a strong emotional core. It also simplifies complex themes like honor, gender, and family into more digestible, Western-style empowerment messages, which may feel shallow to some viewers.

Still, Mulan is an admirable effort with strong visuals and a lead performance that honors the spirit of the original, even if it never quite captures its heart.