“Mulan” (2020) is Disney’s live-action adaptation of their 1998 animated classic. Directed by Niki Caro, this version reimagines the story with a more realistic, action-oriented approach and draws inspiration from the original Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. Unlike the animated version, the 2020 film forgoes musical numbers and anthropomorphic characters like Mushu, focusing instead on a more grounded and epic retelling. The film stars Yifei Liu as Mulan, alongside Donnie Yen, Gong Li, Jason Scott Lee, and Jet Li.

Plot Summary

Set in imperial China, Mulan follows the courageous journey of Hua Mulan, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father’s place in the Imperial Army after a decree orders one man from each family to serve. With her family’s honor and her father’s life at stake, Mulan travels to the military camp, taking on the identity of “Hua Jun.” Despite early struggles, she excels in her training under the strict but compassionate Commander Tung (Donnie Yen).

A new threat to China emerges in the form of Böri Khan (Jason Scott Lee), a Rouran warrior seeking revenge for his father’s death. He is joined by a powerful sorceress named Xianniang (Gong Li), who possesses magical abilities and sees Mulan as a kindred spirit. As Mulan becomes an increasingly skilled warrior, she faces mounting pressure to keep her true identity a secret.

During a climactic battle, Mulan reveals her true self to save her comrades and gains their respect despite the Imperial Army’s prohibition against women in combat. She ultimately plays a pivotal role in protecting the Emperor (Jet Li) and defeating Böri Khan, proving her strength, courage, and loyalty. The film ends with Mulan returning home to her family, where she is honored as a hero.

Key Themes and Elements

1. Honor and Loyalty: Mulan’s journey reflects the conflict between family loyalty and societal expectations, as she risks everything to protect her father and uphold her family’s honor.
2. Empowerment and Identity: The film explores Mulan’s inner conflict as she embraces her skills and her true self, breaking free from gender norms and redefining what it means to be honorable.
3. Tradition vs. Change: Mulan’s story challenges traditional beliefs, especially around gender roles and the importance of rigid adherence to social norms.
4. Magic and Mysticism: New elements such as the phoenix (a symbol of Mulan’s family) and the powerful sorceress Xianniang introduce a layer of mysticism, providing a unique take on Mulan’s journey and the nature of female empowerment.

Differences from the Animated Version

1. No Musical Numbers: Unlike the animated film, the 2020 version does not include songs, though instrumental versions of “Reflection” and other melodies appear in the score.
2. No Mushu: The animated dragon companion, Mushu, is replaced with a phoenix symbolizing Mulan’s family, aligning more closely with Chinese cultural elements.
3. New Villain and Sorceress: Instead of Shan Yu, the primary antagonist is Böri Khan, aided by Xianniang, a sorceress who shares a bond with Mulan due to their shared struggle against societal restrictions.
4. Realism and Action: This adaptation takes a more grounded approach, with elaborate battle sequences and martial arts-inspired choreography to highlight Mulan’s warrior skills.

Reception and Legacy

Mulan (2020) received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Many praised its visual appeal, action choreography, and Yifei Liu’s performance as Mulan. However, the film also faced criticism for its changes from the animated version, including the absence of beloved elements like Mushu and the music. Some felt that the film lacked the emotional depth and charm of the original, while others appreciated its more serious tone and respectful approach to Chinese culture. The film also faced controversy for some of its filming locations and production decisions.

Despite mixed reception, Mulan (2020) contributed to the ongoing conversation about live-action adaptations and their role in reinterpreting classic stories for modern audiences. It was released on Disney+ due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making it one of the first major films to bypass a traditional theatrical release.

Cast and Crew

• Director: Niki Caro
• Writers: Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Lauren Hynek, Elizabeth Martin
• Cast:
  • Liu Yifei as Mulan
  • Donnie Yen as Commander Tung
  • Gong Li as Xianniang
  • Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan
  • Jet Li as the Emperor
  • Tzi Ma as Hua Zhou (Mulan’s father)
  • Rosalind Chao as Hua Li (Mulan’s mother)

Fun Facts

• Yifei Liu went through months of physical training to prepare for the role, including horse riding, sword fighting, and martial arts.
• The film was shot in multiple locations across China and New Zealand to capture the vast landscapes.
• A new song, “Loyal Brave True,” performed by Christina Aguilera, was created for the soundtrack, symbolizing Mulan’s virtues.

Legacy

Mulan (2020) stands as a unique entry in Disney’s live-action remakes, bringing a fresh take on the iconic story with a focus on historical and cultural elements. While it departed significantly from its animated predecessor, the film remains a visually ambitious retelling of Mulan’s story, aimed at introducing her legend to a new generation with a blend of realism and epic fantasy.