Mulan teaches us to be true to ourselves, or rather – she used to.
It depends which Disney version we're talking about.
In this video, I'll be looking at Mulan from 1998 and 2020, to share all we can learn about storytelling, and ourselves.
According to legend, Mulan disguises herself as a man to take her elderly father's place in the conscription for the army.
"I didn't know Fa Zhou had a son."
"He doesn't talk about me much."
She shows bravery, defiance and ultimately earns honour.
Originally a poem, with only a handful of lines, Disney initially achieved much success with its animation release in 1998.
However, the money-hungry live action remake leaves little to aspire to.
Here are are 6 reasons why.
Sure, both films try to introduce Mulan as a misfit.
But, whilst cartoon Mulan clearly shows a disregard for rules and a clumsy nature, today's Mulan is a supremely gifted child. Her only fault is doing acrobatic moves in front of others.
Already, there's not much to look up to – why bother when you're NOT born with it?!
She's SO impressive that others have to disapprove.
Mulan's big mess-up is with the matchmaker. We feel her embarrassment, and this teaches us something about shame and disappointment.
Cartoon Mulan causes a fire and has a grasshopper to contend with. Clearly we can see she royally screwed up her chance.
Meanwhile, in 2020, Mulan is a superhuman who's hair slips.
"PUT IT OUT!"
Now, say we suddenly believe she was to blame in both cases. She's left with shame and disappointment.
She needs support.
One of the greatest lessons Mulan showed us was how to deal with our mistakes, and come back strong.
We see her struggle with what society expects from her, and the life she wants to live.
"Can it be I'm not meant to play this part."
That's what was initially so illuminating about her father's encouragement. He reminded her to embrace patience, and gave her the strength to risk everything.
"What beautiful blossoms we have this year. But look, this one's late, and I'll bet, that when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all."
In essence, one version teaches her to trust in who she is, and another that she should silence herself.
"Soon you'll be a young woman, and it is time for you to hide your gift away."
So much for that familial bond.
This sort of set up means her sacrifice falls flat.
There's nothing special about her saving her family when they're so cold, and unsympathetic.
"I'm the father, it is my place to bring honor to our family on the battlefield. You are the daughter. Learn your place.
Instead of a pivotal moment of courage, we see a rushed run to the army.
There, it doesn't get better.
Inspirational Mulan learns, adapts and improves.
One-dimensional Mulan is a one woman army.
Although Disney essentially remakes some of the training scenes, her exponential improvement in 2020 doesn't go unnoticed.
She defies all odds, to the degree that it's all rather pointless.
We see her get supremely lucky when a weapon hits her chest
Such that she has to release her hair and ride straight to the battlefield, where she fights off countless soldiers all by herself.
And she's not the only one with impressive reflexes: even the fragile Emperor can catch an arrow with one hand.
With all that said and done, Mulan reunites with her father, for an emotional exchange. However, whilst his actions previously showed her love is the greatest honour of all.
"The greatest gift and honour, is having you for a daughter."
In 2020, he kinda says that:
"It is my daughter that means everything to me."
But then they all go back to being fixated with her fancy sword. Yes, in this version, swords do matter.
In the end, all the wonderful vulnerability, realness and humour of Mulan is lost in 2020
"What?! What do you mean you're not lucky?! You LIED to me?!"
Leaving a paper-thin portrait of a character that used to be real.
Disney, isn't it time to prioritize the integrity and wisdom of your classic characters over action and visual splendour?
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