MULAN : A DETERMINED FEMALE WARRIOR

“Mulan” is a 2020 live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1998 animated film of the same name. The movie remake is an American fantasy action-drama film produced by Walt Disney Pictures, directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin. The film stars Yifei Liu in the title role, alongside Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan, Gong Li, Jet Li and other minor characters.

The movie follows the story of a young Chinese woman named Mulan, who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the Chinese army during the invasion of the Huns. The film begins with the Emperor of China issuing a decree that one man from each family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend against the invading Huns. Mulan’s father, Fa Zhou, is too old and weak to fight, but as the only male in their family, he has no choice but to accept the call to arms.

Knowing that her father would not survive the war, Mulan decides to secretly take his place. She cuts her hair, dons her father’s armor, and sets off to join the army disguised as a man named Ping. With the help of her guardian spirit, a small dragon named Mushu, and her lucky cricket Cri-Kee, Mulan embarks on a challenging journey to prove herself and protect her family’s honour.

In training camp, Mulan faces numerous obstacles and struggles to fit in with her fellow soldiers. However, she gradually earns their respect through determination and resourcefulness. Meanwhile, Captain Li Shang, the son of a high-ranking general, is initially dismissive of Mulan but eventually becomes her ally and love interest.

As the Chinese army marches towards battle, Mulan’s true identity is revealed, and she is expelled from the army for breaking the law. However, she discovers that the Huns, led by Shan Yu, are planning to attack the Emperor’s palace directly. Realizing that she must warn them, Mulan rallies her friends and devises a plan to stop Shan Yu and his army.

With bravery and intelligence, Mulan and her companions manage to defeat Shan Yu and save China. The Emperor acknowledges Mulan’s heroism and offers her a position in his council, but she declines, wishing to return home to her family.

In the end, Mulan is reunited with her loved ones, and her actions are honoured by her community. The film concludes with a reflection on the importance of courage, honour, family, the empowerment of women, determination, and staying true to oneself.

Delia Nyadi