We grew up on Disney's animated musical Mulan. For those of us who identify as female, Fa Mulan's journey was particularly inspirational. She showed us that we can defy gender expectations, achieve the extraordinary, and have a best friend who is a tiny, witty dragon.

Why is the Mulan important?

The roles of men and women should not be seen as limiting or as limitations. The story of Mulan proves that. Mulan behaves as a man to join battle and her male battle mates dress as women to serve as decoys. Mulan teaches us that gender roles are simply well-too-accepted stereotypes (that can be broken).

What did Mulan become famous for?

Mulan is a fictional folk heroine from the Northern and Southern dynasties era (4th to 6th century AD) of Chinese history. According to the legend, Mulan takes her aged father's place in the conscription for the army by disguising herself as a man.

Why is Mulan considered a hero?

Throughout her journey, Mulan's determination is endless. She learns to fight, ride a horse and even wield a sword as she becomes an accomplished warrior and hero for her country. Mulan teaches us we can are the masters of our own destiny and must work hard to achieve our heart's desire.

Why is Mulan such a great movie?

The film blends drama with comedy and action seamlessly.

One minute Mulan's dad is yelling at her, then we're laughing at her Grandmother crossing the road and causing chaos, then we're watching Mulan climb up to get that arrow using only just her brute strength and determination.

Why Mulan Mattered

How did Mulan impact the world?

The play does not seem to have been produced but, by this time, the legend of Mulan was well known throughout China and inspired many women to emulate her. Her influence inspired the female freedom fighter, intellectual, and poet Qiu Jin (l. 1875-1907 CE) in her efforts to overthrow the corrupt Qing Dynasty.

Why is Mulan 1998 so good?

Mulan took a simple plot, put it in ancient China, and made it very colorful and fun to watch. It was light, and "Disney" enough for kids to enjoy, while still being adult enough for the parents to enjoy. Overall, I'd say Mulan is definitely one to watch.

Who does Mulan represent?

"Mulan has been hailed as a feminist Disney movie because it showcases a young woman who leads China to victory using her quick wit, pride, and a strong sense of family honor—all while masquerading as a man named Ping.

What does Mulan sacrifice?

Even though Mulan sacrifices herself by leaving for war and disguising herself as a man, the repercussions of her actions if caught prior to winning the war could still be great—it could lead to an execution and bring dishonor to her family name.

Who is Mulan inspired by?

Mulan is based on a real Chinese legend! The inspiration for Disney's Mulan is taken from the legendry warrior Hua Mulan and her story in the “Ballad of Mulan”. Struggling to sort fact from fiction? Here's our rundown on the facts about Hua Mulan.

Why did Disney change the story of Mulan?

Why is the new movie following The Ballad of Mulan rather than the earlier Disney version? Although it might be hard to envision Mulan without some of its most beloved components, the filmmakers felt that the changes were necessary to tell a more culturally accurate story.

What did Mulan prove at the end of the story?

In the end, she overcomes various challenges and proves her worth, not only in saving the Chinese empire and bringing honour to her family, but also in securing a love interest and therefore a promising future marriage.

How did Disney change Mulan?

The most striking deviation from the original poem is present in both Disney adaptations. The original Mulan isn't aided by a talking dragon and a lucky cricket as in the animated film. The film also contains sequences of the ancestor ghosts who seem to have magical powers.

What is Mulan's weakness?

Mulan's Character

In the animated film, Mulan's greatest weakness is entirely physical: she simply does not have the capability to do things like carry two bags of who knows what on a hike which leads to Shang kicking her out of the army.

What are the moral values of the movie Mulan?

Loyalty and dependability, respect, love, selflessness and sensitivity, compassion and friendliness are all examples of moral traits associated with donating. The most important moral value is courage, as it appears frequently in the Mulan (2020) film.

Why wasn t Mulan popular in China?

The film wasn't made for Chinese audience like Kung Fu Panda or Shang-Chi, it was a westernized view of China told by foreigners, and it got a lot of misrepresented elements.

What does Mulan symbolize in China?

Under the idea that boys are preferred to daughters in ancient China, Mulan can join the army for her father and eventually become a heroine. Disney incorporated this idea of equality between men and women into the film, fully showing the equality of the people and strong national consciousness.

What is Mulan trying to save?

To save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process.

What honor did Mulan bring to China her family?

However, Mulan ultimately brings honour to her family by demonstrating that she is “loyal, brave and true” – qualities engraved on her father's sword. Mulan knows her crippled father will die in battle if he is conscripted into the army.

What does Mulan's hair cut symbolize?

It is a symbol of the wisdom and great honor that he possesses, thus he has the longest beard in the community. Mulan is now a failure. She has dishonored her family and herself. That's why she cuts her hair and does it with the sword that was once her father's object of honor.

How did they find out Mulan was a girl?

In the animation, Mulan is injured in battle after saving Li Shang. When the doctor checks her over it becomes clear she's a woman.

How historically accurate is Mulan?

It dates all the way back to 386–581 AD at least, likely beginning in oral retellings and being written down significantly later. Unfortunately, with almost no way to verify its authenticity, no one knows if there is any truth behind the story, or if it comes from a place of fiction.

Why was Mushu removed from Mulan?

Though the director shared that Mushu was removed to allow Mulan to better enhance her relationships with her fellow soldiers, his absence may have also been more about not offending viewers, who found Mushu to be insensitive in the 1998 animated feature.

Why did Mulan 2 get negative reviews?

The biggest issue is this film features way less action than it's predecessor and way less Mulan (she practically disappears in the middle of the film). Mulan's bickering with Shang is also very badly written. Yet, minor complaints. Overall a decent film.

Why did Disney change Mulan's last name?

Mulan's surname is tweaked from Fa, the Cantonese pronunciation of her name, to Hua, which makes it truer to the name of the original ballad. However, both names have the same basic meaning.