Mulan

Last week Mulan was finally been made free to all Disney + members. So my family and I sat down to watch this live-action remake of the 1998 animated classic.

I’m a big fan of the original because of the music, the slapstick humour and the animals (Mushu in particular is always a highlight for me). And while the story is largely similar to the original, there are some big changes that work for this retelling.

One of the biggest changes is that this remake isn’t a musical and there isn’t any talking animals – there are musical scores that use the original soundtrack, but no one is breaking out into song here. And while there are animals, they’re used in a more mythic style like a Phoenix as Mulan’s spirit guide and a villainous witch who can turn herself in birds. And while I thought I’d miss Mushu, once this version of the film starts it doesn’t really need them as this is going in its own direction.

The premise of the film is a woman finding her place in a patriarchal society, one where women are supposed to be matched with husbands, stay at home and look and act the part of the good housewife. But when a villainous force threatens to take over the country an army is summoned using one man from every household – with Mulan’s father too injured to fight she steals away in the night to take his place by disguising herself as a man.

From the moment the film opens we’re treated to absolutely breath-taking cinematography, incredibly vibrant and rich costumes, eye-popping set design and masterful fight sequences. The latter reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Really, watch this film on as big a screen as you can because it’s really something to behold.

What’s different from the original film is how much it explores female characters. In this live-action version we’re given a witch type character who’s working for the enemy. She’s able to not only transform herself into birds but also possess people which makes infiltrating enemy camps and toppling factions a lot easier. She recognises Mulan for the women she is, telling Mulan that she will only achieve true Chi and power when she accepts herself for who she truly is. It’s not only a powerful message but it’s an intelligent and creative way to deliver it.

My only criticism is that Disney chose to use Mulan as the first test for making Disney + subscribers pay more to watch their new releases – those originally meant for the cinema. It’s undoubtedly a very fun feel good, funny Sunday afternoon film to watch with the family. But it’s not a new story. It’s very much a remake of the animated version and having now seen it I’m glad I waited for it to become free on a paid service. But if they ever choose to release Marvel’s Black Widow in this way then I’ll happily pay extra to watch a new story.

4/5

Highly enjoyable, visually gorgeous, good fun family film for over the holidays. A remake that mirrors a lot of the scenes from the original but finds enough new creative ideas to make it more its own.