Movie Review
Movie Title : Mulan
Production : Walt Disney Pictures
Director : Niki Caro
Producer : Chris Bender, Tendo Nagenda, Jason Reed, Jake Weiner
Writers : Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Elizabeth Martin, Lauren Hynek
Duration : 115 minutes
Release date : September 4th, 2020
The first Mulan film was adapted from the story of the Chinese legend, Hua Mulan, a legendary female warrior who became a heroic role model for the Huns. He disguised himself as a man to declare military service. The movie is a live action film directed by Niki Caro with lead star Liu Yifei. Rather than the many stories and songs, the film is more akin to a real state of war, from Guo Maoqian's Balled of Mulan.
Starting from the belief held by the family of Hua Zhou (Tzi Ma), a respected soldier, that a daughter brings family honor through marriage. Calm, composed, graceful, elegant, prepared, and polite are reflections of the qualities of a good wife. However, this was very different from what is in Hua Mulan (Yifei Liu), his eldest daughter. Where, she was a girl who defies tradition, tomboyish, brave, and warrior spirit.
Mulan was the eldest of the two Hua Zhou siblings, born with the power of Chi, which usually only men and knights have the power of Chi. This was what her mother was worried about, because he thought, which man would want to marry such a girl like Mulan.
One day, the Emperor (Jet Li) issued a decree that a man from a family must serve in the Chinese Imperial Army to protect the country from the Hun Empire. Meanwhile, Mulan's family had no male members other than her own father. Mulan took steps to replace her father who was sick, he ran away from home carrying his father's war equipment and clothes. Mulan left for the Imperial City, disguised as a man named Hua Jun. There Mulan was burdened with the duty to bring honor to her family. The days she passed with other soldiers for pre-war training.
Tung Yong (Donnie Yen), an imperial commander, could see Mulan's Chi power. He knew Mulan's father well, when he was a war soldier. Seeing the potential and strength of Mulan's Chi, Tung asked Mulan to develop her talent. Commander Tung was disappointed when he found out that Hua Jun was a woman.A very embarrassing lie and a disgrace to Mulan's family. However, in the end, Commander Tung accepted Mulan as a soldier again, after being convinced by Honghui (Yoson An), Mulan's friend.
Böri Khan (Jason Scott Lee) who was famous for the prowess of his soldiers. Böri Khan had a grudge against the Emperor, for killing his father. Not to mention that the general had the right hand of a witch, named Xian Lang (Gong Li). She helped Bõri Khan in unchivalric, deceitful ways. The witch explained that Bori Khan, no matter how evil, had promised that when Bori Khan ruled China, Xian Lang would no longer be an outcast. Xian Lang's spell was so strong, it was hard to understand why he didn't get rid of boring Bori and rule China herself.
The screenwriter chose a gloomy tone, devoid of humor. All the witty but witty dialogue in the animated film is replaced by speeches about honor and loyalty.This live action version of Mulan has no comedy elements, it can be said to be serious throughout the story. In fact, in the animated version, there are many fun comedy elements. Starting from the disappearance of Mushu, the iconic dragon whose behavior and funny remarks are replaced by the Phoenix bird which more represents Chinese mythology than the Dragon. For the soundtrack, again it is very unfortunate that there are no Disney musicals throughout the movie. There are only a few instrumental pieces of the song "Loyal, Brave and True", which does not really hit it.
This film is certainly more violent than most Disney films, although parents need not worry. Dozens of soldiers without a name were stabbed, but they were not bleeding. Another nice addition is that Mulan herself didn't join the army solely to save her father from being drafted. However, he did so because he preferred to swing a sword rather than stay at home and get married. Thus, Liu's agile movement was not only a crushing blow to the Rourans, but also an act of women's liberation. The message is that women should not hide their abilities and be obedient.
In my opinion, this Disney movie feels less life-threatening. From the lack of deepening in Mulan's character to stories about her enemies. There are many of scenes that should be developed again and the characters have the potential to make the story more interesting. Just like the witch character with her past, what made her character like that. Then the wizard character who suddenly changed 180 degrees, seems rushed, the plot tends to be flat, the problem solving is still predictable. The support of big names of action artists in movies is certainly a special attraction for silat film enthusiasts. But it seems that the director has not maximized them, especially to make the action side of this But it seems that the director has not maximized them, especially to make the action side of the movie more champion.
In terms of cinematography, there is nothing really special. But I like the selection of bright colors in this film, both from the views of the village, the imperial palace, and the costumes worn by the main characters and villagers. Looks fresher and really spoils the eyes.
Overall, I don't get the same experience as usual when I watch Disney movies. However, it doesn't take me to recommend mulan live action version to watch with your family or friends. The film is quite entertaining, but less satisfying.
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