Image: Nicole Cammorata / Mashable
What: Mulan
The story of Mulan follows a fearless young woman who disguises herself as a male warrior in order to join the imperial army. She does so as her sick father has no male heir and would otherwise have to enlist himself. It’s a touching story of family, courage, and honor.
Starring Yifei Liu, who radiates strength in the role of the lead character, the film is a remake of the 1998 animated version, though it isn’t an exact replica. Check out the trailer below:
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Thinking about watching? Here’s what you need to know.
How can I watch Mulan?
Originally slated for a theatrical release but then forced to pivot due to COVID-19 concerns, Mulan is available to stream for subscribers of Disney+. You can also rent the movie through YouTube, Google Play, or Amazon Prime.
I heard there was controversy and protests about the film. What was that all about?
Chinese authorities banned major media outlets within the country from covering the film when controversy erupted overseas after it was revealed part of the movie was filmed in the Xinjiang region, a place where there has long been tension between the Chinese government and ethnic Uighurs and Muslim groups. There were also calls to boycott the film after the film’s star Liu revealed her support for the police during Hong Kong’s pro-democracy and anti-police brutality protests in 2019.
What are people saying about Mulan so far?
Mashable entertainment fellow Brooke Bajgrowicz rounded up a list of critics’ initial impressions (which you can peruse here), noting that “it has grand battle sequences, intricate costumes, and a story that sets it apart from its source material.” Some highlights:
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“The 2020 Mulan is not one of those Disney live-action remakes that settles for a painstaking beat-by-beat recreation of the original. Director Niki Caro and her team reimagine the narrative from the ground up, in a wholly different style and genre, with new characters and subplots and themes, and without some of the most beloved elements of its predecessor (namely, Mushu and the songs). You can’t say it’s not trying to do something new.” — Angie Han, deputy entertainment editor at Mashable
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“Director Niki Caro doesn’t skimp on spectacle: She handles the large-scale action sequences with flair, and she fills the frame with beautiful costumes and majestic landscapes — many of them from New Zealand, which stands in nicely for China.” — Justin Chang, film critic at the Los Angeles Times and NPR
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“With multiple authors but no clear voice, the clumsy “Mulan” script often puts plot above character, depriving Mulan of a robust personality. Defined by her determination, Mulan mostly keeps to herself, which deprives her of meaningful human relationships during the mid-section of the movie.” — Peter Debruge, chief film critic at Variety
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