Mulan

Mulan, the 2020 live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1998 animated classic, draws viewers into a visually stunning and emotionally engaging retelling of a beloved tale. Directed by Niki Caro, Mulan stars Chinese actress Liu Yifei in the title role and features a star-studded international cast that includes Donnie Yen, Gong Li, Jet Li, and Jason Scott Lee.

The film tells the story of Hua Mulan, a young woman from a respected family in ancient China. As tradition mandates, Mulan's main aim in life should be to bring honor to her family - presumably by making a good marriage. But Mulan is more drawn to adventure than domesticity, and her spirit and intelligence set her apart from other girls of her age.

Despite the clear-cut path laid out for her, Mulan yearns for more – until she is catapulted into action when her ailing father is conscripted into the Emperor’s Imperial Army to fight against northern invaders. To preserve her father's honor, Mulan disguises herself as a man named Hua Jun and steps into a world of military drill, warfare, and stringent discipline.

Liu Yifei portrays the youthful exuberance and strength of Mulan with charisma and depth, balancing deftly between her innocent curiosity and her fierce determination. It's a role that requires a powerful physicality and an acting range to convey ferocity, vulnerability, and courage, all of which Liu embodies with great skill.

Mulan’s interaction with fellow soldiers, represented by an ensemble cast that includes Yoson An and Ron Yuan, delivers on the camaraderie and bonding and also helps to highlight Mulan's identity struggle and the heavy secret she carries. They deliver fantastic comic timing and heart-touching sentiment, injecting a sense of light-heartedness in moments of tension.

The veteran actors like Donnie Yen and Jet Li add gravitas to the film. Donnie Yen plays Commander Tung, Mulan’s teacher and mentor in the army. Yen brilliantly balances his character's stern exterior with warmth and a gentle mentorship. Jet Li, as the gravity exuding Emperor of China, paints a loving portrait of a benevolent ruler fiercely protective of his empire and its people.

Gong Li's role as the formidable witch Xianniang is introduced to this version, a new character who is as complex as enchanting. Her portrayal of Xianniang brings an extra layer of complexity to the narrative, offering a skewed mirror to Mulan's character and creating several dramatic encounters.

The film is visually stunning. It features strong colors, a sweeping cinematic landscape, and a high level of detail focused on Chinese architecture and design. From sprawling vistas of the Chinese countryside to meticulously reproduced period outfits, each frame pays homage to the Chinese culture and setting for the story.

Screenplay writers Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Lauren Hynek, and Elizabeth Martin weave in many original elements of the animated movie while also exploring new themes and expanding the narrative to cater to the live-action format. There’s a definitive leaning towards empowerment and embracing identity that fits the era it’s released.

Director Niki Caro brings palpable excitement to the action sequences. The combat scenes are expertly choreographed; each move feels critical to the storyline and represents a character’s moment of development. These sequences contribute to the films' overall epic scale.

Integral to the film’s narrative is the concept of “qi,” a cultural concept that refers to a circulating life force. Mulan’s journey is deeply connected with her understanding and acceptance of her inner qi, adding an interesting dimension to her character.

The magic of the animated original, the elegance of classic Chinese folklore, and the progressive modern take on gender and empowerment all combine to make Mulan a cinematic spectacle. It offers a rich tapestry of ancient Chinese culture while delivering a powerful message relevant to today's times. During its runtime, it invites the audience to touch the heart of a legendary Chinese warrior woman and compels them to reflect on their perceptions of honor, strength, and virtuous living.