Rating of
2.5/4
A positive role model for girls
The M.O.W. - wrote on 08/02/08
Based on the Chinese legend, "Mulan" is a young woman in ancient Imperial China. She's the rough-around-the-edges daughter of a respected military veteran, and is not comfortable with being the way society expects her to act.
With little warning, the Huns, lead by the ruthless "Shan Yu" (voiced by Miguel Ferrer), attack China. The "Emporer" (voiced by Pat Morita) orders that one male from each family must serve in the Imperial army to defend the country. As the only male in the family, "Mulan's" father (voiced by Freda Foh Shen) must serve, but he uses a cane due to an injury sustained in a previous war, so he is not physically up to being able to fight. The night he gets his orders, he and "Mulan" have an argument, and she later cuts her hair with her father's sword and ties it up. She then takes his notice of military service, armor and weapons and rides away on her horse "Khan" to join the army disguised as a man.
At the same time, an unusually small dragon named "Mushu" (Eddie Murphy), who has been demoted to gong ringer by "Mulan's" ancestors, who tell him to wake one of the family guardians to bring her back home. However, he accidentally destroys the guardian, which is in statue form, and take it upon himself to not bring "Mulan" home, but to make her a war hero.
Now, "Mulan" must convince her troop, lead by "Li Shang" (BD Wong) that she is male, while falling for her commanding officer, and survive the attack of the Huns.
The first thing you will notice is the movie has nailed the look of the Chinese culture. From architecture, to clothing, it's right on. You will also notice the wonderful animation the Disney Studios has made their mark with is here. A good amount of the characters are not as human-looking as "Cinderella" or "Snow White," but are designed nicely. Only "Mulan's" dog is the least realistic looking character in the film.
Of course, as in all Disney animated movies, there is some fantastic music. With the exception of a couple of songs, they are not that catchy or that memorable. I don't think you will ever catch yourself humming the majority of the tunes in this film -- except the song by 98 Degrees which ends the movie, and begins the closing credits.
There is little character development with the supporting cast. "Mulan" and "Mushu" probably have the most development . Also, the development of the relationship between "Mulan" and "Li Shang" and the other members of her troop is pretty poor.
The cast is really good in this film. There was some bad delivery of some lines however, and they weren't written too well.
There is some very mild violence in this movie. However, there is no bloody scenes.
To me, "Mulan" is a pretty positive role model for girls, which might help make it a little boring for the boys who watch it. However, the boys might light the music, comedy (Eddie Murphy is pretty nutty in this movie) and the action scenes. I would consider renting this movie the next time you go to your local Blockbusters.
