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Mulan (1998) is a beautifully entertaining Disney film that boasts a great storyline, beautiful plot, funny yet powerful characters, wonderful songs, and excellent animation that will likely prove to be a timeless classic for years to come. Directed by Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, this film is entertaining for adults and provides children with truly valuable lessons in character and greater insights into the world around them. For those who might think this movie is just another Disney story about a woman making it in a man's world, think again. This story of Hua Mulan, China's most famous woman warrior who lived and fought in the 5th Century, is based on well-known historical facts and has provided much inspiration for poetry, essays, operas, plays, and paintings. In this story, her father was conscripted to go to war, but he was too sick to fight, so Hua Mu-Lan requested to go in his place. Her father rejected her offer, but she insisted. She suggested they have a sword fight and if she won, she would enter the military in his place. He finally agreed to a duel, but Mu-Lan won the fight. She cut her hair, readied her father's armor, and joined the emperor's troops using her father's name. For over ten years, she fought as a man without her true identity being known. Her commanding General was so impressed by her distinguished bravery and extraordinary fighting skills on the front lines that he offered his daughter's hand in marriage to Mu-Lan. She somehow escaped this offer and the marriage never took place. She fought in many bloody campaigns for several years before she, like all other warriors, would be granted permission to return home. Following her service, Hua Mu-Lan was summoned to the court by the Emperor who wanted to appoint her to high office as a reward for her outstanding service and military bravery. She declined his offer and accepted a fine horse instead. Only later, when her former comrades in arms went to visit her would they learn that she was in fact a woman. The movie centers on Mulan (voice of Ming-Na), a young girl in ancient China who does her best to bring honor to her family. Soon the Hun army invades China and the Emperor (voice of Pat Morita) orders one man from every household to serve in the Imperial Army. The one member must be a male, but in Mulan's family, the only male is her crippled father so he must serve. Knowing that her father will likely die in battle from his physical limitations, Mulan dresses in her father's armor, and escapes into the night to join the war. The ancient elders of her family summon the great Stone Dragon to protect her. Unfortunately, the great Stone Dragon is accidentally destroyed by Mushu (voice of Eddie Murphy), a tiny little dragon. So with Mushu and a small cricket by her side, Mulan enters the war to defend China from the Huns. Despite the fact that this film was released at a time when Disney movies did not have the appeal as they once did (e.g., The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1996; Pocahontas 1995; and Hercules, 1997), it seemed to have revived the Disney scene with box-office bonanzas much like The Lion King (1994), Beauty and the Beast (1991), and The Little Mermaid (1989). Mulan (1998) is certainly a very unique Disney film as its main character is just an ordinary girl who does extraordinary things. She is not a princess and she is no extraordinarily beautiful woman. She is just a young girl who is trying to save her father and bring honor her country. There is also no focus on a love story. Furthermore, I find the commentary on the role of women very refreshing as it provides for much-needed positive female role-models. Finally, It has wonderful songs and a beautiful score by Jerry Goldsmith (the same composer that brought us the eerie sounds found in Basic Instinct 1992, Basic Instinct 2, 2006; and The Omen, 2006), in an animation genre that is not too overly musical. The plot is very balanced showing crude realistic scenes, drama, and emotions in an excellent storyline where tragedy and comedy are wisely mixed into character development. Eddie Murphy is a fantastic "little friend" as found in most Disney movies. As Mushu, he provides many of the laughs that are perfectly balanced with dramatic, touching moments in the film. The Huns are presented as evil as possible, yet wise, which provides an unusual depth to their characters. The battle scene in the middle of the film is interestingly entertaining. For those yet to view this animated feature, I give strong recommendation as I think this film is among the best movies the Disney team has made. It will likely satisfy even the most obnoxious critic. Providing entertainment for all ages, this movie will likely be remembered for its remarkable, true storyline. The DVD will provide hours of entertainment for children even after repeated viewings and will make a wonderful family treat to any movie collection. email this review to a friend
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