“Mulan”: The Movie We Can Use Right Now

“Mulan” is one of the many star-studded movies that have inexorably been delayed, no thanks to the threat of the novel coronavirus. On the weekend when the live-action Disney remake was scheduled to open, its absence felt almost like physical pain. The truth is that this film could easily have been what many movie lovers could use right now.

“Mulan”: Set to Inspire Everyone in These Trying Times?

“Mulan” was made to inspire kids, parents, and entire families, but the indefinite shutdown of theaters across the country has made this impossible. No doubt, “Mulan” is one of Disney’s releases that is destined to attract a wide and varied audience from around the world, despite its entirely Asian cast.

The film also serves as an astute but subtle reminder of how far Disney has come from its problematic past as regards racial stereotypes and representation.

The main character, Mulan, behaves in a heroic manner out of reverence and love for her aging father. She put herself in a high-risk situation in order to save not only him but her entire country as it turned out.

“Mulan” and Disney Princesses

Although “Mulan” is discussed in the context of the usual Disney princesses which we all love – including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, etc. – the film represents another stride toward much greater diversity among these characters. Mulan was the rescuer – not the rescued – and the one who fought off Hun invaders.

“Mulan”: The Original Release

The original “Mulan” was released as far back as 1998, and it came almost a decade into a contemporary resurgence by the popular animation movie studio, starting with “The Little Mermaid,” an animated hit. It was followed by “Beauty and the Beast,” the Oscar-nominated animation as well as “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.”

In the middle of that commercial and highly creative hot streak, Disney made rigorous moves to rectify a somewhat uncheerful history within its films. This led to the production of hits with diverse leads such as “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas,” and later on “The Princess and the Frog.”

Some Naysayers Don’t Like the Casting in “Mulan”

“Mulan” has several admirable elements which include its incredibly catchy and feminist heroine songs. However, the live-action movie from Disney is not without its naysayers, chief of which are the questionable decisions behind the casting of Harvey Fierstein, Miguel Ferrer, and Donny Osmond as the voices of Asian characters.

All the same, in a collection of recollections that mark the film’s 20^th anniversary, several Asian-American women looked back lovingly on what the film represented.

Shannon Liao, a reporter, wrote, “Mulan was the only Disney princess who looked like me, so she resonated with me.”

“Mulan” Has No Songs

Unlike Disney’s most recent live-action adaptations, “Mulan” – which stars Liu Yifei as the titular character and is directed by Niki Caro – promises a fresh take, no songs but with a sweeping spectacle.

Audiences around the world will eventually see the film and of course, have the opportunity to judge for themselves. However, as we all look forward to that day, the welcome aspects of Disney’s live-action release should bring some honor to everyone.