Bringing honor to all of us

Mulan is back!

Although not in the way originally planned, the live-action remake of the 1998 Disney animated film “Mulan” was finally released. Rather than the broad theatrical release previously scheduled for March 20, the film was released on the Disney + streaming service on September 4.

Starring Liu Yifei in the title role alongside a group of Asian and Asian American talents such as Gong Li, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Rosalind Chao, Jason Scott Lee, Jet Li and Yoson An, “Mulan” tells a family story of a young girl who takes her father’s sword and armor to fight in the Chinese imperial army in his stead, and the journey of self-discovery she embarks on.

In the past, it seemed unreal that the Walt Disney Company even thought of basing one of its animated musical films on an Asian legend, led by a heroine who: a) was not and did not become a princess, b) crossed -dressed, and c) it didn’t need to be kept.

Liu Yifei as Mulan

Mulan was the heroine not only of her brothers in arms, but of an entire country, which gave honor to her family and herself.

Of course, there was that musical score by the late Jerry Goldsmith, and songs by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel, including “Reflection,” that I’ve been singing for most of the last 22 years. (Just so you know, performing the song hasn’t aged in any way.)

When the live-action count was announced, there were so many opinions surrounding it before even a frame was shot. How much music was going to be included? Will it be a frame-by-frame reproduction of the hit animated movie? Who will participate? Who will direct? What can we expect from the new version of this beloved and legendary story?

I can tell you this, and I mean it in the best way: the “Mulan” of 2020 is my own creation.

Donnie yen

It goes without saying that due to its setting, as well as the location of the filming, there is sure to be some impressive cinematography (by cinematographer Mandy Walker).

Thanks to the presence of people like Donnie and Jet, there would be a considerable amount of action. Because she is Disney, they were going to make this Mulan strong, beautiful, and more in control of her destiny. And, just like in the animated movie, she wouldn’t need a man to rescue her.

Let me frankly admit that all my objectivity has been thrown out the window. Call it nostalgia, sentimentality or whatever, but there’s no way I can look at this movie with a critical eye the way I can, or at least try, with other pieces.

“Reflection,” although it is not sung until the end credits (there are two versions played consecutively: one in English by Christina Aguilera and one in Mandarin by Liu Yifei), is throughout the film. Iconic images have been reproduced from the animated feature or marketing material.

Gong Li

For the most part, the story follows the same path, Hua Mulan’s story begins and ends in the town she calls home, surrounded by her family. There are also marked differences: Mushu, the little dragon, is nowhere to be found and the role of Captain Li Shang, Mulan’s commanding officer, as well as the love interest, has been split into two roles (Donnie Yen is now the officer in charge Commander Tung, and Yoson An is Chen Honghui, the guy in charge of flirting and serious abs).

There are not just one, but two villains in Bori Khan (Jason Scott Lee) and a witch named Xianniang (Gong Li). Mulan now also has a sister who has arachnophobia, and has always been trained in martial arts by her father (Tzi Ma).

Even though I can’t see you, I can somehow sense your concern about taking the plunge and watching the movie. Here’s my only advice: temporarily put aside any remnants of the original animated film you may have in mind and tackle this new narrative as sharply as possible.

The live-action remake of “Mulan” is in many ways a different experience, one that made me sob multiple times, either because I saw one of my friends on screen or heard “Reflection” underscore an important point in the story. , and one that pays homage to the past, but is blazing its own trail.

Yoson An

Those of us who are part of the original film spiritually take the hands of those involved in this new one, generously sharing our qi and wishing them well. Like its live-action remake predecessors like “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin,” it is not intended to be a replacement, but rather a companion to its animated counterparts.

Although I wanted to see this film in IMAX, these are unique times and all we can do is do the best we can in these difficult circumstances. Perhaps a late theatrical release once we are done with this pandemic will be on the cards. Fingers crossed on this!

Mulan is that girl who was told what she couldn’t do, went on a journey of self-discovery, and found herself despite obstacles in her path. She grew up to be the warrior that she could, and she did. And maybe we can find some inspiration in the spirit of that to get through these tough times.

Read next

EDITOR’S SELECTION

MOST READ

Don’t miss the latest news and information.