Mulan (Animated) DVD Reviews

Supposedly, there are several hundred versions of the legend of Mulan in Chinese folklore and history. The Disney movie is the version most people are familiar with, however, and why should they not? It`s a precious little film about being true to yourself, a message of utmost importance applicable to any country and any age. Mulan, unable to see herself putting on airs for a man in order to make him want to marry her, goes home to her parents` house and despairs until she finds that home and, as a matter of fact, her entire country, is threatened by enemy troops. When realizing her father`s grief at, due to his old age, being unable to enlist as a soldier, Mulan sneaks out one night after, in a dramatic highlight of a scene, having cut off her long hair, the symbol of traditional femininity. She then disguises herself as a man and enlists herself, finding it a hard, yet rewarding life, one where she is not being judged by her looks but rather by her loyalty, her strength, her intelligence and her honesty - all characteristics that will, in the end, be vital to the final fight in which she must give her all to save her country from the enemy as well as the life of the man she loves.
Mulan isn`t a feminist battlecry, nor is it especially violent, but it carries the message that nothing of real value in life is for free. A little darker and more serious than other Disney movies, Mulan may not be a film for the smallest ones. I`ve heard some say that it isn`t very funny, and that may be true. But it is exciting, action - filled and sports a very happy ending. The music is gorgeous too, and the double DVD has music videos with Jackie Chan and Coco Lee, two of China`s brightest music stars, singing hits from the film, in Cantones and Mandarin repectively. I`ve always loved the poignancy and beauty of this movie, but it may not be for everyone. Give it a chance, though, for in its own right it`s quite unforgettable.

Supposedly, there are several hundred versions of the legend of Mulan in Chinese folklore and history. The Disney movie is the version most people are familiar with, however, and why should they not? It`s a precious little film about being true to yourself, a message of utmost importance applicable to any country and any age. Mulan, unable to see herself putting on airs for a man in order to make him want to marry her, goes home to her parents` house and despairs until she finds that home and, as a matter of fact, her entire country, is threatened by enemy troops. When realizing her father`s grief at, due to his old age, being unable to enlist as a soldier, Mulan sneaks out one night after, in a dramatic highlight of a scene, having cut off her long hair, the symbol of traditional femininity. She then disguises herself as a man and enlists herself, finding it a hard, yet rewarding life, one where she is not being judged by her looks but rather by her loyalty, her strength, her intelligence and her honesty - all characteristics that will, in the end, be vital to the final fight in which she must give her all to save her country from the enemy as well as the life of the man she loves.
Mulan isn`t a feminist battlecry, nor is it especially violent, but it carries the message that nothing of real value in life is for free. A little darker and more serious than other Disney movies, Mulan may not be a film for the smallest ones. I`ve heard some say that it isn`t very funny, and that may be true. But it is exciting, action - filled and sports a very happy ending. The music is gorgeous too, and the double DVD has music videos with Jackie Chan and Coco Lee, two of China`s brightest music stars, singing hits from the film, in Cantones and Mandarin repectively. I`ve always loved the poignancy and beauty of this movie, but it may not be for everyone. Give it a chance, though, for in its own right it`s quite unforgettable.

Supposedly, there are several hundred versions of the legend of Mulan in Chinese folklore and history. The Disney movie is the version most people are familiar with, however, and why should they not? It`s a precious little film about being true to yourself, a message of utmost importance applicable to any country and any age. Mulan, unable to see herself putting on airs for a man in order to make him want to marry her, goes home to her parents` house and despairs until she finds that home and, as a matter of fact, her entire country, is threatened by enemy troops. When realizing her father`s grief at, due to his old age, being unable to enlist as a soldier, Mulan sneaks out one night after, in a dramatic highlight of a scene, having cut off her long hair, the symbol of traditional femininity. She then disguises herself as a man and enlists herself, finding it a hard, yet rewarding life, one where she is not being judged by her looks but rather by her loyalty, her strength, her intelligence and her honesty - all characteristics that will, in the end, be vital to the final fight in which she must give her all to save her country from the enemy as well as the life of the man she loves.
Mulan isn`t a feminist battlecry, nor is it especially violent, but it carries the message that nothing of real value in life is for free. A little darker and more serious than other Disney movies, Mulan may not be a film for the smallest ones. I`ve heard some say that it isn`t very funny, and that may be true. But it is exciting, action - filled and sports a very happy ending. The music is gorgeous too, and the double DVD has music videos with Jackie Chan and Coco Lee, two of China`s brightest music stars, singing hits from the film, in Cantones and Mandarin repectively. I`ve always loved the poignancy and beauty of this movie, but it may not be for everyone. Give it a chance, though, for in its own right it`s quite unforgettable.