Have you ever had a craving to watch a movie filled with adventure? A comedy? A musical? Mulan is all of these wrapped up in one glorious package! This adventure about a girl who runs away from home to replace her father in the military is one that I have enjoyed my whole life.
As a child, I begged for movie nights not because of the tacos or popcorn or a break in oh-so-stressful playdates, but because of Mulan. I would be truthful in saying that I watched this movie at least three times a week from age four to age seven, with some spurts and starts. After that age, I think I slowed down to a mere once a week, and am still continuing. That is about 1,040 views total. Yes, I am a little obsessed, but with good reason! It is an amazing film.
The characters are spectacular – a headstrong girl defying the male dominant military to save her father; a strong soldier (and attractive at that); an overenthusiastic lizard that thinks he is a dragon; a group of stereotypical male soldiers – and the family (including an eccentric grandmother) all bring an aspect that everyone can at least find one part to relate to. The characters are so filled with emotion and life that they can make everyone laugh and cry and everything in between. My favorite scenes are not only the funny ones, but the moments where the feeling of unhappiness and loss makes me want to reach out to the characters on the screen.
With all the emotion, this film could never be boring. Even though the movie is set in ancient China, it can still be related to present events. Families face losing members to war and death, like Mulan and her father. Families also have certain expectations children may or may not agree with. However old this movie gets, some part of it remains relevant to our modern life, and thus it never gets old. Women are forever fighting for equality. Mulan herself offers a strong role model for girls and represents the situations they face, like trying to fit in with the norm. Mulan is a princess story where the princess rescues the prince (not to mention all of China).
So, this movie is for everyone, and that does not mean just ‘family friendly,’ as in for ten years and under, but the whole scope. As a kid, I viewed Mulan as a hero. As a teenager I still do. And I can never sit through it without singing along. Adults can enjoy the catchy songs and emotion filled plot just as much as everyone else. My favorite character is Mushu, voiced by Eddie Murphy, who has most of the great lines and keeps the movie funny, a good balance between the harsh emotions of war and the tone of leaving family for the unknown. Mulan’s transformation from docile femininity to tough warrior is one that I have used as an example throughout my life, from dressing up in her clothes to singing her songs to the idea of being strong in the face of every situation. So enjoy Mulan, a powerful movie with strong ideas, beautiful imagery, enthusiastic songs, and incredible characters, definitely one of Disney’s strongest creations.
Charlotte Hughes
Film Club
