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Walt Disney Feature Animation
Walt Disney Pictures
Mulan Collection
The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.
When Imperial China calls one man from every family to defend the empire from invading Huns, a young woman disguises herself as a soldier to take her ailing father’s place. Facing ruthless invaders, brutal training, and the risk of execution if discovered, she must decide who she truly is— and what she’s willing to fight for.
CinemaSerf
Aug 28, 2023 · via TMDB
Disney heads East for this fantasy adventure, this time based on an ancient myth from Imperial Chinese folklore. The Hun hordes are attacking the ancient kingdom and the Emperor must rally every troop he can to defend the nation. His riders travel far and wide calling upon all his men to join the army. They arrive at the home of "Mulan" and rather then send her ageing father, she decides to impersonate a boy and go join the fight. There is plenty of action in this much darker animation; the evil "Shan-Yu' has devilish, piercing eyes and the use of darker colours and hues - alongside heavy drum-based themes from Jerry Goldsmith goes some way to project a decent sense of menace on the latter half of the film. "Mulan" herself, though spending half of the film pretending, turns out to be a feisty heroine easily the match of her male counterparts. So, why only 3/5 - well: Eddie Murphy drove me mad. "Mushu" was as irritating as he was noisy; a hammer to crack a nut - so overblown as to largely ruin the film for me.
Manuel São Bento
Sep 3, 2020 · via TMDB
If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com 2020 brings us yet another Disney's live-action remake. After new versions of The Jungle Book, Aladdin, The Lion King, and many others, now comes the time for Mulan. Therefore, I decided to go back in time and relive one of the latest installments of the Disney Renaissance Era. As a kid, even though I was (and I still am) far from being someone impacted by the Chinese culture, I always enjoyed the movie for its story, characters, and of course, its memorable score. However, for some reason, it never became one of those Disney classics I revisit every year. This might very well be only my 5th time watching this film, which for someone born in the 90s like me, feels weirdly short. This is probably the first time I watch Mulan since I was an innocent young teenager, so I was definitely intrigued to see if my overall opinion would change a lot or not. Well, enough of the suspense, I love it! I appreciate it a lot more than when I was a kid, without a single doubt. In fact, if I could only choose one movie to be remade in the live-action format, Mulan would be my ultimate choice, simply due to its epic and cinematic feel. Not trying to take away from the compelling story and incredible characters, but when it comes to live-action, Mulan has everything to deliver a chill-inducing visual spectacle. This film proves how 2D animation can feel so powerful and emotionally overwhelming. As with every movie from the Disney Renaissance Era, the animation looks gorgeous. Dozens of jaw-dropping shots resemble the epic scope of Lord of the Rings. The action sequences are incredibly riveting and innovative, placing the main character in situations where she needs to act smart. Jerry Goldsmith's music plays a vital part in the narrative. Not only it develops characters in a meaningful way, but it helps the story move forward with fun and entertaining songs. Once again, the action set pieces are also elevated by this score, which offers a whole other cinematic layer. Technically, Mulan is one of Disney's best animated flicks ever. However, as usual, the two pillars of any film are what people end up saving in their hearts and memory: story and characters. With so many writers attached to screenplay credits, I'm genuinely surprised Mulan has such a well-written, well-structured, emotionally resonating narrative. Packed with culturally significant storylines, it's hard not to feel enthralled by Mulan's (Ming-Na Wen) arc. A daughter who goes to war by stealing her old father's spot, protecting him from certain death, while also trying to honor her family. A woman who wants to be more than just a wife to some man. Fighting against the menacing Shan-Yu (Miguel Ferrer) and his army, but also against condescending stereotypes and ancient society rules. Ming-Na Wen gives Mulan a powerful voice worth remembering. After more than twenty years, her journey is still an inspiring tale not only to every woman and young girl on the planet, but to everyone who lays eyes on this movie. Captain Li Shang (BD Wong) also has his own arc of trying to prove himself worthy of being called Captain. Against all the odds, he still trains his troops and honors his own father. Ling (Gedde Watanabe), Yao (Harvey Fierstein), and Chien-Po (Jerry Tondo) are hilarious, but also essential to help save China from the enemy. Shan-Yu works perfectly as an intimidating presence, even though his motivations follow the generic villain formula. Now, prepare yourselves because my only issue with the film might be a hot take. I'm sure that as a kid, I loved Mushu and all of his jokes. He also has a compelling storyline in the same way as other characters. However, watching the film now, I can only hear Eddie Murphy perform a few jokes like a standup routine. When I listen to Mushu, I don't think "oh, that's Mushu". I think "that's Eddie Murphy". It's a remarkably somber, dark movie to match Disney's trademark humor, so the tone's balance must be perfect for it to work. Mushu might bring the necessary levity with a lighthearted joke here and there, but overall, he's the main reason why sometimes the film loses track of when to take things seriously and when to be funny. All in all, Mulan is one of the most culturally significant animated classics that Disney possesses. Even after two decades, its story inspires every single person who sets eyes in this magnificent piece of cinema. Its emotionally compelling narrative is packed with epic action sequences elevated by a memorable score, which also helps develop characters and carry the story forward. The eponymous character's arc still resonates with many people today: a journey of proving one's self-worth, family, and breaking stereotypes. With a terrific voice cast, almost every character holds a captivating storyline with their own clear motivations. Visually, it has a cinematic feel that no other Disney animated flick owns. Tonally, the balance could be better. The tragic, somber, dark war is present throughout the whole runtime, and while some levity and humor are definitely welcome, some jokes stand out as unnecessary, and Eddie Murphy's Mushu is way too silly during certain moments. Having in mind the target audience, one can't complain too much. It's a little nitpick in an otherwise phenomenal movie, one that I recommend to every reader so that you can all be inspired by it like so many people all around the world. Rating: A-
r96sk
Jul 2, 2020 · via TMDB
<em>'Mulan'</em> is good Disney. There's a lot to enjoy about this film, it's not without a few less entertaining parts but overall it's one that many will like. The plot is pretty fascinating, even if it isn't as dark or in-depth as it could be. Ming-Na Wen gives a more than acceptable performance in the lead role. Eddie Murphy, though, is definitely the most memorable voice from this. I don't love his character, who is a bit too cartoon-y and looks out of place, but Murphy is simply funny, in what certainly feels like a precursor to his role in the <em>'Shrek'</em> franchise. None of the other cast standout, yet still give what's required. Animation-wise it's nice, while a few of the songs are catchy. I don't, as already alluded to with Murphy's Mushu, overly rate the character design. Aside from the aforementioned, I also don't like how Shan Yu (Miguel Ferrer) looks - he, at least to me, just looks angry all the time rather than terrifying or threatening. I do class this as a film worth watching for sure, the pacing helps keep things enjoyable.
User reviews courtesy of TMDB.
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Ming-Na Wen
Mulan (voice)
Eddie Murphy
Mushu (voice)
BD Wong
Shang (voice)
Miguel Ferrer
Shan-Yu (voice)
Harvey Fierstein
Yao (voice)
Freda Foh Shen
Fa Li (voice)
June Foray
Grandmother Fa (voice)
James Hong
Chi Fu (voice)
Miriam Margolyes
The Matchmaker (voice)
Pat Morita
The Emperor (voice)
Marni Nixon
Grandmother Fa (singing voice)
Soon-Tek Oh
Fa Zhou (voice)
Donny Osmond
Shang (singing voice)
Lea Salonga
Mulan (singing voice)
James Shigeta
General Li (voice)
George Takei
First Ancestor (voice)
Gedde Watanabe
Ling (voice)
Frank Welker
Khan / Additional Voices (voice)
Mary Kay Bergman
Additional Voices (voice)
Susan Boyd
Additional Voices (voice)
Julianne Buescher
Additional Voices (singing voice)
Corey Burton
Additional Voices (voice)
Mitch Carter
Additional Voices (voice)
Robert Clotworthy
Additional Voices (voice)
David Cowgill
Additional Voices (voice)
Beth Fowler
Additional Voices (voice)
Donald Fullilove
Additional Voices (voice)
Elisa Gabrielli
Additional Voices (voice)
Jack Gilpin
Additional Voices (voice)
Richard Steven Horvitz
Additional Voices (voice)
Linda Kerns
Additional Voices (voice)
Matthew Labyorteaux
Additional Voices (voice)
Conan Lee
Additional Voices (voice)
Dana Lee
Additional Voices (voice)
Luisa Leschin
Additional Voices (voice)
Mark Moseley
Additional Voices (voice)
Patrick Pinney
Additional Voices (voice)
Peter Renaday
Additional Voices (voice)
John Walcutt
Additional Voices (voice)
Bob Bergen
Horse (voice) (uncredited)
José Luis Gil
Actor's Assistant
Rui Paulo
Actor's Assistant
Aaron Blaise
Supervising Animator
Mark Henn
Supervising Animator
Ruben A. Aquino
Supervising Animator
Tom Bancroft
Supervising Animator
Barry Cook
Director
Tony Bancroft
Director
Alexander Courage
Orchestrator
Jerry Goldsmith
Original Music Composer
Lon Bender
Sound Designer
Dean A. Zupancic
Sound Re-Recording Mixer
Dave Kupczyk
Animation
Peter de Sève
Character Designer
Robert Walker
Layout Supervisor
Chris Sanders
Screenplay
Philip LaZebnik
Screenplay
Raymond Singer
Screenplay
Rita Hsiao
Screenplay
Burny Mattinson
Story
Chris Williams
Story
Floyd Norman
Story
Joe Grant
Story
John Sanford
Story
Lorna Cook
Story
Robert D. San Souci
Story
Tim Hodge
Story
Jørgen Klubien
Story Artist
Chris Sanders
Story Supervisor
Jun 5, 1998
Jun 19, 1998
Feb 2, 1999
VHS
Nov 9, 1999
DVD
Feb 1, 2000
VHS / DVD
Oct 26, 2004
VHS / DVD
Mar 12, 2013
Blu-ray / DVD
Nov 10, 2020
4K Blu-ray
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The Stranglers - Live '78, SF
1978
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1944
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Battle your watched movies head-to-head
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Evil Dead II
1987 · 14 wins
The Dark Knight
2008 · 14 wins
Halloween
1978 · 13 wins
Final Destination
2000 · 12 wins
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1981 · 11 wins
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