Now that Mulan has hit Disney+ on Premiere Access, millions of people have seen the movie and are most likely comparing to the animated movie we grew up with. And really, it’s fair after a list of not so well received live action remakes. While Mulan has gotten rid of the musical songs we’re use to, and you wont see Mushu on the screen once – the reimagining of the film is a beautiful tribute to the folklore the story is based on. But is it something that fans are actually going to enjoy?
The new adaptation of Mulan does seem slow at times, and is about 2 hours long, while the animated movie comes in around 90 minutes. The extra time doesn’t seem to be added fluff but more time added to the details of the movie and the fight scenes that you may not have seen focused on a lot in the cartoon. It does give Disney more of a chance to build the characters up and to have them relatable to the viewers.
There are some fan surprises in the film. While there isn’t a Mushu helping Mulan throughout her journey, the ancestral Phoenix is there when she needs it most. Instead of a cricket in the cage to bring her luck, one of Mulan’s fellow soldiers is named Cricket and is supposed to be good luck.
Another nod to the original animated film is the music. While you don’t have the songs to sing along with, there musical score is there in certain points of the film. You will recognize the song when Mulan visits the Matchmaker and when the battle begins. Give fans a gentle nod to the the original Disney movie.
The story in general is the same, with some changes including a witch as the instigator of the war. It takes you through the start of the Mulan’s story and a young girl full of Chi who is fighting who she is inside compared to what the world expects of her. The story that a lot of girls still can relate to to this day. And her taking her father’s place in the war to spare his life.
But the movie brings viewers is a breath taking visual journey. With sweeping landscapes and architecture that will inspire your wanderlust. But what the movie shows is the care that Disney took in not only recreating the story of Mulan, but also the cultural sensitivity they took with creating the story and the world.
This live action adaptation is the first movie that Disney didn’t rely heavily on CG, or tried to recreate the animated movie scene for scene. And it’s the first movie where the reboot actually rivals the original. It makes Mulan sit above the other live action recreations and worth the wait.
Mulan is now available on Premiere Access on Disney+ for $29.99 and will be available for all subscribers in December.
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About Mulan:
Disney presents “Mulan,” a live-action reimagining of the legendary female warrior immortalized in the centuries-old Chinese ballad. Honoring its Chinese roots, the film features an ensemble of ethnically Chinese talent of both established and rising stars.
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of Mulan to life in an inspiring, thrilling adventure that follows a fearless young woman as she risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.