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Mulan

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Mulan (2020)
PG-13 for sequences of violence | 1h 55min | Action, Adventure, Drama | 4 September 2020 (USA)

Starting September 4, with Premier Access, viewers can watch “Mulan” before it’s available to all Disney+ subscribers. Disney+ will offer Premier Access to “Mulan” for $29.99 on disneyplus.com. Once you have Premier Access to Mulan, you can watch as many times as you want on any platform where Disney+ is available.

Synopsis: Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman 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.

(continued) There are powerful messages in this story not only for young women but anyone committed to family and what it means to honor those around you; and yourself. As Hua Jun she feels the guilt of betrayal and deceit. She has to hide not only her identity and sex but also the very nature of her gift and calling. Only after she embraces and reveals her true self does she find the freedom to fulfill all that she has been chosen for.

This adaptation of Mulan is rated PG-13. A big step from the original 1998 animated film’s G rating. This was a smart decision in many ways in order to capture the intensity and toughness of Mulan’s journey. Parents should note this going in though. The violence and some of the action sequences may be a bit much for the very young in your home. You would need to balance that with the positive message of the film to determine an age bracket. Granted this isn’t like Tarantino did Mulan, but the fighting can be a bit much for what you would normally get in a Disney story.

Yifei Liu is a joy to watch as she brings Mulan to life. She has a beauty about her that is not just superficial. There is a grounding about her in the way she moves and walks. Liu is able to show many levels of emotion. She feels out of place in the female role of her culture and time. You can see her frustration and awkwardness as she tries to adapt and fit in. The times when she can truly be herself she transforms perfectly into a strong, confident warrior.

There are lighthearted moments in this one as well. Pretending to be a man in an all male regiment brings up some funny scenarios. Obviously Disney handles these moments with modesty and taste. The heart of this film is still honor. Mulan is fighting really to save her father. But in doing so she realizes it could bring shame and dishonor to him and her family if she is discovered. Sometimes the decision to do what is right is not an easy or clear one. This story conveys that nicely.

While the heart is honor the beauty is in the visuals. This version is so stunning to watch. Breathtaking fluidity is caught in every movement; all with a perfectly framed and shot backdrop. Those who are fans of Asian art-house films will immediately be drawn to the captivating colors and crips cinematography in this one. If you had no point of reference you would find it hard to picture it as a Disney film. If shot in its native language it would easily be a front runner for best foreign film.

I give this an A-. Mulan’s story is one to be told and shared. Her journey is one to admire and regardless of age or gender her character should move us all in some way. Bravo to Niki Caro and his cast and crew for bringing this one to stunning life.

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