Classic Review: Mulan (1998)

The 1990’s are often referred to by animation enthusiasts as the “Disney Renaissance”and upon a quick glance through the studio’s filmography, it is not difficult to understand why. Following the death of Walt Disney in 1966, the studio had difficulty recovering from the enormous loss, resulting in many critical and financial disasters throughout the next two decades; a period in which many fans have dubbed “The Dark Age”. However, following the release of The Little Mermaid in 1989, Disney caught a second wind and began producing some of their most critically and financially successful films to date; many of which have already achieved “classic”status. This period represented the peak of Disney’s creativity, while also bringing it back to the basics and capturing the magical storytelling that made the studio so successful in the first place.

Beauty & the Beast and The Lion King are most commonly referred to as the defining films of the Disney Renaissance, but during this period Disney produced several fantastic animated films that are just as ground-breaking in many ways. One of the most notable is Mulan, which was thematically and stylistically very different from anything Disney Animation had produced up until that point.

Disney had proven in the past that they were not afraid to approach more complex subject matter in a fashion that is appropriate for all ages. However, Disney took a gamble with Mulan, a bold film that explores themes of culture, gender representation and war, at a time in which American animation was almost exclusively targeted at younger audiences. It approaches these themes in a mature and delicate way, without sacrificing Disney’s signature family-friendly image.

What makes the film stand out from the pack is the titular character herself. Mulan (Wen) is an strong female role model that does not necessarily fit the standard Disney Princess mold. She is much more complex than many of the previous “Disney Princesses”, as she is a brave warrior who is willing to fight for what she believes in. In many ways Mulan was a game-changer for Disney and paved the way for future protagonists such as Moana and Merida (Brave).

While the film tackles serious themes, Eddie Murphy’s performance as Mushu offers the perfect amount of comic-relief. Similar to Robin Williams iconic role of the genie in Aladdin, Murphy brings his personality and signature style of humour to the role, giving the film a welcomed comedic edge. He’s consistent and thoroughly entertaining, without taking anything away from the film’s more emotionally driven moments. While the musical numbers in Mulan are not as pivotal to the storytelling or as memorable as they often are in Disney films from that era, songs such as “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”and “Reflection”are well written and serve the story well.

Mulan features some of Disney’s most detailed and colourful hand drawn animation to date. It draws influence from Chinese culture, separating itself aesthetically from many of Disney’s other films. Additionally, it is one of Disney Animation’s most action packed  films, featuring some genuinely intense fight sequences.

In the end, Mulan is a complex, action-packed and thoroughly entertaining film that ranks among Disney Animation’s very best.

*still courtesy of Disney*

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Tristan French