Mulan – A Small Screen Epic Adaptation (Early Review)

In a year full of delayed film releases, Disney’s latest live action adaptation of their 1998 animated classic Mulan, the aptly-titled Mulan was sent to Disney+ as a result of being pulled prior to its initial release date of March 9th because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the trailers that have been released so far, the first question will surely be revolving its suitability on a smaller screen. The answer to that question is that while the big screen would definitely make for an epic experience, the film still translates well to a smaller screen as a majority of that epic feel remains. Though the bar was admittedly not that high to begin with, the film easily takes its place as the best live action adaptation to date, mostly for those reasons, it wasn’t without its issues. Compared to the animated original, this film may carve its own path but it could only get so far away from those same Disney film pitfalls. Nevertheless, the film still caters to younger audiences despite what the rating may suggest.

As it goes with Disney’s live action adaptations, those who have seen the original can surely figure out how this one goes for the most part but for everyone else, Mulan follows a young, headstrong woman named Mulan (Yifei) who just wasn’t like everyone else, much to the chagrin of her family. She did not fit the norm for women which was to marry and bring honor to her family. As their attempts to make her fit that mould failed, it was clear that she was destined for something more. Despite all of that, Mulan and her father Zhou (Ma) were very close as he arguably enabled her unusual ways. However, all things must come to an end as she had to grow up. Suffice it to say that it would be an understatement as she would disguise herself as a man and take the place of her father who was conscripted into war (there’s a story behind it but it didn’t really matter all that much).

At the end of the day, Mulan is still a journey of self-discovery and for that, the film still works. With or without the gift of hindsight (of the original or Disney movies as a whole), the story was on the predictable side as it somewhat forces some of those sentimental moments. That being said, there were still a fair share of compelling moments to be had, be it with Mulan and her father (despite the forced stuff) or between Mulan and the young cast of characters that made up her battalion. Though most were not skilled at the art of war, they all had to essentially grow up while Mulan faced the added obstacle of keeping her true identity a secret. The film played out that balancing act in a series of funny moments. Meanwhile, another distraction was a potential love interest in the form of another solider named named Honghui (Yonson An), taking the place of General Li from the original film. Serving as Mulan’s biggest rival, she and Honghui shared a connection as he saw her differently than the others.

As mentioned, Mulan has an epic feel unlike many Disney films. The scale that the film manages to pull off was a surprise, capturing the exciting albeit surprisingly few battle sequences across the vast New Zealand countryside (masquerading as China). Along those lines, the cinematography was beautiful whenever it didn’t get lost in editing or overly-flashy camerawork (despite just okay special effects). Meanwhile, the quality production design is something one has come to expect from a Disney feature. From the costumes to the set designs, the authenticity was there. However, one of the film’s biggest problems was its script. The predictability and the contrived nature somewhat come with the territory but the occasional corny dialog does jump out.

In the end, what makes Mulan work more often than not was its performances starting with Yifei as Mulan. While many viewers may know the story for the most part, her energy and presence as a flawed firecracker of a young woman makes it feel fresh this time around. Viewers will be with her every step of the way thanks to her relatability and vulnerability across her character arc. Yifei was easily the best part of the film. Meanwhile. her chemistry with Ma as her father Zhou was a close second. Their relationship was a pillar of the film and they sell it beautifully all the way until the end. Yen was also powerful in a limited role as the stoic Commander Tung where he certainly got to show the skills he is known for. He should be in more things.

Overall, Mulan is the epic Disney adaptation that we’ve all been waiting for. Whether or not the rental price will keep people waiting remains to be seen but those willing to go ahead will be treated to a solid small screen theatrical experience.

still courtesy of Disney

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.