"Mulan" got an action-packed remake. The real-life version is now being published on Disney +. Was it worth the wait?
"Mulan" will make it to all fans this year. However, the real-life version of the Disney classic will not appear on the big screens of the world as planned, but from September 4th on the Disney + streaming service. However, the film is initially not available to customers with a regular subscription. VIP access is required for this, at a price of 21.99 euros. From December 4th, "Mulan" will also be available to all regular subscribers. Anyone expecting a one-to-one live-action version of the 1998 cartoon may be disappointed.
The Hua Mulan saga: that's what it's all about
Mulan, played by Yifei Liu (33, "Forbidden Kingdom"), who lives in a round house with her mother, father and sister, is extraordinary even as a child. When hunting for a chicken, you can see her talent for warfare. However, she shouldn't show this to anyone, warns her father.
Years later, Mulan is supposed to be busy finding a husband, but things turn out differently: When China is invaded by invaders from the north, every family has to send a man into battle. The young woman secretly goes to the army instead of her father and pretends to be a man. After hard training, Mulan's skills crystallize and she proves herself in combat. But: Can she keep hiding that she is a woman and will she be able to save China?
Her "Chi" makes Mulan a superhero
The real-life version by director Niki Caro (53, "Whale Rider") has a few differences to the cartoon version. So Mulan does not learn the art of war piece by piece, but it was put in her cradle from birth. There is always talk of "Chi". The Chinese term is best translated as force and energy in relation to the film. As a woman, Mulan always had to keep her "Chi" a secret, as a "man" in the army she can finally let the "Chi" run free and is capable of unbelievable things: She hits her target with her arrows, carries heavy buckets of water up a mountain or else jumps over roofs in huge leaps.
None of it reminds of the dear girl from the cartoon, who impressed above all with her head. Mulan is still portrayed as being clever, but the superhero power takes that into the background. From the clumsy girl, the figure develops into a courageous, self-confident warrior.
Bad witch instead of funny mushu
The new Mulan no longer needs her former companion, the small, red, funny dragon Mushu. He is completely absent. Instead of Mushu, a beautiful, colorful phoenix watches over the warrior – but the warrior cannot speak. The lucky cricket has been replaced by a rather boring spider. Some people are modeled on the cartoon characters, such as the funny companions in war, the loving old father or the wise king of China.
There are also new characters. Mulan now has a sister. The opponents are also supported by the powerful witch Xian Lang (Gong Li, 54). This role was developed from the cartoon character of the eagle, the right-hand man of the violent leader Bori Khan (Jason Scott Lee, 53). The role of Captain Li Shang has been adapted: the main male character is now the recruit Chen Honghui (Yoson An, 28). The possible romance between him and Mulan is clearly in the background. One thing is in the foreground: women power.
Between clichés and strong visual effects
The real-life version continues to play with role clichés. Not only men, but above all women stand in Mulan's way and implore her to behave "feminine". Some women in the film, first and foremost the matchmaker, represent a certain image of women: She should bring "honor to the house" and be a good wife, "silent, controlled, graceful and disciplined". But these ideas are finally broken. Mulan develops into a warrior who is "loyal, courageous and sincere".
The portrayal of China is also shaped by stereotypes, with the actors' classic costumes shining with color and attention to detail.
Right from the start, viewers are drawn into the world of Mulan. This works not only through the excellent acting, but above all through the strong visual effects. Rich colors, an exciting camera work and dreamlike landscape pictures play their part. In addition, there are the ingenious fight choreographies that provide surprising moments.
Conclusion
The real version of "Mulan" shines with funny scenes and conversations as well as serious, touching moments. The saga of Hua Mulan invites you to laugh and cry. Although "Mulan" fans already know the ending, the film will not be boring – mainly thanks to the numerous innovations. There is always excitement. With the feminist pioneer Mulan, Disney is creating a new superhero who uses her "Chi" for good. The "new" story is convincing. It is hardly noticeable that the musical numbers and Mushu are missing.
A downer: the elaborate action shots might not look as impressive on a small TV screen as they do on the big cinema screen. "Mulan" would have been a classic blockbuster. But the real film version also has a great cinema to offer in your own four walls.