If you are a fan of the 1998 animated “Mulan” fear not because this movie succeeds at giving you what you love. But on the other hand the new version of “Mulan” also dares you to accept a new vision of this story that doesn’t include singing, a strong love interest, a mouthy dragon and comedy elements.
That is a bold strategy on the part of director Niki Caro, who’s vision dares to venture into something new. Many of these Disney remakes have fallen flat because they essential retell the same story. Mulan dares to do something different and in many ways it still works.
The story doesn’t change. 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.
The action sequences & martial arts for this movie are stunning. It was a shame seeing these moments play out at home instead of a big screen but they are beautifully shot and designed. The set pieces for this movie are some of the best Disney has spent that money on. It is clearly designed with spectacle in mind.
Liu Yifei does a good job as the lead, her supporting cast is just as strong with Tzi Ma playing her father with such venerability, Donnie Yeng as Commander Tung, and even Jet Li.
“Mulan” is a strong film but does still have its flaws. At times with its lack of comedy it feels draggy and flat at moments. It also could have gone deeper into it’s depths but at the end of the day this is a Disney remake that challenges fans of the original to forget some of those things they loved and appreciate this new adaptation. The movie feels like more of a “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” and other martial arts films from that time. It’s a visual marvel that is a strong companion with its predecessor.
