REVIEW: Disney’s Live Action Mulan Doesn’t Quite Get Down to Business
Disney’s long-awaited and highly anticipated live action Mulan arrives tomorrow, September 4 on Disney+. The basis of the film centers on Disney Animation’s animated film, Mulan, which first debuted in 1998. That film itself was based on the Ballad of Mulan, an ancient Chinese story. The Chinese Imperial Army must defend their country from invasion and decrees one male from every family joins to fight. Mulan, a devoted daughter, decides to step in and enlists on behalf of her aging and injured father. Women are not allowed to fight in the army, so Mulan goes undercover as a male to protect her family. Along the way she learns more about herself and the lengths she’ll go for her family and her country.
The live action adheres to the same basic outline as the animated version with one major change, the focus of this movie is war. The cinematography is excellent, the costumes are gorgeous, and the fight scenes are intricate and challenging but also beautiful. Gone is the humor and frivolity from the beloved animated flick, this version is serious. The humor added to some of the magic in the animated version and its absence is evident throughout this new take. The live action characters come off very stoic, which fits the ware theme and the rapport of the characters in the animated film doesn’t carry over into this iteration.
The music is also noticeably absent in this new film; only three songs are featured and none propel the story along. There were a number of moments in the movie where a resounding score would have elevated the scene. The one scene I keep going back to from the animated movie is when Mulan climbs the pole to retrieve the arrow. As she climbs, the climax of “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” plays behind her, creating one of the best scenes in Disney cinematic history because of the feelings it evokes as the scene unfolds. There isn’t a comparable moment in the live action, which was sorely missed.
This film takes its own path which is a refreshing angle to see compared to other live action films Disney has created. Going in knowing the live action is a different film from the animated version will help you enjoy this version more. If the animated version isn’t your cup of tea, this new offering will definitely capture your attention. Small children may miss the bright colors and poppy beats of the animated movie but the war scenes in this film are not scary and the message of family loyalty is one parents and children will love. I definitely recommend checking it out when it is released on Disney+, where it will be under the Premier Access portion or in December when it is released on the site for free.
Grade: B