Mulan Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Girl dodges arranged marriage by becoming a super-powered soldier, battles a shapeshifting witch and a warlord, and somehow convinces everyone that girls can be heroes too, all while lacking any catchy songs or a talking dragon.

🍿 Mulan: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Daughter’s Duty

In Imperial China, Hua Mulan is a spirited young woman with exceptional ‘chi,’ much to the dismay of her parents who wish for her to become a dutiful wife. They arrange a meeting with the matchmaker, but Mulan’s clumsiness leads to disaster, bringing dishonor to her family.

The Emperor’s Decree

To the north, the Rouran warriors, led by Bori Khan, and aided by the witch Xian Lang, threaten the kingdom. The Emperor issues a decree, demanding one man from each family to serve in the army. Mulan’s father, Hua Zhou, weakened by age, prepares to answer the call. Determined to protect him, Mulan secretly takes his armor and sword, and runs away to join the army in his place.

Training and Trials

Disguised as a man named Hua Jun, Mulan enters the training camp led by Commander Tung. She faces rigorous training alongside other recruits, including Honghui, and struggles to conceal her true identity. Mulan excels in combat, mastering her ‘chi’ and proving herself as a capable warrior.

Unveiled and Exiled

During a battle, Mulan’s identity is revealed. The Rourans attack with a trebuchet, and Mulan uses her archery skills and discarded helmets to trigger an avalanche, burying the enemy troops. However, in the process, her true gender is exposed, leading to her expulsion from the army.

The Witch’s Revelation

On her journey home, Mulan encounters Xian Lang, who reveals that the Rouran attacks were a diversion to capture the Emperor. Realizing the impending danger, Mulan returns to warn her battalion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mulan (Yifei Liu): A fearless young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the Imperial Army and protect her country.
• Böri Khan (Jason Scott Lee): The ruthless leader of the Rouran warriors seeking revenge against the Emperor for his father’s death.
• Xianniang (Gong Li): A powerful witch who allies with Böri Khan, seeking acceptance and recognition for her abilities.
• Commander Tung (Donnie Yen): The honorable commander of the Imperial Army who mentors Mulan and values loyalty and bravery.
• Emperor (Jet Li): The respected ruler of China who faces threats from invaders and relies on his army’s strength.
• Hua Zhou (Tzi Ma): Mulan’s honorable and ailing father, whose love and duty inspires her to take his place in the army.
• Honghui (Yoson An): A fellow soldier and friend of Mulan who initially doesn’t know her secret but eventually supports her.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mulan: “Yes… I will bring honor to us all.” – Mulan says this to her father as she decides to take his place in the army, hoping to protect him and bring honor to her family.
• Commander Tung: “Loyal, brave, and true.” – Commander Tung constantly reminds his troop, highlighting the virtues expected of a soldier.
• Xianniang: “You and I are not so different.” – Xianniang tells this to Mulan, revealing that she and Mulan are very similar.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $200,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $0
• Worldwide Gross: $69,965,374

💥 Mulan Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to love this movie, especially being a big fan of the animated version. The visuals were beautiful, and the action scenes were well done. However, I felt like something was missing. The characters didn’t resonate with me as much as they did in the original, and I missed the humor and the songs. I was particularly let down by the lack of Mushu. I appreciated that they tried to tell a more mature story, but it just didn’t quite capture the magic of the animated Mulan.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in Chinese folklore”
  • “Those who enjoy action-packed films”
  • “Families looking for a female-led adventure”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Martial arts violence”
  • “War themes”
  • “Some scenes may be intense for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A visually stunning but ultimately hollow epic, ‘Mulan’ replaces the charm and humor of the animated classic with a more serious tone that doesn’t quite land. The action sequences are impressive, but the emotional core feels strangely absent, leaving a beautifully crafted but somewhat empty experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While ‘Mulan’ delivers on spectacle with its grand visuals and elaborate fight choreography, it struggles to find its own identity. The film feels caught between honoring the original and forging a new path, resulting in a mixed bag of engaging action and underdeveloped character arcs.
• Screen Rant: “Disney’s live-action ‘Mulan’ is an exercise in wasted potential, stripping away the heart and soul of the animated classic while adding little of substance. The action is competent, but the characters are bland, and the plot is muddled, making for a disappointing and forgettable experience.

Audience Reactions

The action sequences were visually stunning and exciting.: Many viewers appreciated the attempt to create a more mature and epic version of the story, praising the cinematography and fight choreography.

Missed the songs and humor of the original animated movie.: Several viewers felt the film lacked the heart and charm of the original, particularly missing the beloved characters like Mushu and the catchy songs.

Overall Consensus: A visually impressive but ultimately disappointing remake that fails to capture the heart and charm of the animated original.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ming-Na Wen, who voiced Mulan in the 1998 animated film, makes a cameo appearance as the esteemed guest who introduces Mulan to the Emperor.”
• “The Walt Disney Pictures logo is Chinese-themed, featuring Chinese landscapes and the Shanghai Disneyland Castle with Chinese architecture.”
• “Unlike the animated version, Mushu was replaced with a phoenix to align more closely with traditional Chinese culture.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mulan?

Mulan (2020) is available for streaming on Disney+. You may also find opportunities to rent or purchase the film through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your preferred platform for current availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mulan, you might like these similar films:

• Mulan (1998): The original animated version of the Mulan story, offering a different take on the same classic tale.
• Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000): Features strong female characters and stunning martial arts sequences in a historical Chinese setting.
• The Karate Kid (2010): An American-Chinese martial arts drama film; a remake of the 1984 film with the same name.
• Wonder Woman (2017): A female-led superhero film where the protagonist defies expectations and fights for what she believes in.

🛒 Mulan Related Products

• Disney Mulan Funko Pop! – Mulan in Warrior Outfit: Add this detailed Funko Pop! figure of Mulan in her warrior outfit to your collection. A must-have for fans of the movie, this figure perfectly captures Mulan’s bravery and determination.
• Mulan Movie Poster (2020): The official theatrical release poster of Mulan (2020). Excellent quality, and makes a great decoration for home theatres.
• Disney Mulan: Calligraphy Brush Pen Set: A decorative brush pen set related to Mulan.
• Mulan: The Story of Fa Mulan: This classic retelling of the Legend of Mulan. This beautifully illustrated hardcover is perfect for readers of all ages who want to discover the inspiring story of Mulan.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mulan features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Reflection (2020)” – performed by Christina Aguilera
• “Loyal Brave True” – performed by Christina Aguilera

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mulan 1998 vs Mulan 2020 Comparison

Curious to see how the live-action Mulan compares to the animated classic? Check out this side-by-side comparison that breaks down key scenes.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ueNjLfOqrXk

Mulan: A Case of Failed Empowerment | Video Essay

Looking for a different take on Mulan? This video essay explores how the 2020 remake handled female empowerment and why it might have fallen short.

Mulan is the Worst Disney Live-Action Remake So Far

Disappointed with the live-action Mulan? You’re not alone! This review breaks down why the film falls flat.

The Real Story of Mulan 😲 #chineseculture #mulan #chinesehistory #womenshistory #ancientchina

Interested in the true story behind Mulan? This video takes a fascinating dive into the historical and cultural context that inspired the legend.

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