by Shane Conto
So, who will be dropping their $29.99 on Disney+ to acquire the Premiere Access to Mulan? Honestly, this whole article could be a discussion about this new pricing plan for a new film on a streaming site that you already pay for. But that isn’t the real question that I should be asking is it? The real question has to be…is it worth spending $29.99 for Mulan? This is the highest profile film to be released by Disney since this whole pandemic happened. The film is a remake of a beloved animated film from the 1990’s. Sounds like a couple of big reasons why it might be worth it.
But in the end, it should really come down to whether it is a good film.
Mulan is helmed by the Kiwi director of Whale Rider, Niki Caro. This is an interesting choice with the heavy Asian focus of the film but you can definitely see why she was chosen to direct this film once you see it. The film has a beautiful production to say the least. The colors pop and the visuals are inspired. Unfortunately, there are a number of moments where the CGI is incredibly bad with characters looking like rag dolls. The cinematography can be best described as ambitious. The camera movements are extremely different for something you are seeing in a big budget American film. The action sequences feel much more dynamic as the camera tilts and moves in unique ways. The film also has an energy that carries this almost 2-hour film. The word that most describes my feeling watching this film is…fun! There just feels like there is a sense of joy throughout the film.
Tonally though, the film does get hindered by how “Disney” it feels.
You can tell that this film aspires to be a great historical epic mixed with traditional martial arts films. That was a bold choice for this film as it moved away the original animated feature in many ways. I am surprised to see the middling audience ratings for the film. Most likely, audiences expected the same treatment that The Lion King got with it being basically the same exact film. This is not. This feels more mature and less concerned about giving music numbers and talking dragons. That is honestly a good thing for this film. The issue is that when it really tries to lean into being a historical drama it feels a bit too watered down. You see plenty of people getting stabbed and maimed but there is literally not a single drop of blood. This just felt so unrealistic.
The film has four credited screenwriters on board and there are definitely times the script feels like it.
There is no feeling of a singular vision with the story and themes. It is hard to accomplish a deep and resonating film when a group of people are trying to balance all of their perspectives and ideas into one cohesive screenplay. This remake does capture the basic themes of breaking tradition and woman breaking gender roles from the original film, but it really doesn’t dig any deeper than the original. The story progresses as you would expect and there aren’t any real surprises either. The one inspired aspect of the screenplay that stuck out to me were the interesting antagonists. Jason Scott Lee’s Bori Khan has strong motivations for why he wants to take down the Emperor in the story. Lee’s performance is also charismatic and inspired. Li Gong portrays a witch with a penchant for birds who has a strong connection thematically with Mulan…and she is really cool in the action sequences too. The film also avoids an overtly stereotypical love story that would take away from the focus on Mulan.
The cast is a strong mix of veteran actors in supporting roles who bolstered the work of the young lead.
Liu Yifei is a strong lead as Mulan as she brings charisma and presence in her performance. Tzi Ma is endearing as Mulan’s father and their connection is poignant. Donnie Yen is a great addition as he brings a serious presence as the commander of Mulan regiment. As I mentioned before, Lee and Gong both provide strong performances on the other side of this conflict. The one strange bit of the film is the decision to dub Jet Li as the Emperor. It is VERY obvious that it is not his real voice and the choice just feels needless.
Is this the best live action Disney remake to come out in the past decade?
I still believe that the crown has to go to The Jungle Book. Mulan does follow closer to that film in trying something different and inspired instead of making a shot for shot remake. Mulan falls more in line with Cinderella as it is a fun film that delivers well enough to give a good experience. So, is it worth the $29.99 you have to pay to see if now on Disney+? How much would you pay for a fun time watching a new blockbuster film from the comfort of your own home?
Grade: B