Mulan: A Case of Failed Empowerment | Video Essay

The Importance of Mulan

In this section, the speaker talks about how important the character of Mulan is to him and to every single Chinese person. He also discusses how Mulan has been represented in various forms of media.

The Significance of Mulan

• The Ballad of Mulan is taught in elementary school.

• There are numerous adaptations of Mulan in various forms of media.

• The 1998 Disney animated film was a significant moment for Chinese representation on the big screen.

• Mulan's representation as a warrior gave girls in China an important icon and a sense of empowerment.

Live-action Mulan: A Disappointment

In this section, the speaker expresses his disappointment with the live-action adaptation of Mulan by Disney. He compares it to the 1998 animated version and explains where he believes it falls short.

Where Live-action Fails

• The live-action adaptation fails to empower women like its predecessor did.

• The story is set in ancient China when women were expected to get married and bear children, but Mulan defies these expectations by joining the army dressed as a man.

• The original story shows that anyone can be capable regardless of gender, while the live-action version focuses too much on supernatural abilities.

• While the original showed how hard work and determination can lead to success, the live-action relied too heavily on special effects.

Empowering Women in Mulan

This section discusses how the film empowers women by showing that they can be just as capable as men and by empowering femininity.

Mulan's Capabilities

• Mulan learns to be masculine and represents strength.

• She is capable of harnessing strength and power.

• The film values traditionally masculine traits.

Embracing Gender Expression

• Mulan embraces her own gender expression, rejecting hypermasculinity.

• Her friends learn from her and embrace femininity too.

• The film shows that there is strength in both masculinity and femininity.

Rejecting Patriarchy

• The climax of the film has Mulan saving the emperor, not China, which unintentionally suggests that a woman's power is best used to uphold the patriarchy.

• However, Mulan rejects this notion by declining the emperor's offer to join his counsel and instead returns home to bring symbolic honors to her family.

Differences Between Mulan 1998 and 2020

This section highlights some critical differences between the original animated movie and its live-action remake.

Changes in Plot

• In the 2020 version, Mulan is now a naturally gifted fighter, which takes away from her growth alongside her friends.

Criticisms of Remake

• The CGI looks poor compared to the original animation.

• There is no memorable sidekick like Mushu or Cri-Kee.

• The remake fails to capture the essence of the original movie.

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