SPOILER ALERT: THERE’S NO MUSHU

The hype surrounding Disney’s painstakingly long-awaited live action remake of “Mulan” makes it, arguably, one of the most-anticipated Disney movies in quite some time. Add in the massive delay from the escalation of COVID-19 turning into a pandemic and you’ve got even more mystery and excitement surrounding the film. The story of Mulan is a piece of everyone’s childhood, for both Western and Eastern audiences. Mulan, as a folktale and an animated feature, left imprints on anyone who knew the story of the girl who took her aged and crippled father’s place in war, overcoming all status, gender and filial inequalities placed upon her from birth. Knowing that the live action counterpart to the original was going to be one of the first few to navigate this new era of Disney had those who treasured the film on their feet rejoicing -- until they weren’t.

With a cast full of renowned pioneers of Asians in film, the characters they were given are completely disappointing, and frankly, a travesty to watch.

The 2020 remake of “Mulan” follows the same story of a girl, shamed from failing to impress the matchmaker, taking her father’s place in war with the Rourans. Straying from the original animation, magic plays a huge role in how the tides turn for Mulan. However, just like previous live action remakes, this movie was a mistake. From the plotline to the crew to the magic of Disney, every potential “Mulan” had fell short and felt utterly underwhelming.

Talk around this movie has been brewing long before the movie had even been released. From lead actress Liu Yifei and her support of the Hong Kong police violence against pro-Democratic demonstrations to the entire production team being dominated by non-asians to the film being primarily shot in New Zealand issues. To be clear, the boycott surrounding the film’s release is understandable and worth the effort. Although there are controversies encircling the film, this review will be based entirely on the film alone (including the making of and final product).

Going into the film, it’s already disappointing that some of our favorite characters have been sidelined, even completely cut. Who we are left with from the cast, however, sorely rips to shreds any snippet of joy (or literally any other emotion) that the original animated film gave us. Yes, there’s edge, yes, there’s high stakes—but, does that mean it’s okay to skimp on character development? Definitely not. With a cast full of renowned pioneers of Asians in film, the characters they were given are completely disappointing, and frankly, a travesty to watch.

Mulan’s transformation is undercut by opening the entire film with her doing flips off of awning to catch a chicken sans breaking a sweat. Does having superpowers make for a better story than the good ol’ hard-work of proving oneself as a woman? According to Disney, the answer is yes.

For starters, the new character additions lean more as dramatic effect rather than well thought-out plot points. Award-winning actress Gong Li, for example, played Xianniang, a shape-shifting witch with all the potential in the world to be a symbol of female empowerment and deliver a wrenching character-arc. Instead, the film focuses on her morphing into a flock of birds over and over again rather than giving her the dialogue and screen-time needed to illustrate her true motive. The phoenix served no purpose but to be a pretty bird in the sky; it was continually distracting. The bird would fly in an exaggerated circle and then disappear for ages, only to return for another few dismal seconds. How this feathered friend replaced our fun and fresh and flawed Mushu, the world will never know. Despite the lack of substance, spectacle makes this movie memorable.

It should be impossible, but somehow Disney has turned the most badass character they could have created into the drabbest personality of the entire film. Whether it was this new Mulan Disney had written or actress Liu Yifei, our beloved war-hero was completely bland. The live action skips over that grueling training the 1998 animated Mulan challenged herself to rise up to, rather choosing to give the new Mulan “chi.” “Chi” is a common idea in Chinese spirituality. It represents the life force within someone and in the context of the movie, it provides mystical powers to those who are overflowing with it; unfortunately, this idea of “chi” tramples over any growth Mulan could go through. Not only is it a representation of her spirit, but it gives her incredible agility and strength and fighting ability without blinking an eye. Mulan’s transformation is undercut by opening the entire film with her doing flips off of awning to catch a chicken sans breaking a sweat. Does having superpowers make for a better story than the good ol’ hard-work of proving oneself as a woman? According to Disney, the answer is yes.

Unfortunately, the vividness of each scene just leaves stronger imprints of how the substance of “Mulan” is a let-down. With such striking imagery, it’s hard to forget the unsavory plotline that accompanies each scene.

Besides the elimination of major roles to the 3 stooges—Chien Po, Yao and Ling (hearts are STILL breaking)—there is something to be said about the imagery and cinematography of the movie. Director Niki Caro, cinematographer Mandy Walker, costume designer Bina Daigeler and many more great minds who worked on “Mulan” clearly have poured their heart and soul into working on a visual masterpiece. The film is immersive into a traditional Eastern atmosphere with gorgeous costuming and breath-taking sets. The final battle sequence on the half-built construction site between Bori Khan, played by Jason Scott Lee, and Mulan is sublime, as are most of the action scenes: they’re every bit heart-palpitating and full of suspense. Each moment makes you miss sitting in a theater, fully soaking in the majesty of the visuals. Unfortunately, the vividness of each scene just leaves stronger imprints of how the substance of “Mulan” is a let-down. With such striking imagery, it’s hard to forget the unsavory plotline that accompanies each scene.

Gone are the beloved sing-alongs the 1998 film gave us; however, in their place are big-band orchestral power-pieces that suit the more dramatic edge of the film. Harry Gregson-Williams, composer of the movie’s score, sends you to another dimension with these stunning instrumentals. The soundtrack is cultural, entrancing and evokes more emotion than any character performance featured. The underlying cadence each song provides throughout the film builds intensity yet also soothes. The music follows Mulan’s journey and mirrors her inner turmoil and “growth”. The revamped rendition of “Reflection,” had goosebumps rising from its power. The most pleasant surprise hit right at the end of the credits. Disney had decided to include a mandarin version of “Reflection,” performed by Liu Yifei, which really brought the entire movie home. Even though it was featured at the very end, it’s existence is a beautiful stepping stone for inclusion and diversity.

The final product is almost laughable because the blueprint to success already existed in the 1998 version.

Picturesque scenery and rich melodies sadly do not make up for the lacking storyline and characterization . The final product is almost laughable because the blueprint to success already existed in the 1998 version. Humor and drama and gripping characters were expertly interwoven throughout the entire animated feature. The 1998 “Mulan” has been a well-loved symbol for multiple minority communities. Themes of feminism, being yourself and unexpected friendship are just a few life lessons the live action version brutally waters down—or worse, cuts out entirely. This new, somber rendition of Mulan just doesn’t live up to the gifts the animated film gave us. The live action “Mulan” leaves much to be desired and much to be erased.