Mulan
Disney+
After multiple delays and changes in release date, Disney finally has released Niki Caro's Mulan, continuing the studio's recent tradition of systematically remaking their animated classics in a live action format. Where these remakes have been misfire after misfire, as of recent, 2020's Mulan promised to stand out as a unique adaptation, not only changing specific story beats within the tale but also garnering a rare PG-13 rating for a Disney wide release. Where on paper it might seem like these changes will open the door for Mulan to be something truly unique compared to the 1998 original, the final project feels surprisingly dull – not sticking out as either one of the best or worst live-action remakes to come from Disney in recent memory.
If there is one aspect of the film to respect, it would be the production qualities within it. With a full Disney theatrical budget behind the film, Mulan is able to conjure some truly spectacular sets and costumes that stand out as inspired and clearly a result of effort. From the grand battles to intimate emotional moments, 2020's Mulan really does a wonderful job translating its iconic world to the live action realm in a way that feels not only rewarding to fans of the original but also unique enough to not feel as if it is going through the motions.
In an ideal world, this balance could also be said about the screenplay, but it is clear that the reality this screenplay comes from is far from that ideal timeline. Originally, the criticisms surrounding the film taking out various characters and elements, such as the songs, seemed like holding the film to a double standard, considering recent Disney live-action remakes have been chastised for being carbon copies of their original animated classics, but the film fails to find enough of a unique identity of its own to justify lacking these classic elements. Where, naturally, the film has to do some work to fill the roles of other characters that have been cut from the screenplay, large portions of the film feel like they are going through the motions of the 1998 original but without the charm or enjoyment. Mulan's attempt to find a serious and mature tone ultimately leads to more dullness than engagement with the movie, lacking the magic and fun of the original without finding enough change to fill those voids with something else. When mixed with issues that have plagued Disney continually, such as yet another disappointment indulgence of queer baiting, it becomes clear early on that the screenplay is the weakest part of the film. Yet, still, when compared to the dumpster fire of recent Disney live-action remakes, such as Dumbo and Aladdin, the competence within it can also at least be appreciated to some degree.
Where the PG-13 rating ultimately fails to give the film a new bold identity, it at least does lead to more freedom within the action, which stands out as an overall positive. Especially in sword combat, the fight choreography does deliver quite a bit with legitimately nail biting action that felt engaging and well built. It also serves as a good showcase for Liu Yifei, who, despite undoubtedly deserving attention and criticism for her problematic views on the Hong Kong Protests, does a solid job in the role of Mulan. It is always a difficult task to ask an actor to take on an iconic character such as Mulan, who naturally has an expected personality and voice behind her, but Yifei does a really wonderful job translating the character to live action by capturing both the clumsiness and braveness in a matter that feels realistic and grounded.
On the topic of problematic elements behind the scenes, it also is worth mentioning the disappointment in the choice to have a white individual behind the camera in the role of director. For a film that touts itself for an Asian cast and general celebration of representation, the decision to give someone like Niki Caro the steering wheel to the film, despite doing a perfectly solid job, is yet another act of defiance for actual change and true representation to come from Disney who has had so many problematic decisions both on and off camera, in the past decade alone, that it is easy to lose count of every single one.
In the context of Disney Live-Action remakes, Mulan undoubtedly rises above the bottom but also fails to find enough of a captivating unique voice to rise to the top either. It is a perfectly fine film, with clear highlights in the production design and acting, but feels equally frustrating at times for its screenplay and problematic choices both on and off camera. While it is hard to find enough positives to justify a $30 price tag, once the film releases onto Disney+ for no extra fees on December 4th, it also is a film that is hard to warn to stay away from. It comes nowhere near to capturing the magic of the 1998 original, but Mulan is far from offensive to the original material.
