The Legend of Mu Lan: A Heroine of Ancient China is a ballad that has been around for centuries. A female warrior was unheard of, but Mulan inspires both girls and boys to be exactly what they are supposed to be. However, is the live-action Mulan suitable for all ages. This PG-13 movie is a far cry from the animated one. This Christian Movie Review of Disney Mulan will give you the information that you need to determine if this film is suitable for your family and children. I will tell you the good and bad from a mom’s perspective. If you would like to know how I do movie reviews, read here!

SYNOPSIS: A CHRISTIAN REVIEW OF DISNEY MULAN

Mulan is a live-action movie directed by Niki Caro and produced using a full-Asian cast.

Due to invading mercenaries, the Emperor of China (Jet Li) issues a decree to build a mighty army. All families will supply one man to protect China. Hua Mulan (Yifei Liu) is the eldest daughter of a celebrated warrior, however, he is aging and not well. 

Mulan sneaks out in the cover of darkness and joins the army by pretending to be a man. She risks her very life, and the honor of her family to become one of the greatest warriors known throughout China.

 Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, Mulan must be careful every step of the way to make sure her true identity is not revealed. Additionally, she must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. “It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father,” says Disney+.

Additional casting: Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Tzi Ma as Zhou, Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Honghui; Ron Yuan as Sergeant Qiang; and Gong Li as Xianniang.

Christian Review of the Live-Action Mulan Movie:

The Good:

I absolutely loved the animated Disney Mulan movie. In that version, there is wit and humor, a strong female Asian character, and the chance to teach our children about a different culture. 

Disney has stated that they wanted Mulan to be closer to the original ballad, and that is why some elements from the animated movie were removed. Ultimately, they did get closer to the original ballad.

The imagery is beautiful. This cinematography doesn’t disappoint. Disney’s casting, outfits, and attention to detail are all present and perfect.

The Matchmaker scene in the tea room is adorable. This was probably my favorite part of the movie overall.

The Bad:

Missing are my favorite parts of the animated version:

• The Songs – one of my favorite Disney songs is Make A Man Out of You
• Mushu – the comedy and wit of the little dragon are absent from this film.
• The comradery of the soldiers. Mulan was friends with the soldiers. In this version, there is a lack of warmth.

There are hints of music from the original film without the words. Additionally, there are lines from the original film spoken throughout the movie. However, the movie lacks the spark of the animated Mulan. This movie feels and seems more like a Marvel production than a Disney family movie.

This movie deals with some themes that may be hard for families to deal with. Mulan is about a fierce warrior. There are intense battle scenes, but as a Christian, I felt there was other even more objectionable content. 

Language:

There is absolutely no objectionable language in Disney Mulan.

Nudity/Sexual Content:

While there is no sexual content, there is some implied nudity. There is one scene where Mulan enters the tent with soldiers undressing. Nothing is seen on camera and Mulan looks uncomfortable.

In another scene, Mulan is in a lake and another soldier enters the water. Again, nothing is seen. Additionally, it is reported that Disney removed a romantic scene due to Chinese censors.

Spiritual Content:

“Qi is for warriors.” It is defined by Websters as “the circulating life force whose existence and properties are the basis of much Chinese philosophy and medicine.” A main theme in this movie is Qi and Mulan’s energy force. 

Mulan’s father prays to the ancestors and ask for protection over Mulan. Later a Phoenix is seen leading Mulan. 

While much of a movie’s religious themes can be used as a teaching moment, some of Mulan’s spiritual content is where I have my biggest objections. Chinese religions and culture are obviously much different than Christian culture and traditions. However, there is an “ick” factor in some of this movie.

For instance, there is dark magic that is not necessary for this movie. It is confusing to me that Disney even placed this in the movie. It was an unnecessary storyline. The shadow witch shapeshifts, enters people, and seems to “possess” them. Although, shapeshifters can be found in Chinese mythology.

Other Things to Consider While Watching Mulan:

Disney has been criticized for the location in the filming of this movie. It is important to note that the very location of the filming is an area where great persecution is taking place.

“After the film’s release last Friday, observers noted another controversial element: in the final credits Disney offers “special thanks” to eight government entities in Xinjiang, including the public security bureau in Turpan, a city in eastern Xinjiang where several re-education camps have been documented.” For those of you unsure of “re-education camps,” this means that the Chinese government has been rounding up people and forcing them into “prison-like facilities” and oftentimes using them as forced labor.

Additionally, the actors have been widely criticized for their support of the Chinese government and the pro-police stance they have taken against the pro-democracy citizens in Hong Kong.

Origins of the Original Mulan:

Mulan is based on a poem that has been changed over the last thousand or so years. And the origins of the story are questioned. The original Mulan story is not what is portrayed by Disney’s animated or live action movie. The earliest version in print today is based on a short poem that was taken from a “folk tale.” 

You know how folk tales or fairy tales were passed down from generation to generation, and then someone like The Brothers Grimm wrote a version of them down?

The earliest version of Mulan that we have in written form is entitled The Ballad of Mulan. This written poem is from the 12th century, but is believed to have its origins in the 4th or 5th century.

While the outline of the ballad can be found within Disney’s animated film, the question remains, “Why did Disney deviate from the Ballad in the live-action film?” 

The original poem, Mulan takes her father’s place in battle because there are no other men in her family. Mulan is gone from home for 12 years, and it is only after she returns home that her secret is found out. Furthermore, the poem never mentions her father’s health. The ballad doesn’t describe her father as old or in poor health, but only that there were no adult sons in the family. 

Recommendations for Viewing:

This Christian Movie Review of Disney Mulan is for parents wanting to know more. I usually give age recommendations. Generally, our family does not watch many PG-13 movies, however, this movie can be easily be watched by children younger than 13 years old. My overall age recommendation is 10 and up.

Disney+ subscribers can watch Mulan now with Premier Access for $29.99.  Additionally, once you have Premier Access to Mulan, you can watch as many times as you want on any platform where Disney+ is available. Mulan will be available for free on Disney+ in December 2020.

One Last Thing About Disney Mulan:

If you watch Mulan watch for an appearance from the original Mulan, Ming-Na Wen.

Visit Disney+ to sign up to access Mulan and other great content.