Mulan (2020)

Disney live action remakes of their Renaissance animated classics lately have been on such a downward trajectory with their dismal quality. The main reason Disney has been producing these features is mostly just how much money they would make for the studio pre-COVID. Those flicks bank on nostalgia to distract audiences from their big obvious problems (similar issues that have been noted in my past reviews within that group). As audiences and critics started catching on about this (esp. with Lion King 2019), the next on in the lineup showed potential promise that could be break the mold. This brings us to Mulan (2020), which was directed by Niki Caro and is an adaptation of the 1998 animated film (which was based on the Chinese folklore "The Ballad of Mulan"). What appeared to be solid setup for success backfired on this remake for a number of reasons. The COVID pandemic halted any chance for a theatrical release (in the US) and the studio eventually reached a different decision for it: they pushed it into international theaters (mainly their target China) and onto its streaming service Disney+ (for a premium cost). Months after it widely publicized troubles, I finally got to watching it and felt bored by this disappointment.

Controversies: This is arguably the most controversial product among this aforementioned slate for a variety of reasons. The main actress had publicly voiced her support for the Hong Kong police during the protests going on in that area at the time, leading to the product used as a political weapon. In addition, it was discovered that parts of the filming took place near a Muslim concentration as that government was thanked in the end credits. On the streaming service, initially subscribers were able to unlock it if they paid $30 premium price as long as they stayed subscribed (before being changed to being free recently). Then it stopped being a Disney+ exclusive on platforms such as Apple iTunes and Google Play to own it with bonus behind the scenes and in 4K the former of the 3 didn't have.  

My Thoughts on Mulan (1998): As far as the animated classic is concerned it's not among my personal Disney favorites but rewatching it again has shown how much of it has mostly aged well. For a 90 minute family flick with a comedic approach to this dire situation, it manages to let its characters emote properly when the moments matter. The montage of Mulan making her decision to leave for the army is a perfect example with her lingering looks to her family before she departs and how she puts on the armor hit well. The songs hold up well including how Reflections is seen as a coming out song over the years. The only main things holding it back are the hit or miss jokes and the lackluster villain. ⭑⭑⭑⭑1/4

What's it about? The story follows a young woman gifted who joins the army in her fathers place when the emperor of China is threatened by an invading force. On paper, the omissions from the 1998 version would allow more chances for other elements to feel fleshed out for the serious direction it's aiming for. There is an intended message about female empowerment that has been on the track mind of the producers these past couple of years present here. The colors of the environment and outfits are fairly nice to look at.

The execution, however, falls flat incredibly hard for one central reason: the 4 white screenwriters didn't understand why people find female leads and their growth in conflict engaging. The empowerment intent doesn't work as the heroine here if gifted with magic chi from birth (normally born in boys) and can perform wuxia martial arts flawlessly (before the army camp). This contributes to her training camp montage feeling hollow along with lack of any meaningful bonds there due to flat characterization. With its devotion to following the 1998 plot (minus the songs, Mushu, and Shang), it botches important moments that end up feeling forced with the clunky dialogue and boring lengthy runtime. The action sequences are overly edited with many quick cuts and physics defying moves via wire work look off. 

 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Yifei Liu and Gong Li. Yifei is surprisingly stiff in her acting that barely conveys emotions though it's difficult to tell if it's either her performance, the direction she's given, or the bland characterization. Gong fares better as a new addition in this adaptation where it feels like she took better advantage of her role (being a more experiences actress helps her too). Honorable mentions Tzi Ma and Yoson An with the former doing decent work with his limited parent role while the latter arguably gives the best performance, which isn't saying much, while getting close to competent characterization. Dishonorable mentions go to Jet Li, Jun Yu, Jimmy Wong, Chen Tang, and Doua Moua for the former giving a weak portrayal in unidentifiable makeup (he's the emperor) while the latter 3 are cringe to watch deliver attempts at "comic relief".

 

Overall Consensus: Mulan 2020 fails as an adaptation due to its clunky dialogue, rushed script lacking investment in characters, bland characterization of its heroine and villain, overly edited action, weak acting, and boring long runtime. ⭑⭑ Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes PG-13

 

Reasons to watch it: You are a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or Niki Caro. You have seen the 1998 animated classic and want to see how this remake compares. You want to see nice looking costumes and decent China scenery. 

 

Reasons to avoid it: You aren't a fan of the aforementioned actors and/or Niki Caro. You love the 1998 animated classic and don't want to see this version ruin its opportunity. You dislike female empowerment butchered in Disney films that make the main protagonist feel wooden and a Mary Sue. You aren't a fan of attempts to pander to China. You enjoy watching Wuxia martial arts but don't want to see it look mishandled. You are annoyed with past references from past studio works being forcefully delivered in dialogue.