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I’ve always enjoyed Disney’s classic princess movies—the ones about a pretty (but perhaps just slightly headstrong) young girl who marries a handsome prince and lives happily ever after in a castle full of pretty pink dresses. But anyone who knows me can tell you that the traditional fairy tales aren’t really me. I’m not a pretty princess kind of girl—which would explain why I relate more to the tough-girl action of Mulan.
For most young Chinese girls, nothing is more important than making a good match—than displaying the poise and beauty needed to be coupled with the right kind of husband. But Mulan (voiced by Ming-Na Wen) isn’t like her peers. She isn’t really interested in things like applying makeup and pouring tea—so when it’s her turn to meet the matchmaker, the interview goes horribly wrong.
Still, Mulan has more important things on her mind. The Huns have attacked, and the emperor has called on one male from each family to serve in the army. Concerned that her disabled father will die in battle, Mulan poses as a man to take his place.
Aware that Mulan will be killed if her deception is discovered, her ancestors decide to send the Great Stone Dragon to bring her home—but, instead, they end up with a bumbling little dragon named Mushu (Eddie Murphy), who decides to turn her into a war hero.
Disney has plenty of princesses for girly-girls, but Mulan is the patron Disney princess of tree-climbing, skateboarding, knee-skinning tomboys. While other princesses would be shopping with their pretty princess friends, trying on frilly dresses and buying makeup, Mulan is doing her chores and taking care of her family. She’s still a girl—and her story still has its share of day-dreaming and teenage crushes—but she also understands the importance of hard work and smarts. And that’s what makes Mulan such an admirable character: she may be a little impulsive at times, but she’s also strong and determined, and she’s not afraid to work for what matters to her.
For that reason, Mulan has more action and adventure than the usual Disney princess movie. First, Mulan has to prove herself in the army, struggling through her training and working hard to excel. Then, once her training is complete, she goes fearlessly into battle, using both her training and her smarts to take on the invading Huns.
Of course, that’s not to say that Mulan is a serious animated film. Though it’s set in the midst of war, it still has plenty of comic relief—mostly in the form of its fun-loving characters. From Mulan’s spunky grandmother and her three bumbling army buddies to wise-cracking Mushu, the characters are lively and fun and brimming with personality—giving the film a great mix of action, drama, and humor.
Really, there’s a lot to love about this Disney classic: its gorgeous hand-drawn animation, its fascinating cultural touches, and, of course, its adorable characters. So if your little princess is more jeans-and-T-shirts than frilly-pink-dresses, she’s sure to love this unconventional princess adventure.
Blu-ray Review:
The 15th Anniversary Blu-ray release of Disney’s Mulan also includes both Blu-ray and DVD copies of the film’s straight-to-video sequel, Mulan II. The release also features a number of classic extras—including deleted scenes, loads of behind-the-scenes features, a commentary track, and more. And if you still remember racing out with your friends to see the movie in theaters (as I do), you won’t want to miss the disc’s collection of ‘90s music videos—including one by boy band 98˚.
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