Mulan (1998)

Detailed Summary

The Huns Invade China

The film opens with the villainous leader Shan Yu and his army of Huns breaching the Great Wall of China, signaling a full-scale invasion. The Emperor of China orders one man from every family to serve in the imperial army, sparking the central conflict of the story.

Mulan’s Decision to Replace Her Father

We are introduced to Fa Mulan, a young woman struggling to meet traditional expectations of femininity. When her aging father, Fa Zhou, is called to serve in the army, Mulan defies the law and secretly takes his place by disguising herself as a man. She cuts her hair, steals her father’s armor, and sets off to join the troops.

Mulan’s Journey to Become a Warrior

Under the alias Ping, Mulan joins the army led by the stern but heroic Captain Li Shang. Initially clumsy and out of place, Mulan eventually proves her worth through hard work, determination, and the help of her ancestral guardian, Mushu (voiced by Eddie Murphy), a small dragon who provides comic relief throughout the film.

The Training Montage – “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”

One of the most iconic parts of the film is the training montage, set to the song “I’ll Make a Man Out of You.” Here, we see Mulan slowly transform into a capable warrior, earning the respect of her fellow soldiers, particularly Captain Shang.

The Battle in the Mountains

In a thrilling and action-packed sequence, Mulan uses her intelligence to create an avalanche that wipes out most of Shan Yu’s army. However, her secret is revealed when she is injured, and Shang decides to spare her life but banishes her from the army.

Mulan Saves the Emperor

Despite being cast out, Mulan follows her instincts and discovers that Shan Yu and a small group of his soldiers have survived. She returns to the capital to warn the Emperor. In the final showdown, Mulan outsmarts Shan Yu once again, saving the Emperor and all of China. Mulan is hailed as a hero and returns home, where she is reunited with her father.

Movie Ending

Mulan is celebrated as a hero by the Emperor, who offers her a prestigious position in his court. She humbly declines, choosing instead to return to her family. At home, Mulan is embraced by her father, who tells her that the greatest honor is having her as a daughter. In the end, Captain Shang, realizing his feelings for Mulan, arrives at her home, hinting at the blossoming of a romantic relationship.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, there are no post-credits scenes in Mulan (1998).

Type of Movie

Mulan (1998) is an animated musical action-adventure film with elements of comedy and drama. It’s aimed at a family audience but carries deeper themes of identity, honor, and self-discovery.

Cast (Voice Actors)

• Ming-Na Wen as Fa Mulan (speaking voice)
• Lea Salonga as Mulan (singing voice)
• Eddie Murphy as Mushu
• BD Wong as Captain Li Shang (speaking voice)
• Donny Osmond as Li Shang (singing voice)
• Miguel Ferrer as Shan Yu
• Pat Morita as The Emperor

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, and the film’s songs were written by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel. Some of the most beloved songs include:

• “Reflection” (sung by Lea Salonga, later made popular by Christina Aguilera)
• “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” (performed by Donny Osmond)
• “A Girl Worth Fighting For”

The music plays a vital role in elevating both the emotional moments and the epic sequences of the film.

Filming Locations (Animation Insights)

Although Mulan is an animated film, the production team drew significant inspiration from real Chinese landscapes and architecture, including the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. These locations are vital to establishing the authentic cultural backdrop against which Mulan’s story unfolds.

Awards and Nominations

• Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score (Jerry Goldsmith)
• Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Score
• Won several Annie Awards, including Outstanding Achievement in Voice Acting (Eddie Murphy) and Best Animated Feature

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Eddie Murphy’s Mushu was initially going to be a serious character, but Murphy’s comedic style shaped Mushu’s final form.
• The animators traveled to China to study the landscapes and cultural artifacts for authenticity.
• The avalanche scene took over a year to animate and involved over 10,000 soldiers drawn to create the massive battle sequence.

Inspirations and References

• Hua Mulan, the legendary Chinese warrior, serves as the main inspiration for the story. The original ballad dates back to the 6th century.
• The film’s themes of gender roles and self-discovery are universally relatable, but the Chinese cultural context grounds the story in tradition and folklore.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no known alternate endings, but some scenes were shortened or adjusted for pacing. In particular, there were originally plans to have a slightly different tone to Mushu’s character, which was later changed to better fit Disney’s style.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While Mulan is based on the Ballad of Mulan, the movie takes creative liberties, especially with the inclusion of Mushu and the more comedic elements. The original legend portrays Mulan as a more serious figure without the lighthearted moments Disney added.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• Mulan’s transformation: Mulan cutting her hair and donning her father’s armor is one of the most powerful scenes in the movie.
• Avalanche battle: Mulan’s quick thinking during the battle in the mountains is a defining moment of her courage.
• The Emperor bows to Mulan: This moment symbolizes Mulan’s complete arc, from outcast to hero.

Iconic Quotes

• Mulan: “Maybe I didn’t go for my father. Maybe what I really wanted was to prove I could do something right.”
• Mushu: “Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Make a note of this: Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow!”
• The Emperor: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• Mulan’s hair cutting scene mirrors a similar moment from Disney’s Pocahontas (1995), symbolizing a drastic change in both characters’ lives.
• The Cricket (Cri-Kee), though a comic relief character, is based on the Chinese belief that crickets are lucky.
• The ancestors’ temple features many visual nods to traditional Chinese ancestor worship practices.

Trivia

• Mulan was the first Disney Princess to take on an active role in warfare, setting her apart from previous princesses.
• Mushu’s name is derived from “Mu Xu”, a Chinese dish made of pork, eggs, and mushrooms.
• Eddie Murphy voiced Mushu just before his work as Donkey in Shrek, another iconic animated sidekick role.

Why Watch?

Mulan (1998) is a must-watch for its empowering message about breaking stereotypes, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable music. It’s a timeless story of self-discovery and courage that resonates across generations and cultures.

Director’s Other Movies

The directors, Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook, are primarily known for their work in animation:

• Home on the Range (2004) (Tony Bancroft)
• Arthur Christmas (2011) (Barry Cook)

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Lion King (1994)
• Pocahontas (1995)
• Beauty and the Beast (1991)
• Brave (2012)
• Kung Fu Panda (2008)