Disney is known for its Princess line. The problem with this is that up until recently, the heroines have followed the same trajectory in terms of plot line (i.e. princess looking for a prince, the standard happily ever after,etc).
In 1998’s Mulan, they tried a new plot that did not revolve around their heroine looking for a significant other. Based on the Chinese myth, Mulan (voiced by Ming Na-Wen) is an only child. Like all girls, she is expected to conform and eventually marry. Then the Huns invade and all men are expected to serve in the army. The problem is that Mulan’s father is getting up there in age and she worries that he will not survive. Pretending to be a boy, she takes his place.
Her ancestors, who try to discourage Mulan send Mushu (voiced by Eddie Murphy), to stop Mulan. But Mulan is determined to take her father’s place and Mushu, seeing that she will not change her mind, stays with Mulan. Will she survive and will she be unmasked? What will be the consequences of her choice?
This is Disney dipping their toe in the sea of feminism. While it is not full feminism (that would come with Brave in 2012), it’s not a bad movie and the message to the young females in the audience is certainly more empowering than past films.
And with every Disney movie, comes the obligatory theme song.
Do I recommend it? Why not?
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