Mulan

Full Movie Mulan (1998)

Mulan is an animated film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation released in 1998. The Film is inspired by a Chinese legend about Hua Mulan, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to replace her father in the fight against an enemy invasion. With its blend of action, humor, drama, and family values, the film became one of Disney's classics known for its messages of empowerment, courage, and sacrifice.

Background Story

The story is set in ancient China during the time of the Han Dynasty, when the Huns, led by the ruthless Shan Yu, threatened the empire with a massive invasion. To deal with this threat, the Chinese Emperor ordered each family to send one man as a soldier. In the small village, the Fa family faces a dilemma because Fa Zhou, the father of Fa Mulan, is the only man in the family. Although old and frail from previous war wounds, Fa Zhou felt bound by honor to fulfill the country's calling.

The Beginning Of Mulan's Journey

Fa Mulan is a young girl who is intelligent, free-spirited, and not in line with the expectations of Chinese society at the time, which expected women to obey and be good wives. In an attempt to meet the family's expectations, Mulan attends a matchmaking session, but her efforts end in chaos, leaving her feeling she has failed to bring honor to the family. When the call for conscription arrives, Mulan, who does not want her sickly father to go to war, makes a bold decision: she disguises herself as a man named “Ping” and goes to a military training camp to replace her father.

Before leaving, Mulan prays to her family's ancestors for guidance. Ancestor Fa, who watches from the spirit realm, sends Mushu, a clumsy but loyal Little Dragon, to protect Mulan. Mushu, who is actually a fired former guard, hopes this mission will restore his status among the ancestors. Along with Kri-Kee, the lucky cicada, Mushu becomes Mulan's companion on her adventures.

Military Training

At the training camp, Mulan, disguised as Ping, struggles to adapt to the harsh military environment. Initially, he was considered weak and incompetent by Captain Li Shang, the firm but fair leader of the troops. Mulan must also conceal her true identity while trying to prove her worth among her fellow soldiers, including Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po, three soldiers who initially underestimated her. With determination and intelligence, Mulan slowly proves herself through rigorous training, including the challenge of climbing poles with heavy weights, which demonstrates her mental and physical strength. This process not only turns Mulan into a formidable warrior, but also establishes bonds of friendship with her comrades.

Conflict with the Huns

After the training was completed, the Shang troops were sent to confront the Hun troops in the mountains. There, they discover the village has been destroyed and the Imperial forces led by Shang's father have been wiped out. In a battle in a snowy mountain pass, Mulan and her army are outnumbered against a large Hun army. With her ingenuity, Mulan triggers a large avalanche using a cannon, which drowns most of Shan Yu's troops and saves his army. However, in the process, Mulan is injured, and her true identity as a woman is revealed while she is being treated.

This revelation shocked Shang and his army. According to the law, posing as a man to join the military is treason punishable by death. However, Shang, who feels he owes Mulan his life, chooses not to punish him and simply expels him from the team. Left alone in the mountains, Mulan is devastated, but her spirits rise again when she realizes that Shan Yu and some Hun Warriors survived the landslide and are heading for the Imperial City to attack the Emperor.

Climax in the Imperial City

Mulan rushes to the Imperial City to warn Shang and his army, but she is initially ignored due to her status as a woman. With the help of Mushu, Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po, Mulan devises a plan to sneak into the palace and stop Shan Yu, who has taken the Emperor hostage. In an action-packed climactic battle, Mulan uses her wits and courage to trick Shan Yu, leading her to the roof of the palace. With the help of Mushu, who sets off fireworks, Mulan manages to defeat Shan Yu, Save The Emperor, and protect China from the threat of the Huns.

Cover and resolution

After the victory, The Emperor honored Mulan's courage in front of the entire Chinese people, recognizing her as a true hero. The emperor offers her a position on the Royal Council, but Mulan chooses to return to her family, bringing honor in her own way. Shang, who begins to develop feelings for Mulan, visits her in the village, suggesting a potential future romantic relationship. At home, Mulan is lovingly received by her family, and Mushu eventually regains his status as an ancestral Guardian.

Theme and message

Mulan explore themes such as courage, identity, and sacrifice. The Film highlights Mulan's struggle to balance society's expectations with her personal desires, as well as the importance of respecting family without losing one's identity. The story also celebrates women's empowerment, showing that courage and intelligence are not limited by gender. Dengan humor dari Mushu, lagu-lagu ikonik seperti “Reflection” dan “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” serta animasi yang memukau, Mulan conveys a universal message about finding strength in oneself.

Main Characters

• Fa Mulan: A brave and intelligent protagonist, struggling to find his place in the world while protecting his family and country.
• Mushu: A hilarious and loyal Little Dragon, being a humorous speaker as well as a supporter of Mulan.
• Kapten Li Shang: A resolute but fair military leader, who learns to appreciate Mulan for her abilities.
• Shan Yu: The main antagonist, the ruthless and ambitious leader of the Huns.
• Yao, Ling, Chien-Po: Three warriors who become Mulan's best friends, adding elements of comedy and camaraderie.

Production Facts

• Director: Tony Bancroft dan Barry Cook
• Music: Jerry Goldsmith (skor) dan Matthew Wilder (lagu)
• Duration: 88 minutes
• Inspiration: Ancient Chinese ballad about Hua Mulan
• Awards: Nominated for numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Mulan it remains one of Disney's most beloved films, known for its inspiring stories and respectful representation of Chinese culture. The Film was also adapted into a live-action film in 2020, albeit with some changes in story and approach.