snmeesala101

I hardly ever comment but after all the weird and unfair hate this movie is getting - here I am. Let me start by emphasizing that I'm absolutely fan of the animated Mulan fan and have been from childhood. My very first pair of shoes were Mulan light-up shoes! However, despite many of the movie critics ('cause what do they know right?) liked the movie, some of the audience's critiques (some baseless) started to get to me. After watching the film, I am so glad I didn't listen!

I wasn't alone either. I watched the admittedly pricey film with my parents who often get bored with films very easily and absolutely dread childish movies. I was a bit nervous at the beginning when the movie started a little slow but I was relieved to find it was short lived 'cause the movie picks up quickly afterwards. Soon we were laughing, moved, and completely stunned by the beautiful movie all while being on the edge of our seats. I was even crying not even 20 minutes in!

I would like to spend the rest of this review answering back to some of the critiques that I've been hearing that I had mentioned above because some are just ... well let's discuss!

First and foremost, I felt the film did a much better justice to paint how beautiful, breathtaking, and truly amazing Chinese culture and history is. Are there places where they got it wrong, I'm sure. But is it a step in the right direction? Yes.

Second of all, this Mulan rendition gave depth, especially in places in the story that Disney had originally skipped over. One example is how it covered a glaring plot hole in the animation by explaining what exactly was it in Mulan that made her truly different from everyone else to point of her and her family fearing dishonor (giving context to Reflection and Mulan's overall character). It also solidified the supporting cast as actual soldiers instead of being a comedic bunch who happen to be able to throw a punch despite months of military training. Even minor characters such as the the emperor was given more room and not portrayed as a damsel in distress along with the major villain. Each was shown to be a skilled leader with their own goals and history, making me love them way more in this movie than the animated one.

Sure there is no Mushu or singing and dancing cast. But now, I'm absolutely glad they weren't in this movie which ultimately uplifted the female empowerment message of the movie. With no Mushu to push her or "guide" Mulan, all the burden squarely on her shoulders giving her more agency. Seeing her accept who she is and choosing to follow her heart despite the very real consequences of death or expulsion/dishonor was made all the more satisfying and moving to witness. She didn't need a talking dragon to parent her, especially when it was simply a token character created to make a cultural movie more digestible to an audience who would not have otherwise been attracted to a telling of a cultural folktale to begin with.

Side note: I think many misunderstood the purpose of her "skills" as something alike to being a chosen one which simply isn't the case because the movie clearly stated that men have skills too. It is only a problem when women possesses the same skills as they are seen then as superhuman or witches. I would like to point out that even in the animation, Mulan was depicted to be the only one who had truly shown to have learned martial arts enough to put into combat use. Comb through the scenes and you will see the difference, that few in the army are shown to progress as far as she does. Rather than viewing this as a chosen one film, I would say that the cartoon and live action Mulan both are quick studies, the live action Mulan picking skills up at an earlier age than the cartoon.

No songs were replaced by conversation that achieved the same goal. I almost didn't miss the songs. Don't get me wrong, I still will belt them out whenever the opportunity arises, but now I simply do not look at them the same way. Having that on top of a singing and dancing cast would have made this movie unbearable and cheapen it.

Finally this whole "bad acting" critique.... I'm sure this is coming from people who aren't familiar with watching foreign movies, expecting each character to fluently speak and express English with an animated face. This being an all Asian cast, with English not being the first language of many in the movie, its unrealistic in my opinion to expect an American accent. So of course the dialogue is going to be appear to be "choppy".

Now where did this movie fail? There definitely could have been more comedy. At times, especially later, the movie felt rigid and lacked the same charming fluidity that came with the animation. Maybe it was unavoidable because it was dealing with naturally tougher content? Also the action CGI was a little off (for a lack of a better way to describe it) and flamboyant. On the other hand, I see this often with Asian historical action movies. We all know Disney clearly has the resources and money to do better so maybe this was intentional to appeal to the Asian audience? Who knows? But it didn't take away from the movie one bit. There are a plethora of thrilling scenes to make up for it.

Saw this film on a whim to fight off a stomach bug and can I just say WOW. The action was thoughtfully made to be realistic. That aside, what truly shocked me was the story. I was surprised at how much screen time and dialogue was given to even non significant characters, giving the world more flesh and mind. It was so well written and shot that even a few lines gave insight to the mind of the characters. Even better, I loved how the story focused on non-Western characters whose actors all brought freshness to their respective roles, making an old penny shine new. No one takes anything sitting down and makes no apologies. Overall, stellar movie with great commentary on organized crime life-style in Desi countries.

I just saw this film for the second time and I can truly say this is an incredible film. As a commuter who took the train everyday, it hit home from the setting to the dialogue between characters. The plot was incredibly unique that when things pick up, they PICK UP. The movie was a little slow at first but looking back, it was the writer sowing seeds that reap big later on. My favorite thing about this movie it is as though you are walking with the character, solving it with the main character. Amazing!