Mulan Turns 20: Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to Your Cow!

Before Merida or Moana, there was Mulan. The first Disney female lead character that showed femininity and toughness in an imperfect, yet endearing package. Mulan turns 20 years old this summer. And although I can hardly believe it’s been that long ago, her birthday seems like the perfect time to celebrate this inspiring film. Consider it preparation for the live-action remake Disney is working on for 2020 (March 27!!). It also happens to be streaming on Netflix, so really, why not?

In full disclosure, I have a soft spot for Mulan. I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Disney animators working on the film during my first trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then called MGM) in the late 1990s. I wasn’t alone. Thousands of park guests that year watched animators at their overly decorated desks working on various scenes and characters for the film. I remember thinking it was a little strange, watching these professionals perfect their craft behind the glass. It reminded me a little bit of being in a zoo. And yet, the experience moved me. Sometimes I think we’re more likely to appreciate something when we’ve witnessed even the tiniest portion of how it’s made.

Photo by Disney.

Even with my open bias for the film, there’s a lot to love about Mulan. For one, she’s unique. She’s one of the few female lead characters in a Disney animated film that isn’t a princess. Alice from Alice in Wonderland is another one, but that was in the 1950s. Can you think of another one? Hmm.. me neither. This distinction gives Mulan characteristics we weren’t used to seeing in a Disney female character up until this point. She’s tough, as I’ve already mentioned, but she’s also goofy, practical and brave. Sometimes she tries too hard and other times she makes ridiculous mistakes. In other words, she’s more relatable. It made her character uniquely refreshing in 1998. She also paved the wave for future characters like Merida, Moana or Anna in more recent Disney films.

Beyond the lead character, there’s so much else to like about Mulan. I appreciate the thoughtful music, the references to Chinese culture and the unforgettable Eddie Murphy. These are not in order. Eddie is probably my favorite part.

So let’s start with him. Actually, I already did, by including one of Eddie Murphy’s silly quotes in the title of this post. (paraphrased from “Dishonor on you! Dishonor on your cow!!”) He adds the much needed comedic relief in this ambitious story of a young girl posing as a male soldier to take her father’s place in war.

Screenshot of Disney’s Mulan

As you may recall, Eddie Murphy’s character is a dragon (DRA-GUN!) named Mushu. Mushu serves the spiritual ancestors of Mulan by ringing a bell to wake them whenever family matters need attention. Mushu is disappointed in this role, as the movie explains, because he was appointed to it as punishment for failing to guard another family member. After another unfortunate accident prevents him from waking the Great Stone Dragon to serve as Mulan’s guide into war, Mushu takes his place and becomes Mulan’s faithful companion.

Mushu’s history is important because it explains his motivation for helping Mulan and his understanding for her many mistakes. He’s part cheerleader and part mentor. His funny comments (“I think my bunny slippers just ran for cover!”) and perfect delivery add so much to the film it makes me nervous for the live action remake. I can easily envision most of the other animated scenes as live-action ones, but incorporating a wise-cracking miniature dragon? Fingers crossed.

Another aspect that I love about Mulan is the music.  The film’s I’ll Make A Man Out of You sung by Donny Osmond as Li Shang is memorable. The performance of Honor to Us All near the beginning of the film is sung by a cast of characters working their way through town similar to Belle from Beauty and the Beast, on a smaller scale.

Photo by Disney.

The best song of the film, in my opinion, is Reflection. For a Disney movie, the lyrics are particularly deep. “Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me?” Mulan ponders. “Why is my reflection someone I don’t know?” Wowza. This isn’t Someday My Prince Will Come kind of stuff. (Which I still love, just making a comparison…) Reflection is about truly knowing who you are and being confident enough to share it with the world around you. Rock on Mulan. If you can send this powerful message to young people everywhere, I applaud you and the talented songwriters (Matthew Wilder and David Zippel) who wrote it for you.

Finally, I love how the film provides a glimpse of Chinese culture. As the first Disney film based in China, it includes some references you might expect, like tea services, rice fields and martial arts. But it also shows the importance of family honor, the beauty of the landscapes and the nation’s rich history. Disney’s version of Mulan is loosely based on a character portrayed in a Chinese poem from around 500 AD. Although Disney took liberties in its translation, the story of a young woman taking her father’s place in war against the Huns remains intact. Somehow knowing that the story was based on Chinese history, or at least ancient legend, gave the film more depth to me. It certainly made me interested in learning more. Hopefully it has the same effect on others.

There are other things I like about the film too, such as the water color animated sequences and the quirky grandmother. Perhaps there are a few things I don’t love about the film too, but similar to celebrating Hercules birthday last year, it seems rude to point out flaws on one’s birthday. Don’t you think? I’d rather celebrate the good and overlook the rest.

Now that I think about it, I might carry that strategy through the rest of my day today. Want to join me?

Be a warrior, in your own way, and add a little magic to your world!