Movie Review: Mulan (2020)

Movie Review: Mulan (2020)                                                                                                      9-4-20

Much like many other movies this year, Disney’s recent edgier remake of the 1998 cult classic Mulan was supposed to be released on theaters in March 27th. When COVID-19 broke out, however, it was delayed to July 24th, then August 21st, and finally September 4th. However, it won’t be released in theaters in most territories. Instead, it will be released on Disney+, but you have to pay 30 bucks to watch it, then you can watch it as many times as you want. So, was this movie worth fighting for, or is it as dishonorable as Maleficent, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin? Let’s find out!

Mulan is about a girl in China named Hua Mulan, who can’t quite seem to find her place. When the country gets attacked by northern invaders, Mulan has to dress up as a man to serve in her father’s place in the army. She must be loyal, brave, and true if she wants to survive the war.

Has it happened? Has there finally been a live-action Disney remake that I actually enjoyed since Pete’s Dragon? Surprisingly, yes. Mulan 2020 is a fine film with jaw-dropping backgrounds and cinematography, flawless acting, a story that stays true to its original source material, and an amazing score from Harry Greyson-Williams.

As many of you have already found out, this Mulan has no singing and no sidekicks. However, it still tells almost the same story, though it is more intense.

Mulan trying to appease the Matchmaker.

If I were to complain about one thing, however, I felt that some of the soldiers in the movie looked identical to one another. Also, Mulan's sister Hau Xiu doesn't really contribute much to the story.

In conclusion, while this Mulan is of course no match to the original, it is one of the better live-action remakes that truly brings honor to its filmmakers. However, I do have a warning for those parents reading this review: This Mulan is more violent and intense than the original, and is best suited for kids 10-11 and up.

Rating: 3.45 stars out of 5.

PS. I have been looking back at my reviews of Beauty and the Beast 2017 and Christopher Robin, and I feel that I was too generous on them. My new rating for ‘Christopher’ is 3.35 stars out of 5, and my new rating for ‘Beauty’ is 3.3 stars.