Reflecting on the impact of the Disney animated film "Mulan," I can't help but to look back

about the heartfelt influence it had on me personally. Growing up, "Mulan" was not only a
beloved representation of Chinese culture but also a source of empowerment and inspiration.
It was one of my favorite stories when they made an animation film for Disney about this and
watched it over and over again around the '00s up until now. When the animated film was
released in the late '90s, I was so lucky to be born around 99’s until I could finally watch
Mulan thanks to Walt Disney back then. It was a moment of excitement and anticipation for
me and many others. And I’m just a naughty boy back then I can’t imagine how powerful it
felt to a young girl that time. Seeing Mulan, a strong and courageous female character,
represented on the big screen was groundbreaking. It was a significant step towards
representation and breaking gender stereotypes, especially in a traditionally patriarchal
society like China.

Fast forward to the recent release of the live-action adaptation in 2020, and I had mixed
feelings. While I appreciated the stunning visuals, captivating action sequences, and
commendable performances, I couldn't help but notice that something was missing. The
empowering themes that made the original film so impactful seemed weakened or
disregarded in this new version. The shift in focus toward Mulan's physical abilities rather
than her intelligence and resourcefulness felt like a missed opportunity. The absence of
beloved characters like Mushu and Cri-Kee left a void that couldn't be filled. The exclusion
of memorable songs that conveyed important messages and emotions was a bit disappointing.

Not to mention these key points I noticed; as the 1998 Mulan empowered women by showing
Mulan's growth alongside her friends, demonstrating that women are as capable as men with
perseverance. In contrast, the 2020 Mulan allegedly diminishes this empowerment by making
Mulan a naturally gifted fighter, implying that only a select few are privileged enough to
catch up with men. The animated Mulan is praised for being a problem solver, using wit and
clever solutions. In my opinion, the live-action version, however, can be criticized for
resorting to sheer strength and willpower, reinforcing traditional masculine values rather than
showcasing the value of alternative approaches. Having conservative values takes on the live-
action Mulan fails to challenge the conservative hierarchy, portraying Mulan as submissive
and upholding traditional values of loyalty and honor. This is seen as a departure from the
animated version, where Mulan's success was interpreted as a statement against
hypermasculinity. Lastly, the emotional reunion between Mulan and her father can be
described as short and bland in the live-action version, with the emphasis on symbolic
rewards like a sword and a job offer from the emperor rather than the core lessons about
being true to oneself.

Despite these criticisms, I am able to acknowledge the significance of the 2020 adaptation in
terms of representation and visibility. Its predominantly Asian cast and showcase of Chinese
culture in a major production are steps in the right direction. It sparks important
conversations about cultural representation and provides opportunities for our Asian talents.

Finally in my conclusion, I was able to search for the original powerful ballad lines in Mulan
that are seen as a reference in the dialogue of the last part of the movie thanks to the internet
resources and here goes "The male hare's feet go hop and skip, the female hare's eye is
muddled and fuddled, but when two hares run side by side, how can you tell the female from
male?" This made me ponder the idea that while men and women may look different in the
physical aspect, but when fighting and living alongside each other. What difference do their
differences make?

The movie "Mulan" really holds a special place in my heart as a symbol of empowerment and
acceptance of gender diversity. While the live-action adaptation may not have lived up to my
expectations in terms of capturing the essence of the original, it still contributes and continues
to play a role in discussions of conversations related to the representation of diverse genders
and the broader theme of diversity within society. It also serves as a reminder of the
importance of staying true to the empowering themes and charm that made "Mulan" such a
beloved story. (Arden Napalla, BSSW, Gender & Society, Reflection Paper)