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)