Film Study: ​Mulan (1998)

Background to the film:

Mulan is based on the 4th century Chinese legend of a young girl named Fa Mulan.
When China is invaded, Mulan’s father is asked to go to war. Mulan fears that if he
becomes a soldier he will be killed. To save him and to prove herself to her family
and community, she disguises herself as a man to become a soldier instead of her
father. Mulan tells the story of her journey into war, which challenges society’s
expectations of women from her community.

Mulan’s story is one of a woman shedding her femininity, shedding her loosely fitting
clothes, and her fragility, and disguising herself as a man by cross dressing in her
father’s armor in order to take her father and her brother’s place in the army. Mulan’s
story is a Confucian tale of a virtuous woman, as Mulan fulfilled her ​filial piety not only
by having great respect for her father, but by making the ultimate sacrifice, and taking
his place in the army.

What is Filial Piety?

A key principle of Confucianism that emphasises the importance of deep

respect for one's parents, elders, and ancestors.
 Task: V
​ iew the following clips from the Disney film, Mulan, to help you
answer the questions on the next page.

Clip 1 Mulan’s father is asked to serve in the imperial army:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6M9JzZUd4Y

Clip 2 Mulan takes her father’s place:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iupDJTzrxlk

Clip 3 Mulan attempts to save China from the Huns:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTpZELFKH2w

Clip 4 Mulan and gender roles (compilation of scenes):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCFeGZUza58

Clip 5 I’ll make a man out of you (expectations of men):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSS5dEeMX64
 Activities

1. In Mulan’s community, how are women expected to behave? List the skills and
characteristics of an ideal woman in ancient China, according to the movie.
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2. In Mulan’s community, how are men expected to behave? Make a similar list to the one for
the question above.
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3. Compare the above expectations to the expectations of women and men in modern
society.
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4. Is Mulan following Confucian principles in the clip “Honor to us all”? Explain your answer.
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5. How does the story of Mulan describe:

a) the role of women in ancient China?

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b. The relationship between women and their family?

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5. Do you think Confucius would consider Mulan’s story to be a good example of filial piety?
Why/why not?
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