Mulan

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As you might now, this remake is one of my most anticipated movies of 2020 (list here). I've at least "liked" almost every remake Disney has delivered so far, so I was incredibly excited that 1998's Mulan was getting the same treatment. Niki Caro made it clear this would be an entirely different version of the story we all know and love. A more realistic take on the Chinese tale, one that removes all songs and fan-favorite characters like Mushu, which instantly impacted expectations, varying tremendously from person to person. People who would love a remake quite similar to the original will enter the film already slightly discouraged. However, to everyone who complained about Disney copying their original IP, Mulan might be their best chance to like a remake from the studio.

In my opinion, a remake should have a bit of both. It must keep the original's essence and message while delivering something that distinguishes it from the former. Any remake must always prove the reasons behind its existence. It must have something that makes the viewers think: "I like this part that's not in the original". Aladdin has a new arc given to Jasmine. Beauty and the Beast provides Beast with a better-developed storyline. Even The Lion King, a remake that convinced many people to call it a shot-for-shot (it isn't), presents a groundbreaking visual experience that's incomparable to the original. Therefore, I was genuinely hyped for Mulan and what Niki Caro could bring with her more pragmatic cut...

I can't deny it: I feel extremely disappointed. In my review of the original movie, I mention how epic and cinematic it feels. It was one of the aspects I looked forward to the most in this new version. Despite the beautiful set design and some painting-like shots, this is the first time a Disney's live-action remake loses to its original regarding its visuals. The 2D animation from...

Disappointing watch, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend.

I finally see what everyone is freaking out about this movie. Mostly, it is because it just left all the spirit of the first movie behind and started over.

They made a conscious effort to ditch the goofiness, and magic animals of the first one to do a more gritty and real version, like a DC movie. After those decisions, they also chose to reintroduce actual magic, but mostly for the villains, who had slightly better women's rights(?).

I'll be honest, the movie itself wasn't interesting enough to follow completely. For instance, I know "Mushu" was replaced with a phoenix, but I have no idea what happened to it.

Mulan also is outed much sooner in this, but basically skirts execution about 3 different times because of her accomplishments with a much more laid back atmosphere than it was in the 1998 version.

Despite all the money poured into the movie that keeps it from being a bad movie, it just doesn't feel good. While it is wonderous at times, it just lacks the heart warming charm that one would expect from a Disney movie.

I did not see the first movie pertaining to this story so there is nothing for me to compare it to, maybe this was a good thing for me because I went into it with an open mind. I am always apprehensive when I watch a movie with jumps that are not realistic (flying actors with hidden wires attached) but although such things were included, it was bearable. I thought the actors were believable and they filled their roles as expected. I would watch this movie a second and even a third time because for me the entertainment factor was there. I have watched many movies that allow me to multitask, this one required my undivided attention. In a nutshell, the entertainment, screenplay and acting were all there so I give it at least 5 stars.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The live-action Mulan reimagines the classic tale with notable changes, such as replacing Mushu with a phoenix and altering family dynamics, which sparked some controversy but aimed for a more logical narrative. While Liu Yifei delivers a competent performance, the film sometimes lacks the epic and legendary feel of the original, partly due to language choices and missed opportunities in key scenes. Despite these flaws, the film’s strong visuals, costumes, and solid action sequences make it worth watching for fans of action dramas.

Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)