Spotlight on Fandoms: Mulan

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Mulan is the story of a young girl who takes her ailing father's place in the ancient Chinese Imperial Army by posing as a male. It's also the story of a girl trying to fit in and wishing she could be herself even if that could mean disappointing her parents. She wants nothing more than to make her family proud. Becoming a war hero can't hurt. It's based on a Chinese legend about a possibly real life female war hero told for thousands of years.


The Characters

Fa Mulan: The heroine in question. Unlike most Disney heroines, she is brave, self-reliant, and not intent to marry. She also has two parents and a grandmother, which is possibly a first for a main Disney character. Instead of being graceful and demure like girls are supposed to be in ancient China, she's a little more clumsy and outspoken and the bane of the town matchmaker's existence. She's also clever and quick thinking. Family means everything to her. Even though she has no actual royal blood lines, she's considered a Disney princess. She is voiced by Ming-Na Wen (speaking) and Lea Salonga (singing).

Li Shang: Captain of what seems like the most hopeless and pathetic troop ever. He's arrogant, tough, and like Mulan, wants to make his father proud. He's also a very good captain and actually turns his army into a decent one. He also looks very good shirtless. Yes, I feel I can say this about an animated character. Oh, and Mulan might have a wee bit of a crush on him. He is voiced by B.D. Wong (speaking) and Donny Osmond (singing).

Mushu: He's the dragon sent to make sure Mulan is safe when she runs off to join the army. In reality, he's just a tiny dragon sent to awaken the big stone dragon meant to protect Mulan, but it went horribly awry. So, like Mulan, he pretends to be something he isn't. Also, he's the comic relief as he is voiced by Eddie Murphy.

Shan Yu: One of the scariest villains ever. Mostly because he's the human kind of evil. He's pretty chilling in quite a few scenes. As the leader of the Hun Army, he was responsible for the destruction of an entire village. Vocals by Miguel Ferrer.

Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po: Yao's the bully of Shang's army. He makes Mulan's life hell and gets her in trouble a lot. Inevitably, they start to become friends because this is a Disney movie. He is voiced by Harvey Fierstein. Ling is one of Yao's minions. He pretty much does whatever Yao does. Vocals by Gedde Watanabe. Chien-Po is the gentle giant of the group and is very Zen. Jerry Tondo is the voice of Chien-Po.

Fa Zhou: Her father wants the best for her and, surprising for that time, respects Mulan. He was injured in a previous war, which prompts Mulan to take his place. He's voiced by Soon-Tek Oh.

Fa Li: Fa Li is Mulan's mother. She is very gentle and wants the best for her daughter. Vocals by Freda Foh Shen.

Grandmother Fa: She's awesomely snarky and always there for Mulan. She's rather protective of her when the matchmaker calls Mulan a failure. For luck, she gave Mulan a cricket named Cri-Kee. He's the most adorable insect ever. June Foray is the speaking voice of Grandmother and Marni Nixon provides vocals.

The Emperor: What it says. He's the Emperor of all of China. When the Huns attempt invasion, he has an army mobilized has conscription notices sent to every family calling for the eldest son to be sent to war. His voice is by Pat Morita.

Chi Fu: He's the Emperor's consul and Shang's adviser. Pretty much this makes him believe he is better than everyone else. It's basically an excuse for him to be a whiny bitch. He is voiced by James Hong.

First Ancestor Fa: One of the spirits of the Fa ancestors. He commands Mushu to fetch the dragon to protect Mulan. The best thing about him? He has the awesome voice of George Takei.



Reasons to Watch

The main reason to watch is that it has a truly kickass female character. Instead of being rescued, she does the rescuing! I also love that her sole reason for existing is not because of some guy. She does most of the ass kicking for her family and to prove to herself that she can be awesome.

The animation is really pretty, especially if you're a fan of asian decor which I happen to be. Even though it did not exist in the time of the Huns (Disney fail!), the Imperial City looks amazing in this movie. I just love the simplicity of the animation.

Lea Salonga's singing voice. I've actually been a fan of hers for a very long time. In my opinion, she has the best female singing voice ever. She was one of the main reasons I went to see this movie in the theater in the first place.

Jerry Goldsmith composed the score. He also composed the Gremlins score. I felt the need to point that out this weekend. ;)

Have I mentioned George Takei?



Clips

Reflection: Mulan sings about wanting to be herself.

Mulan's Decision: The instrumental music here totally makes this scene. Sadly, it was not included in the US soundtrack. Another Disney fail.

I'll Make a Man Out of You: Shang gets his army into shape. Also, this is the best song in the movie.

Lea Salonga: She explains why the longer version of "Reflection" was cut and then sings it live .

Jackie Chan: He was the speaking and singing voice of Shang in the Chinese version of the movie. And this is the music video of "I'll Make a Man Out of You" he did. It's awesomely cheesy.



It's available on DVD anywhere they are sold, including Amazon.

You can watch all of it at youtube as well. It's been uploaded multiple times, so it's pretty easy to find there. Seriously, go watch! :D