Take a deep breath because Walt Disney Studios has released another exclusive look at the upcoming Mulan, their latest live-action adaptation of their animated classics. It comes just days before it was set to appear during the Super Bowl, meaning you can take a bathroom break or get some extra food rather than sit through it all over again. But if you prefer to watch it again when it does show up, then that’s fine too.
Though some of these new live-action takes/reimaginings have taken a more direct from animation feature to new age look, Mulan seems to be taking a very different approach. While there are some familiar scenes that fans will immediately recognize, the film will go with something more epic and grander in scale when it comes to the action sequences. There also seems to be a more mystical angle to it. Not only that, but it takes away from the goofy sidekicks and talking animals, and focuses more on the poem that it is based on. But the film will not lose sight of Mulan, one of two daughters, joining the imperial army, masquerading as a man, so that she can take her ailing father’s place to defend against northern invaders.
Here’s the official plot synopsis:
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.
“Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Tzi Ma as Zhou, Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Honghui; Ron Yuan as Sergeant Qiang; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin, suggested by the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” The producers are Chris Bender, Jake Weiner and Jason Reed, with Bill Kong, Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Coddington and Mario Iscovich serving as executive producers.
Of all of the upcoming live-action adaptations of Disney animated classics, Mulan is probably the one I am looking forward to the most. It will be that action epic that combines an authentic Chinese culture within each frame while also pushing for female empowerment and subverting stereotypes.
Mulan stars Yifei Liu as the titular Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Tzi Ma as Zhou; Jason Scott Lee as BöriKhan; Yoson An as Honghui; Ron Yuan as Sergeant Qiang; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor.
Directed by Niki Caro, Mulan opens in theaters on March 27, 2019.
