Disney has released the full music video of Christina Aguilera’s new rendition of “Reflection,” which can be heard on the forthcoming live-action adaptation of Mulan. Though the lyrics haven’t changed, it feels slightly improved but still reverent of the original. I guess only Aguilera is accomplishing such a task.
The major differences between this music video and her 1998 one is the production design, costumes, and, of course, the live-action of Yifei Liu as Mulan. Back then, a portion of the Reflection music video was shot on location at the China Pavilion at Epcot. Flash forward to today, you can see that the new music video was shot in a dark room. And rather than the hip blouse and jacket combo, there is an elegant dress.
Aesthetics aside, the performance is more powerful than its predecessor in terms of delivery. She also hits the notes differently. It’s important to point out that when we first saw Mulan back in March, Liu could be heard singing her own rendition of Reflection in Mandrian. There’s even a music video for that, which features more of an orchestral set up as opposed to the dark and moody room seen in Aguilera’s version.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for Mulan
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; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; 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 Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynek based on the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.”
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.
Mulan will debut as an exclusive premiere access film on Disney+ on September 4, 2020.
