Review of Mulan (1998) by Jacob S — 10 Dec 2013

"Mulan" is a masterpiece. This film often takes a backseat to modern classics like "The Lion King" and "Aladdin," most likely because its themes resonate better with adults than children. "Mulan" digs deeper than a lot of Disney films. This story's exploration of the importance of being true to yourself makes Mulan a much deeper character than the warrior depicted on the DVD cover. The song "Reflection" is incredible, drawing the parallel between Mulan's journey to dress up as a warrior in order to save her father and her responsibility to be someone that she is not in order to find a suitor (and bring honor to her family). While the story works as a family film on the surface, this theme works on an intrinsic level once you've actually grown up that allows you to examine who you are and how you got here.

One of my main criticisms of the film is that Mooshoo creates comic relief at some of the worst moments. His funniest moment is the look on his face when the rocket explodes from the wagon and yet, one of the most intense battle scenes from the movie occurs seconds later.