Release: 1998-06-18
Runtime: 1h 28m (88 minutes)
To save her father from certain death in the army, a young woman secretly enlists in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process.
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Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Adventure, Animation, Family
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Ming-Na Wen, Frank Welker, more
Eddie Murphy
as Mushu (voice)
Ming-Na Wen
as Mulan (voice)
Frank Welker
as Khan / Additional Voices (voice)
Pat Morita
as The Emperor (voice)
James Hong
as Chi Fu (voice)
Miriam Margolyes
as The Matchmaker (voice)
Miguel Ferrer
as Shan-Yu (voice)
George Takei
as First Ancestor (voice)
Dana Lee
as Additional Voices (voice)
BD Wong
as Shang (voice)
Soon-Tek Oh
as Fa Zhou (voice)
June Foray
as Grandmother Fa (voice)
To save her father from certain death in the army, a young woman secretly enlists in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process.
THE FLOWER THAT BLOOMS IN ADVERSITY IS THE MOST RARE AND BEAUTIFUL OF ALL.
Mulan is a popular animated film produced by Disney, released on June 19, 1998, in the United States. Directed by Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft, the film features the voice talents of Ming-Na Wen as Mulan and Eddie Murphy as Mushu, a small dragon. The story is inspired by the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to save her father from military service.
The film opens with the Huns invading China, leading the Emperor to call for one man from each family to join the army. Mulan, eager to honor her family and protect her father, decides to take his place. She cuts her hair, dons his armor, and enlists under the name "Fa Ping." Throughout her journey, Mulan faces numerous challenges while training with other soldiers and forming bonds with her commander, Captain Li Shang.
The animation in Mulan received praise for its vibrant colors and beautiful backgrounds, which were influenced by traditional Chinese art. The film also explores themes of honor, family duty, and gender roles, making it a significant entry in Disney's animated lineup. Mulan's character breaks the mold of the typical Disney princess, showcasing strength and resilience as she navigates through a male-dominated society.
The soundtrack, featuring songs by Matthew Wilder and lyricist David Zippel, includes the memorable song "Reflection," which later propelled singer Christina Aguilera into stardom. The film was well-received, grossing over $304 million worldwide against a budget of $90 million, and earned several award nominations, including a Golden Globe and an Academy Award.
Mulan premiered at the Hollywood Bowl on June 5, 1998, before its general release. It was the first Disney animated feature produced at their studio in Florida and marked a shift towards more diverse storytelling. The film has since become a beloved classic, inspiring a direct-to-video sequel in 2004 and a live-action remake released on September 4, 2020.
In conclusion, Mulan stands out not only for its engaging story and vibrant animation but also for its powerful message about courage and identity. The film remains a significant part of Disney's legacy, encouraging viewers to embrace their true selves and fight for what they believe in.
