Review Of “Mulan”(By: Carys)

  I recently watched a movie named “Mulan”. It was a live action film called with the theme of heroism screened in 2021. It was named after the similar cartoon movie “Mulan” in year 1998. The director of the movie was Niki Caro. It was a blend of tales from a literature and Disney series starring Liu Yi Fei as Hua Mulan, Donnie Yen as Commander Tung, Yoson An as Chen Hong Hui, Jet Li as the emperor, Gong Li as Xian Niang, Jason Scott Lee as Bori Khan and so on. It has the pictures of comparisons between colourful, eye-catching peace, and blackish-white, merciless war.

  The movie set placed in China in the 386 to 534 ADS. It tells a story: long time ago, when Hua Mu Lan was a little girl, she was courageous, adventurous, and vital, but there were times when she made her parents disappointed and feeling blue. In the first scene, she was seen to chase a chick using a stick, regardless of her parents’ advice, she even tossed her grandmothers’ praying fruits. Despite this, at last, she caught the chick.

  Many years later, the Rouran tribes, under the ordinance and lead of Bori Khan, the antagonist in the film, were going to procure and invaded the imperial city of China, to revenge Bori Khan’s father’s mortal. With the help of the witch who can change herself into various animals, Xian Niang, many of the soldiers in the imperial city are defeated. Aftermath, they returned to their own territory. Looking at the number of deaths of the soldiers increased the case of the Rouran tribes invading the imperial city was reported to the emperor. To solve the issue, the emperor ordered the general to go to the imperial city and garnered the men to combat against the enemies.

  The scene alters again. It was set in a peaceful morning, the sun shone fluorescently, and the sky glittered with little blue pixies. Hua Mu Lan had grown up. She was hoped to be married with an outstanding and desired husband. The scene showed the makeup and preparations of her to meet the matchmaker. What makes her looks gorgeous was her purple “Hanfu” and her white face makeup. The moment awaiting and intimidating was coming………………………After she met the matchmaker, at first, everything was fine when the matchmaker praised for her tribute. But, as a bug jumped onto the third cup, mishap happened. Fortunately, Mulan was able to balance herself to collect all the cups and crockeries, but then, everything fell with a “braaaaack”. Sadly, she was called to disgraced in front of her family.

  On her way back to her home, abruptly, the general rode on the horse into the imperial city with the conscriptions, came down, and made announcements to the crowds, where one man from each family to be trained and battled against the Rouran tribes. While Mu Lan was going to take, she was blocked by her father. Instead, her father took it. At night, Mu Lan asked for permission to join the army looking at her father was too old enough to fight in the war. Her father opposed her decision enragedly and explained that only man could serve in the war, and apprehensive that she might injured during the war. Her only job was to take care of her family and the entire house when he was not around. Later, when her parents were still sleeping, she thought deeply, it was seen her sobbing. Without hesitation, she changed into her father’s army suit and armour, took her father’s sword, and tied her hair, riding on the horse to go to the army camp. Was she able to reveal her identity to the soldiers? Could she fight against the Rouran tribes successfully with her comrades? Was she able to reunite with her family? Watch this movie and you will know it.

  In my point of view, the thing that I liked about the movie was the effects. It was magical, unique, vibrant, colourful, and attractive, especially when Xian Niang, the witch who transformed herself into a hawk to stop Bori Khan. The soldiers who fled from the horse supposed to be amazingly fast, but the movie made it to decelerate. What is more, the characters have a good accent and usage of English language, especially when two soldiers praised Mu Lan for her beauty, they said her lips were as roses. That aids me when I draft essays or speak with my family and friends.

  In this movie, I am fond of the protagonist, Hua Mu Lan. Besides her charms, her good characteristics are boosters for me to learn and gain from. She was brave, smart, and optimistic when enduring challenges, especially when she fought with the Rouran tribes. She did not give up in her dreams despite of her father’s rejections of her to become a soldier. At first, she did not disclose her identity. Later then, she did. Apart from that, she was loyal to her family and her own country. Her characteristics were described as in the slogan, soundtrack, and Bori Khan’s sword that became top-notched, “Brave, loyal, true”. For the soundtrack, it was worth and nice to listen. I even saved it to my smartphone’s ringing tone once.

                                      

  In addition, the film taught and provided me the scenarios of the pros of enjoyment of harmony against the cons of wars in countries. Last time, my elegant country, Malaysia where I am currently live in, was colonised by Portuguese, Dutch, British and Japanese. In this merciless war, the people were forced to stay at home, some of them were hurt, or deceased. Economic crisis happened. It was so frightening and saddening after looking at it. To defend my country, my ancestors did their utmost to defeat them. At last, my country attained independence after a serial of obstacles. Now, I was so lucky to have this such a harmonious homeland country. To maintain this peace, cooperation and reunition of all citizens are essential to establish a marvellous future.

  Overall, if you are adventurous, brave, a fan of Mu Lan, or superheroes, I recommend this film for you all to watch. You can look at the trailer online via YouTube, download the movie online, or go to any disc shops to purchase.