Disney's 2020 live-action remake of the 1998 animated film Mulan has sparked quite a bit of political controversy, and was delayed for several months before landing on Disney+ for viewing, with a pricey additional charge. While both movies tell the Ballad of Mulan, a Chinese woman who impersonates a man to join the Imperial Army, they both take different approaches to tell the tale. The original was an animated musical comedy, with hilarious situations and memorable songs. The remake was closer to the classic poem, and a serious war movie packed with action and impressive combat sequences. Both films attempt to tell Mulan's story, but only one succeeded.
Character of Mulan
The many major differences between both movies include Mulan herself. While both face the prospect of arranged marriage and the duty to bring honor to her family, the animated Fa Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) is a normal girl not prepared for the fight ahead of her and trains in the Imperial Army, but the live-action Hua Mulan (Lui Yifei) is already incredibly skilled and a better fighter than the rest of the soldiers. Fa Mulan actively shapes her destiny, while with Hua Mulan the plot just simply happens to her. Both prove their worth to the Army by triggering the avalanche that takes out the invading army, but the animated Mulan is much more relatable and drives her own story, proving she is undoubtedly the better character.
Music and CharactersF
Disney said early on that the 2020 Mulan was going to be very different from the 1998 classic, and while many were excited for that, most were initially disappointed to find out that the live-action wasn't going to use the beloved Dinsey songs (and almost everyone was upset that Eddie Murphy's Mushu was out completely). Although the live-action has gorgeous orchestration of the original songs, it actually makes you want to listen to the actual songs that have been in audiences' hearts for decades. And the lively cast of supporting characters, they were reduced to almost nothing. While some characters like Mushu and Li Shang were cut out, others like Yao, Ling, and Chien Po did appear, but they had no role at all or relationship with Hua Mulan. In the animated film, they were well-developed, their relationship grew with Fa Mulan mostly in the songs, and they appeared in the entire movie. On the other hand, the live-action had a much better villain in the witch Xianniang (Gong Li), who went through the same difficulties as Mulan and was looked down upon just because she was different, though she reacted very differently, and is an example of what Mulan herself was capable of if she didn't use her power for her good. Yet, the original animated Mulan had a much more compelling cast of characters and more superior music.
Action and Setting
If there's a way where 2020 Mulan beats the 1998 Mulan, it's in the action and the backdrop. The live-action was actually filmed on location in China, which gave stunning backdrops for many of the scenes, including the battle and action sequences. The clash between the Chinese and Rouran armies in the mountains was impressive, the combat was wonderfully choreographed, following Mulan as she battles her way through the fray. The epic final confrontation between Bori Khan and Mulan was intense and high-stakes, with a great ending, overshadowing the entire battle happening in the Capitol City. The animated Mulan had some good action that was reserved for the end, but the live-action Mulan definalty gave the action we were anticipating and more.
Why The Animated Classic Wins Over The Live-Action Balled
To put simply, the original animated Mulan is a much better movie. The 1998 Fa Mulan is a stronger figure and more relatable heroine, with a memorable group of supporting characters and a whole catalog of classic fun songs, that tells a more developed and satisfactory story. The 2020 Hua Mulan did better in telling the war side of the tale and have a compelling villain with the witch Xianniang, but turned Mulan into a shallow character. The live-action tried making up for the white-washing of the animated Mulan with an all-Chinese cast - including famed Chinese actors like Jet Li and Donnie Yen - but the weak story wasted that potential. The remake was entertaining, a new look at an ancient tale, but wasn't worth the expensive access fee.
Rory Piñata & Amelia Carter
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