After being wildly underwhelmed by Frozen, I thought it appropriate to take a look back into Disney’s catalogue to see what the newer film might have been missing. I chose Mulan, a movie I loved as a child, and my suspicion was confirmed: Disney used to be much, much better at the musical aspect of its movies. What’s more, there’s a simplicity to the Mouse House’s earlier work that feels refreshing compared to its more recent output.
Based on a Chinese folk tale, Mulan tells the story of the titular character, a bit of a misfit who struggles to conform to the feminine ideal placed upon her by society. When her aging father is called off to war, she promptly disguises herself as a man and steals off in the night to take his place in the army.
Though it’s not entirely faithful to its source material, it’s a lovely film. Directors Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook know how to infuse an old story with new zing, working at a delightfully snappy pace and imbuing their tale with a balance of humor and pathos. They also manage to put forth their themes of bravery, honor, and female empowerment without beating their audience over the head.
As for Jerry Goldsmith’s music, it’s marvelous. Not only is it infectiously memorable, it’s entirely unified, with songs and a score that are true to the setting without becoming cliched.
If you missed Mulan or simply haven’t seen it in a while, I wholeheartedly recommend that you revisit it. It’s an excellent throwback to a less showy time.
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