Disney’s continuing trend of remaking some of its most iconic animations into live-action features has so far been met with mixed response. While classics like The Jungle Book (2016) and Beauty and The Beast (2017) and have had largely favourable reactions, others like The Lion King or Dumbo (both released in 2019) have sadly failed to capture the imagination in the same way the originals did.
In the case of Mulan (first released as an animation in 1998), it looks like Disney have finally managed to do something new and fresh with the medium in what is likely to be their best live action adaptation yet. Set to be released in theatres before the whole world went into lockdown earlier this year, Mulan is now finally being made available exclusively on Disney’s streaming service Disney+ at a premium price.
Leading an impressive all Asian cast, Chinese-born American actor Liu Yifei stars as Hua Mulan, the gifted eldest daughter of a retired warrior in ancient china. When the Emperor (played by iconic actor and martial artist Jet Li) issues a decree that one man or boy per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Mulan steps in to take the place of her ailing father in the absence of a male sibling.
Posing as a man, the young woman is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and "the power of Chi” to rise amongst the ranks of her regiment. Along the way, Mulan strikes a friendly rivalry with handsome soldier Honghui (Yoson An). Together they must defeat the fearsome invader Bori Khan (an exquisite turn by Jason Scott Lee) who has plans to dethrone the Emperor and take his place.
