Ink Blots XLVII - Mulan

Before he played a wisecracking underdog named Donkey, Eddie Murphy voiced a wisecracking underdog named Mushu. By 1998, most people feel that Disney had lost its magic established by The Little Mermaid through The Lion King. But really, Mulan is a great film and much under appreciated. Earning $120 million, the film was profitable as well, though after The Lion King's $300+ million take a few year earlier, expectations were too high.

The story centers on a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man and helps to fight against the invading Huns. Its got the classic sidekicks with the aforementioned tiny dragon Mushu, and the funnier cricket. It has great songs with Christina Aguilera's breakout hit Reflection, and Donny Osmond's I'll Make A Man Out of You (Sung by Jackie Chan in Mandarin on the DVD). I suppose it could have had more songs though. The movie is pretty front loaded with the music and the end tends to drag a bit as a result. Mulan is a strong female hero, who is refreshingly not a princess. The film has comedy and action, and even manages to sneak in a love story. As I mentioned before, the ending is the weakest part of the film keeping it from being perfect, but overall, this movie fits in with the top tier of Disney animated movies. Mulan cross dresses to the tune of an A-.


Mulan (Special Edition)