"Mulan," the animated musical released by Disney in 1998, is not only a heartwarming tale of bravery and self-discovery but also a cinematic representation of cultural values, gender roles, and the intersection of ancient traditions with modern sensibilities. Beyond its captivating storyline and memorable characters, "Mulan" captures the essence of its cultural context and offers a glimpse into the evolving societal perspectives of its time.Think about these questions as you view the film:
Gender Roles and Empowerment: "Mulan" unfolds in a historical setting where societal expectations confined women to traditional roles. Discuss how the film's protagonist, Mulan, challenges these gender norms by disguising herself as a man to join the army. How does Mulan's journey reflect changing attitudes towards gender roles and the empowerment of women? In what ways does the movie resonate with contemporary discussions about gender equality?
Cultural Authenticity and Adaptation: The film is rooted in Chinese folklore and history, yet it also caters to a global audience. Analyze the balance between maintaining cultural authenticity and adapting the story for a broader market. How does "Mulan" incorporate elements of Chinese culture, and how might its portrayal of cultural values resonate differently with Western and Eastern audiences?
Musical Storytelling and Identity: "Mulan" features a soundtrack with memorable songs that convey the characters' emotions and advance the narrative. Explore how the film's music contributes to the depiction of characters' inner struggles, self-discovery, and the quest for identity. How does the musical aspect enhance the audience's connection with the characters and themes presented in the film?
Discussion Questions:
- How does Mulan's journey to prove her worth to her family and society parallel struggles for self-acceptance and authenticity in today's world? Can you draw parallels between Mulan's experiences and those of individuals who challenge societal norms today?
- In what ways does "Mulan" present a more nuanced view of honor and heroism compared to other Disney animated films? How does the concept of honor evolve throughout the story, and how does it relate to cultural ideals?
- The character Mushu adds comic relief to the film but also plays a role in guiding Mulan. How does Mushu's character balance humor with mentorship, and how does he contribute to the film's exploration of cultural identity and self-discovery?
- Finally, Did you like the film? Why/Why Not?
1. Throughout Mulan's Journey she has proved her worth not only to her family but society. For Mulan her only job was to marry a man but she failed and disgraced her family. To save her father and prove her worth she goes into the war disguised as a man instead of her father, this is forbidden and can result in death but Mulan does it anyway. Mulan ends up stopping Shan Yu's whole army and is praised but soon after they find out she's a woman and they want nothing to do with her. This parallels today's world because for some people want a very feminine, obedient women who stays at home but many women have pushed through this norm by working physical jobs and being at the top like Mulan.
ReplyDelete2. Unlike other Disney animated films, Mulan centers around a strong women, the film showcases Mulans passion and power to build her honor and heroism. This films presents how honor and heroism can be given and taken away based on something like gender, this is unknown to any disney movie before Mulan. An example of this would be when Mulan bravely and single handely hualted Shan Yu’s army and was praised heavely for it until they found out she was a women and suddenly it didnt matter what she had done for the army, just that she was a girl. This changes when Li Shang and the others are being commended for “their” couragness and Mulan comes to warn them that Shan Yu’s army is still alive and in the city, although Li Shang dismisses her until he see’s Shan Yu for himself. He and the others end up working with Mulan to finally take Shan Yu down, they not only work with Mulan but follow her lead. The concept of honor evolves throughout the story as Mulan proves her worth to those around her when she defeats Shan Yu, in doing so she restores her families honor. This relates to cultural ideas because in Mulans culture women arent at the same level as man, thats why she was not allowed into the military. As a women she is to typically stay silent and obedient but Mulan is very outspoken and because of this trait she dishoners her family. But to regain this honor she goes against everything in her culture.
3.Mushu’s character balances humor with mentorship by keeping the film lighthearted but still guiding Mulan along through her journey. An example of this would start at the scene 27:25 when Mushu first reveals himself to Mulan. He makes himself look like a very powerful and frightening dragon when in reality he is tiny like a lizard, this gives the audience a good laugh but at the same time reveals Mushus true intentions (to lead Mulan). Mushu contributes to the exploration of culture identity and self discovery by helping Mulan in her journey. His support and guidance gives Mulan the strength to act like a soldier even though shes supposed to be far from one.
4.I liked this film for multiple reasons. Starting off I really liked all the characters, especially Mushu. It made for an entertaining and easy watch. I also like Mulans goal, I havent watched this movie in a while but the whole time I was rooting for her success. Lastly I liked the intention behind the making of the film, its very eye opening watching it now.
1. Early in the movie Mulan changes herself in order to try and be the perfect daughter, perfect bride, and bring honor to her family by being chosen by the matchmaker. But despite changing, small parts of her real self show (not being the perfect bride when meeting the matchmaker and knocking the tea over, not holding her tongue in front of a man when her dad gets called to serve in the military) At 11:57 she sings about how her reflection does not reflect who she is inside because she feels that while trying to be perfect, she doesn't get to be her true self because being her true self she mean would bring dishonor to her family. Even later, when she goes to the military for her father, Mulan has to disguise herself as a man in order to prove her worth and avoid the possibility of death as a punishment for lying. I can draw parallels to today’s world because often people feel like they can’t challenge societal norms but instead conform because of who they’re expected to be by family and friends and even their entire community.
ReplyDelete2. In comparison to other Disney animated films, Mulan centers around a woman, Mulan, and her strength in trying to build her honor and heroism. Very early in the movie the audience is shown how in Mulan’s culture honor is seen very differently based on gender. The women in her village can earn honor by becoming the perfect bride and being picked by the matchmaker, but men can earn honor by being strong, fighting in the war and hopefully winning it (as seen in “I'll Make a Man Out of You”) Mulan later earns honor, while in disguise in the military, by firing a cannon at a snow covered mountain to crate an avalanche that brings Shan Yu’s army to a standstill. But, when her secret is revealed, her bravery, and the fact that she saved the entire army, suddenly doesn't matter because she's a woman and Li Shang and the other soldiers are praised for being “heroic” . Later, despite Li Shang not believing her at first, Mulan again proves herself when she warns everyone that the Huns are still alive and when she is believed she and the military work to defeat the Huns. The idea of honor and heroism in the movie is not linear but always evolving as Mulan has to prove herself time and time again to a society that believes women don’t have the same capabilities as a man.
3. Mushu brings comedic relief to the film that's balanced with mentorship by keeping his methods of guiding and mentoring Mulan lighthearted, while giving her real advice. For example, the morning of Mulan's first day of training, he comedically wakes her up by knocking on her head, giving her porridge with bacon and eggs that make a smiley face, and talks to her like a child telling her to listen to the teacher and not to fight the other “kids” unless they try to fight her. But at the same time Mushu is really telling her to listen to Li Shang so that her cover isn’t blown but at the same time she needs to be brave and not afraid to stand up to the other troops if they try to start trouble like they did the previous day when she arrived. (35:09-35:53)
4. I haven’t seen this movie in a while but I do like it. I like Mulan's journey of believing that she’ll never bring honor to her family and to herself and then turning into a hero who saved her people and brought pride and honor to her family. I also think that despite the movie taking place during some time in imperial China, Mulan's journey and her inner feelings are relatable.