We’ve waited for this one for a long time, from its March red carpet premiere through the uncertain release date due to COVID. With movie theaters not all open nationally, it will now be available for everyone to watch in their homes, as Disney’s Mulan streams on Disney Plus as of today!
I will bring honor to us all.
We’ve all heard it, along with the iconic song “Who is that girl I see, staring straight back at me… ” and it will be stuck in your head again after this live-action remake of Disney’s classic story about Mulan, a girl whose goal truly is to bring honor to us all.
In an age of female empowerment, Mulan hits just the right notes. Mulan comes from a heritage of honor and tradition, where women have specific roles and their future depends on them following in the footsteps of their ancestors. Mulan’s the daughter of a proud man who, when called to join the Army against a Hun invasion, attempts to do so despite a previous injury. Mulan sees the pain her father is in and takes it upon herself to stand in as the male of the family.
With some changes from the 1998 animated version, Mulan (played by Yifei Liu) trains with the other men from her village and others. They face challenges, including an ethereal creature with a surprising back story. Mulan doesn’t let the substantial physical obstacles get in her way, and she overcomes them all, sometimes surpassing the men. (Remember the scene from the animated movie where Mulan carries the buckets of water up the mountain, faster than the rest? Disney kept that in the live action movie and it’s a well-done scene, as she completes it honestly, unlike someone else who tries to cheat.)
The beauty of China during the Han dynasty provides a backdrop for this emotional movie. The cinematography and special effects are done well, and you’ll feel transported.
You see Mulan fighting against her desires to be someone other than what tradition says. You’ll also see her parents struggle to guide her and show the love they feel while being bound by rules so ingrained that there’s no real possibility of voluntarily changing them. Even when she saves the lives of so many, and risks her own life multiple times, she’s not seen as an equal. It’s only once Mulan’s true identity is realized that she’s given the credit for what she did — and she’s not doing it for credit, but to truly honor her family, her village and herself.
This new version of Mulan will touch your heart. While you will miss “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” if you’ve seen the animated version, you will love Christina Aguilera’s rendition of Reflection/Loyal Brave True.
Disney’s Mulan streams on Disney+ beginning today for those who have premiere access. It is $30 for any Disney+ subscriber, and it will remain available as long as you retain your Disney+ streaming membership. It will also be available for all subscribers, without the extra fee, as of December 4. Disney+ costs $6.99 per month on a month-to-month basis, or you can get it for a full year for $70. As an initial member myself, before Disney Plus even started, I am so excited to be able to watch it again and again! Our membership has been so worth the three-year membership we bought and it is used on a daily basis.
Buy the popcorn, get your movie snacks and beverages ready, and settle in to watch as Mulan streams today! It’s going to be a hot weekend here in SoCal so sitting on your own couch in your safe, air-conditioned home is an awesome way to spend your Friday night!
Leave a Reply