Mulan

Right after watching the live-action version of Mulan, I decided to broaden my horizons and watch the original animated film, which I had avoided for a long time. The original Mulan intrigued me above all with its story, which, although simple on the one hand, conveys a clear message, both about finding oneself and about equality between people regardless of their gender, timeless and still relevant themes. Apart from the more serious and action-war level, I also had a royal good time with Mulan, thanks to the huge contribution of the little dragon Mushu, whose wisecracks and poses were truly funny, while he was well supported by a cricket, a horse and a grandmother. (04.09.2020)

I was really looking forward to Mulan and my expectations were exceeded in the end. Once again it was fully confirmed that if an animated film is to represent any part of human history, it should only be Asian – its culture and traditions are attractive to European and American viewers in their own right, let alone in an unmistakable Disney package that provides beautiful animation, stirring music and a plethora of great humour for children and adults alike. As always, I had not the slightest problem getting close to the characters and completely sympathizing with them, whether it was Murphy's irresistible Mushu, who talks so much that the viewer falls in love with him, or Mulan herself, whose character development from a simple girl into a war hero is clichéd to the point of shame, but that's a must in films like this. Plus a very nice and historically interesting story and excellent action set pieces that can glue you to your seat. Bottom line, I liked The Lion King a bit more, but even that didn't deliver the same amount of royal and smart entertainment that this amazing adventure has. 100% (07.03.2013)

I resisted it for a few years, but the classic grew here. The battles surprise with grandeur, the dragon and cricket polish all boundaries of humor, and even though the central plot occasionally grazes clichés, it does not harm the tension and entertainment. Once again, the song accompaniment fascinates, dominated by the training anthem "I'll make a man out of you". (07.05.2005)

More than a good cartoon, whose creators have been helped by computers in processing classically drawn images, but it doesn't matter at all. I have some reservations only about the uninteresting male protagonist, whom the writers horribly botched - otherwise everything in Mulan is in its place. Verbal and visual jokes, musical numbers (the two military songs are not to be missed), a likeable Mulan, the unbeatable Mushu the dragon with the voice of Eddie Murphy, music by Jerry Goldsmith. It’s good. (20.10.2012)

Mulan's not a bad girl, but she's acting too American to save China. As a kid I wouldn't have cared, but unfortunately since I didn't get to see the story as a kid (if I'm wrong and I did, it didn't even stick in my mind, which is saying something) I can't "romanticize" it out of nostalgia. I guess I wanted it to be more epic, with fewer songs at the beginning. Which, on the other hand, I wouldn't have wanted – after all, it's a Disney movie... Great for kids to have fun, fine for adults to chill out. (03.11.2011)