Children's Film Movie Review: Mulan

Mulan

Released: June 5, 1998

What might children be absorbing from this film?  

• Children could be absorbing that only beautiful women can get married or find a man and that only men are able fight in war or serve in the military.

If you watched the film as a child, what do you remember thinking?  

• This was my most favorite movie growing up which is obviously why I chose it. I remember that it was my favorite because she wasn’t a princess. I was so used to princess fairy tale movies and this one was different because it showed that a woman was able to fight (last quarter of the movie). I didn’t like her with all the make-up in the opening scene because she didn’t like it, wasn’t happy and didn’t feel like herself, so it was like I felt for her. I also thought that if girls were to have short hair then they would look like a boy, just like Mulan.

If your children watch this film, what do you think they are learning from it?

• If my children or students were to watch this film, I think that they would learn that not all women are accepted by society. Mulan had to pretend to be a man to fight in war, and this shows children the stereotype that women are incapable of doing “the man’s job”, or simply serving in the military. She did a great job earning her honor by the Emperor of China and defeating the Huns, but she didn’t exactly do it as her original self until the end of the movie, which I think is what makes the film so awesome.

Compare your notes with what others are saying. Do you agree/ disagree?

• Compared to some research that I have found. I have to agree with what some of them say. Some reviews point out racism, stereotypes, and of course, sexism.

Asian Stereotypes and Racism:  The movie takes place in China. Your typical Asian (mainly Chinese) stereotypes can be found in this movie such as traditional Chinese dragon dances, music from a guzheng, paper lanterns, pointy farmer hats, pale white make-up, giant pandas, and odd haircuts and facial hair.

• “All right! Who wants egg rolls?”
• *while riding a panda* “What’s the matter? Never seen a black and white before?”
• “Order, order!” “I’ll have sweet and sour chicken!” “Moo goo gai pan!”
• “My children never caused such trouble. They all became acupuncturists!”
• “Number one in his class, extensive knowledge of training techniques...

Masculine Roles Stereotypes:

Mulan has the courage to pretend to be a man in order to protect her father. Unfortunately, chopping her hair off and wearing a soldiers uniform doesn’t cut it. She is forced to learn masculine roles in order to fit in with the rest of the soldiers. Mulan deepens her voice, acts masculine by throwing punches and hocking loogies. With Mushu’s assistance, Mulan sees how men are “supposed” to act. They’re unhygienic, gross, dumb and like violence.  

Mulan: “They’re disgusting.”

Mushu: “No, they’re men. And you’re going to have to act just like them, so pay attention… It’s all attitude. Be tough like this guy here. Punch him. It’s how men say ‘hello.

Not to mention, the most masculine thing in this film, is the lesson on how to become strong and macho like me should be, and if you fail to do so, then you’d be sent home dishonored.

Feminine Roles Stereotypes:

The movie opens up with Mulan getting ready and dolled-up to meet with a matchmaker to become someones bride and bring their family honor through that. During the scenes of her getting ready, a snippet from the song states “Men want girls with good taste, calm, obedient, who work fast-paced. With good breeding and a tiny waist…”. Women are only viewed as wives or housewives and the prettiest, smartest one will be the winner of a groom.

What a bride is projected to look like

After the three men dress in “drag” to help Mulan rescue the emperor, Yao makes a comment stating, “Does this dress make me look fat?” Statements like these are very stereotypical towards femininity and “that women are made to look pretty and worry about their figure, and men are made for violence and action?” (Epstein).

Sexism: When it comes to sexism, Mulan contains it to the extreme. Mulan pretends to be a man in order to participate in war to cover for her father. Women in this film are portrayed as submissive and almost nonexistent. Mulan may be the main character but the woman’s role overall in this film is considered as nothing to their society.

After discovering Mulan has ran away for war, her ancestors are awaken and one of them made a comment stating  “Your great-granddaughter had to be a cross-dresser!” Not really child friendly. It was stated in a derogatory way which children could gain the hint that it is wrong to dress as the opposite sex.

As the movie progresses, Mulan is in her “manly” form. After finally gaining, the Army Captain’s, Shang, trust and approval, Mulan felt somewhat accepted in her role until they had discovered that she was a woman. After being wounded, they had discovered that she was a woman and she admitted to it. Their reaction was very negative not just towards the whole concept of lying but for her being a woman. Before trying execute Mulan and banishing her, Chi Fu states,  “I knew there was something wrong with you! A woman!” and later he says, “She’ll never be worth anything! She’s a woman!” How negative can that comment be? To the men, women are worth nothing and nonexistent and have no role in society.

After the war victory, Mulan returned to the city alone and back in her woman form alone. “Mulan discovers that no one will listen to her warnings that the Huns are still alive because, as her sidekick Mushu puts it, “you’re a girl again”.  All of this points to the clear message that women are worth less than men. And if you would argue that Mulan proves her worth by becoming a soldier and saving her country, it must be remembered that she did it all, as a man and not as a woman” (Minna). 

Mulan will forever be my favorite childhood movie, despite all the negative connotations that it contains. Aside from all the stereotypes and sexism, you can't deny that Mulan is a pretty good role model for young girls than any other Disney "princess".

References

Mulan. Walt Disney Home Video, 1999. DVD.

"Disney’s Mulan: A Dark Film Rife with Racism, Sexism, and Questionable Morals." Review. Web log post. Wordpress. N.p., 14 Apr. 2012. Web.

Epstein, Allison. "DISNEY DECONSTRUCTED: A FEMINIST WATCHES MULAN." Review. Web log post. Wordpress. N.p., n.d. Web