I watched Mulan and I didn’t like it. 2/5
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Mulan, the 2020 live-action adaptation of Disney’s beloved animated film, falls short of capturing the magic and heart of its predecessor. Directed by Niki Caro, the film attempts to reimagine the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in the Chinese army. While it boasts stunning visuals and strong action sequences, Mulan lacks the charm, emotional depth, and memorable songs that made the original animated film so beloved.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its visual presentation. The cinematography and production design are undeniably impressive, with vibrant colors and breathtaking landscapes that capture the beauty of ancient China. The costume designs are intricate and visually appealing, adding to the film’s aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the action sequences are well-choreographed, showcasing impressive martial arts skills and thrilling moments of combat.
However, where Mulan falters is in its storytelling and character development. The film attempts to take a more serious and grounded approach compared to the animated version, but it ultimately loses some of the original’s charm and emotional depth in the process. The narrative feels disjointed and lacks the cohesive flow that made the animated film so engaging. Certain plot points and character arcs are underdeveloped, resulting in a lack of investment in the story.
Furthermore, the absence of the memorable songs from the original animated film is a major disappointment. The music played a crucial role in the original film, providing emotional depth and adding to the film’s charm. The absence of these beloved songs in the live-action adaptation removes a significant element of the story’s appeal and leaves a void that is not adequately filled by the instrumental score.
The performances in Mulan are decent, with Liu Yifei portraying the titular character. Yifei brings grace and strength to her role, capturing Mulan’s determination and bravery. However, the supporting cast, while talented, is largely underutilized, with many characters feeling one-dimensional and lacking depth. The film misses the opportunity to explore the dynamics and relationships between the characters in a meaningful way.
Another aspect that diminishes the impact of Mulan is the inclusion of certain supernatural elements that feel out of place in this live-action adaptation. The introduction of magical abilities and the presence of a shape-shifting witch detract from the grounded tone the film attempts to establish. These additions feel forced and unnecessary, ultimately diluting the core themes of the story.
Additionally, the pacing of the film feels uneven, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed. The narrative lacks a consistent flow and fails to maintain a steady momentum throughout. This uneven pacing contributes to the overall disjointed feeling of the film and hampers its ability to fully engage the audience.
In conclusion, Mulan (2020) falls short of capturing the magic and emotional depth of its animated predecessor. While it boasts stunning visuals, strong action sequences, and a capable lead performance, the film lacks the charm, memorable songs, and cohesive storytelling that made the original so beloved. The underdeveloped characters, uneven pacing, and inclusion of unnecessary supernatural elements further detract from the overall impact. With its shortcomings outweighing its strengths, Mulan (2020) earns a 2 out of 5 rating. It may still appeal to fans of the original animated film or those interested in visually striking action sequences, but it ultimately fails to live up to its potential as a worthwhile live-action adaptation.