The 1998 animated feature of Mulan from Disney displayed the cheerful and witty side of the female heroine. However there is more depth to the character than what is shown through this animation. Director Jingle Ma wants to explore the human nature of Mulan in his new film and focus on her vulnerabilities and relationships.

The story basically revolves around the life of a girl (Mulan) who secretly disguises as a boy to join the army in her ailing father’s place. While in the army, Mulan experiences a bundle of emotions ranging from love to suffering.

Zhao Wei (Shaolin Soccer, Red Cliff) was choosen to be Mulan in this adaptation because of her boyish demeanor and athletic body- perfect for disguising as a boy. “If you put a woman with a slender face among tens of thousands of soldiers, I don’t think she would have an easy time,” stated director Ma.

Although Jingle Ma has interest in making his movie go global, his number one mission with Mulan was to attract the Chinese audience. He wanted to tell a Chinese story for the Chinese. But, if foreign audiences enjoy his movie too, then that’s a bonus for him.

Don’t expect a certain red dragon to crack any jokes or for anyone to break into song in this movie. It will instead portray the bloody brutality of war and emotions that can consume people. So I wouldn’t recommend bringing your children or your younger siblings to this movie.

The movie is already out in China, Singapore, and Malaysia and hopefully will get a release in the US early next year.

Trailer

Source:The Hollywood Reporter Asia