Mulan (1998)

Description: This retelling of the old Chinese folktale is about the story of a young Chinese maiden who learns that her weakened and lame father is to be called up into the army in order to fight the invading Huns. Knowing that he would never survive the rigours of war in his state, she decides to disguise herself and join in his place. Unknown to her, her ancestors are aware of this and to prevent it, they order a tiny disgraced dragon, Mushu to join her in order to force her to abandon her plan. He agrees, but when he meets Mulan, he learns that she cannot be dissuaded and so decides to help her in the perilous times ahead.
Directors: Tony Bancroft, Barry Cook
Writers: Robert D. San Souci (based on a story by), Rita Hsiao (screenplay by)
Stars: Ming-Na Wen, Eddie Murphy, BD Wong

Photos

Trivia

Mulan’s name means “wood orchid” or “magnolia.” As such, magnolias serve as a running motif in the movie.

This film marked Disney’s first ever DVD, released in November 1999.

Mulan touches her hair a lot because animators noticed that Ming-Na Wen did.

The first Disney animated film to openly deal with warfare.

The opening titles were put together by simply putting watercolor on rice paper.

“Fa” is the Cantonese pronunciation of Mulan’s family name. “Hua” is the correct Mandarin pronunciation, and means “flower.” “Hua Ping” (Mulan’s fake name) means “flower vase” or just “vase.” In China, an effeminate man is often called a “flower vase” or “flowerpot.”

The film is credited with launching the career of Christina Aguilera, whose first song to be released in the U.S. was the film’s song “Reflection.” The song went down so well that it landed her a recording contract with RCA Records.