Disclaimer: This is not an independent review of the live action version of the well-loved Disney animation movie Mulan. I watched the film with one of biggest fans of the classic cartoon feature— my wife Leah, who has seen it for the nth time and knows every scene by heart.
Despite of the bad reviews, both of us agree that 2020 Mulan is still worth watching if you are looking to spend a movie night with your family and friends. Yes, it’s nowhere near the 1998 animated classic that makes you feel like a kid again (except from the fact that you will get the Anna-Elsa Frozen vibe at the beginning of the flick). What audiences will get are traces of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon that shookt Hollywood exactly 20 years ago.
The new Mulan is not made for fans of the original one because there are no sing-along moments here although the popular tunes will be played as background music in many scenes so it’s up to you if you want to sing while watching.
Consider this as a period film infused with Eastern dark magic, fantasy, and a kick-ass Asian Wonder Woman who defies stereotypes as she performs Herculian tasks.
You may opt to skip this one in your what-to-watch films this year because you need to pay extra if you want to view it via Disney+. What you’ll miss actually is the the chance of reliving memories that you experienced two decades ago while listening in awe as Lea Salonga marvels the world with ‘Reflection’ and made it your life’s anthem until ‘Lady Marmalade’ hit Billboard the following year.
Tip if you plan to watch Mulan 2020: Don’t compare it to Mulan 1998. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the movie. It’s the reason why you watch films it the first place, right?