Mulan Discussion

[Sotiris]

(for the whole sexist story arc).

What sexist story arc? I didn't notice anything sexist in Mulan. What do you mean?

The whole movie is skewed because of its intent to entertain a modern audience, utilizing old views only when necessary

I would also have preferred there weren't any anachronistic references or elements.

[xxhplinkxx]

(for the whole sexist story arc).

What sexist story arc? I didn't notice anything sexist in Mulan. What do you mean?

Really? That whole "You're a woman and the only way you can bring honor to your family is to get married" part? Did you miss that? Hm. Odd.

[CampbellzSoup]

(for the whole sexist story arc).

What sexist story arc? I didn't notice anything sexist in Mulan. What do you mean?

The whole movie was coming above it

[ajmrowland]

Isn't Lea Salonga the singing voice of Mulan? I find the purity of her instrument more pleasing than the overwrought vocal tricks of Christina Aguilera, but that's my preference.

Honor To Us All is my favotite Mulan song.

I generally like the film but I agree with those who said Eddie Murphy's presence is the worst thing in it.

Actually, the Voice of Mulan is Ming Na.

Anyway, I kinda like Mushu, he sets up the whole battle, and I find myself entertained by overacting, impression-worthy comedians.

[Coolmanio]

Isn't Lea Salonga the singing voice of Mulan? I find the purity of her instrument more pleasing than the overwrought vocal tricks of Christina Aguilera, but that's my preference.

Honor To Us All is my favotite Mulan song.

I generally like the film but I agree with those who said Eddie Murphy's presence is the worst thing in it.

Actually, the Voice of Mulan is Ming Na.

Anyway, I kinda like Mushu, he sets up the whole battle, and I find myself entertained by overacting, impression-worthy comedians.

Right..... but Lea Salonga is the signing voice for Mulan. In my opinion, I found the songs to be quite catchy, and written quite well. It is one of my favorite movies, and fits in well with the other Renaissance movies.

[Vermin Friends]

Is it just me, or does Mulan have a sort of... untold story, like Beauty and the Beast symbolically told the story of Howard Ashman's battle against AIDs- does Mulan tell the story of closeted LBGT individuals, and how we are sometimes seen as dishonors upon our families by others- even ourselves?

"if I were truly to be myself, I would break my family's heart"

There's the whole cross-dressing factor, and to take the limelight off of Mulan, I've noticed that a lot of dA users think Shang is gay because he seemed to be attracted to Mulan before she was found out...

But anyway, I love Mulan. It has such a beautiful story, nice music, etc. I always enjoy watching it whenever I have the time.

[witchkitten]

I love Mulan. It's the only movie made after the Lion King that I consider to be a true Disney classic (or Disney great since the word classic has already been used by Disney for many films I don't think are good at all.) My two complaints where Eddie Murphy/Mushu (I wish they had used some other voice actor and I thought Mushu was a little too obnoxious although part of that was Eddie Murphy's voice) and the fact that the romance wasn't featured that much. I liked what they had but I just wanted more. I'm a sucker for romance though.

I liked all of the songs sung by the characters in the film. I hate True To Your Heart and I'm not a fan of Christina Aguilera's version of Reflection. I think Lea Solonga has a wonderful voice and was a great choice for the singing voice of Mulan. Her voice was similar to the voice actor which was good. I wonder why Disney uses different voices for singing and voice instead of just finding someone who can do both. Broadway is filled with them.

[Sotiris]

Really? That whole "You're a woman and the only way you can bring honor to your family is to get married" part? Did you miss that? Hm. Odd.

When I read sexism, I thought you meant that the movie was reinforcing sexism. It didn't occur to me that you were talking about the sexist society in which Mulan lived.

[xxhplinkxx]

I love you.

[BelleGirl]

Mushu and Crickee were not at all really necessary in the story, I think Mulan could have managed well without them: in fact, Mushu brings Mulan into trouble often instead of helping her. Stil he is quite funny but very much Eddy Murphy. In essence the same kind of character as the wise-cracking ass from Schrek.

There is a scene in Mulan that reminds me somewhat of another cross-dressing movie: Yentl. That's when Mulan has to state her male name and she has a hard time coming up with one, as she didn't think about it before; the same happens in Yentl, and likewise the heroin is attracted to her co-star.

[blackcauldron85]

Mushu and Crickee were not at all really necessary in the story, I think Mulan could have managed well without them:

But isn't Crickee the reason Mulan gets in trouble with the matchmaker?

[Sotiris]

But isn't Crickee the reason Mulan gets in trouble with the matchmaker?

It would have been better if Mulan had screwed up on her own.

[Disney's Divinity]

The whole movie was coming above it

I think you took my point wrong (or just the way I typed it might've given you the wrong impression), but I was talking about how Mulan had to overcome sexism. Not that the movie itself is sexist.

As for "Reflection," I do like Christina's and On The Record's versions of the song better. But that's beside the point. I just don't think the movie version is good--and I don't have that opinion based on comparisons to other versions I've heard, but simply on what the film gives.

There's the whole cross-dressing factor, and to take the limelight off of Mulan, I've noticed that a lot of dA users think Shang is gay because he seemed to be attracted to Mulan before she was found out...

Well, men in eastern cultures (I think, don't want to be stereotyping here), as well as men in most ancient civilizations, usually had/have really close friendships. Even to the point that they would kiss one another in greeting, and they weren't gay or anything. So I guess people could see Shang as possibly being gay, but, in all likelihood, he's just a representation of that society's social practices. All the soldiers were a bit homoerotic, but only because a modern audience is watching [bare] representations of the past.

But I think Shang's voice actor is gay though. Not that it matters.

Mushu and Crickee were not at all really necessary in the story, I think Mulan could have managed well without them: in fact, Mushu brings Mulan into trouble often instead of helping her. Stil he is quite funny but very much Eddy Murphy. In essence the same kind of character as the wise-cracking ass from Schrek.

I think some people see Mushu (and, really, all Disney sidekicks) as necessary for balancing the tone out--not really in terms of story--so that the film doesn't become overly serious dreck. Of course, that's debatable and comes down to personal taste, I guess.

[Sotiris]

I think you took my point wrong (or just the way I typed it might've given you the wrong impression), but I was talking about how Mulan had to overcome sexism. Not that the movie itself is sexist.

Yes, I realize that now.

[merlinjones]

I like "Mulan" best of the post-"Aladdin" group. It's the only one after "Aladdin" that really looks and plays like a Disney movie for me. Stylized, two-dimensional, creative, attractive, warm, funny. Good sidekicks well integrated to the story. Satisfying thematics and symbolism. Good design. Simplicity. Music. Not afraid to be a cartoon.

I'd rate it higher but for the weak villain who has no real personality or humor.

[Sotiris]

Well, men in eastern cultures (I think, don't want to be stereotyping here), as well as men in most ancient civilizations, usually had/have really close friendships. Even to the point that they would kiss one another in greeting, and they weren't gay or anything. So I guess people could see Shang as possibly being gay, but, in all likelihood, he's just a representation of that society's social practices. All the soldiers were a bit homoerotic, but only because a modern audience is watching [bare] representations of the past.

I don't think the filmmakers had in mind the cultural practices of the time when they included homoerotic subtext in the film. I doubt that was intentional on their part to begin with.

[BelleGirl]

There's the whole cross-dressing factor, and to take the limelight off of Mulan, I've noticed that a lot of dA users think Shang is gay because he seemed to be attracted to Mulan before she was found out...

Well, men in eastern cultures (I think, don't want to be stereotyping here), as well as men in most ancient civilizations, usually had/have really close friendships. Even to the point that they would kiss one another in greeting, and they weren't gay or anything. So I guess people could see Shang as possibly being gay, but, in all likelihood, he's just a representation of that society's social practices. All the soldiers were a bit homoerotic, but only because a modern audience is watching [bare] representations of the past.

But I think Shang's voice actor is gay though. Not that it matters.

I have another theory about Shang: subconsiously he 'knew' that 'Ping' really was a woman and that's why he could be attracted to her/him. Not that I would mind him being gay - but it was clear in the end that the attraction was still there after Mulan's true sex was revealed.

[carolinakid]

Yes, B D Wong (the speaking voice of Shang) is out and proud. He also played Fr Ray Mukada in Oz.

Men in most western European countries (Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, etc.) also kiss other men on the cheek as a form of greeting and it implies nothing about the guy's sexuality.

I LOVE Yentl (1983)! Streisand ROCKS!!!!!

[xxhplinkxx]

"Gay or European? The answer could take weeks. They both say things like 'ciao bella' while they kiss you on both cheeks!"





Legally Blonde: The Musical

[SpringHeelJack]

The easy solution? Everyone in the movie is actually gay. Mulan, Shang, Mushu, the grandmother... homos all.