
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/BzkFpialJog/






Oh noooooo. This looks exactly like I hoped it wouldn’t simply for the sake that this is going to totally alienate American audiences. It doesn’t look any different from any other Chinese epic. And that’s fine because that’s what it is, but I was really hoping for some sort of Disney magic in there. But it’s just not. I know there are no VFX in this trailer, and there’s probably a lot of heart in the film, but I’m really worried this trailer is going to turn people off even more so than the Aladdin ones did. We’ll see.


Wow, I don't know how it flew over my head that that was "Reflection" playing in the background! They really slowed it down. Even though I hope they change their mind and at least have a sung version of "Reflection" at the end, the song is still gorgeous even when it's only a melody. Unrelated, but writing this post reminded me of how Jim Brickman's "Reflection" piano cover turned out to be the best song on his Disney album, imo.Sotiris wrote: Her saying she will "bring honor to us all", a meta reference to the song annoyed me knowing the songs were cut. The same goes for the instrumental version of "Reflection" played over the footage. I find it hypocritical of them to use the songs for nostalgia and ambiance in the trailer but not deem them worthy enough to be included in the film itself.

It particularly reminded me of House of Flying Daggers.nomad2010 wrote:It doesn’t look any different from any other Chinese epic.
Not me. I want my Disney remakes as faithful as possible. Not in a slavish, shot-for-shot way though. Within reason. Expand the story where it makes sense but preserve all the important narrative elements, characters, and story beats. Most of these properties are in the public domain so let other studios do radically different takes on the material and have Disney make remakes that are unmistakably Disney.thedisneyspirit wrote:I'd rather they do original stuff with the stories rather than copy the animated film scene by scene.
To address a few of your concerns, I've read Chinese viewers complain about Mulan and Fa Zhou's relationship in the animated film. Apparently in Chinese culture, once a girl passes puberty, it's not considered acceptable for a father and daughter to physically embrace and show affection so that's probably why you feel the father so far is so aloof. It's just different cultural standards.Sotiris wrote:To he honest, I didn't really like it. The visuals are impressive but I think it lacks a certain "Disney magic". It feels somber and emotionally sterile. I didn't like the interaction between Mulan and her father. It lacked any sort of warmth and affection. He seems like the typical traditional, strict dad who doesn't really care about his daughter or her dreams. I fear the special bond betwen them will be gone and he won't be portrayed in a positive light. I also didn't like that Mulan seems interested in being a warrior from the beginning and had training in martial arts before she joined the army (unless I misunderstood the footage). The point was for her to not be competent and great from the start but learn and adapt. I didn't like they removed her grandma or that they added a sister. The matchmaker seems devoid of any personality. I did like that Mulan isn't enthused with the possibility of having an arranged marriage.
Her saying she will "bring honor to us all", a meta reference to the song annoyed me knowing the songs were cut. The same goes for the instrumental version of "Reflection" that played over the footage. I find it hypocritical of them to use the songs in the trailer for nostalgia and ambiance but not deem them worthy enough to be included in the film itself.


I’m with DisneySpirit on this. Even if the remake is not a slavish shot-for-shot recreation of the animated original - as you described it - I find its merits very much reduced if it makes much reference to the original film. Hence, I approve of the direction Disney is taking with Mulan. As Clindor aptly put it, it appears to be “its own thing.” I feel that should be the philosophy behind every Disney remake even if it is an unpopular opinion.Sotiris wrote:Not me. I want my Disney remakes as faithful as possible. Not in a slavish, shot-for-shot way though. Within reason. Expand the story where it makes sense but preserve all the important narrative elements, characters, and story beats. Most of these properties are in the public domain so let other studios do radically different takes on the material and have Disney make remakes that are unmistakably Disney.thedisneyspirit wrote:I'd rather they do original stuff with the stories rather than copy the animated film scene by scene.