MULAN
Dominic Ow
Directed by: Tony Bancroft and Barry Cook
Produced: Walt Disney Productions.
Written by: Eugenia Bostwick-Singer, Rita Hsiao, Philip LaZebnik, Robert D. San Souci (story), Chris Sanders (III), Raymond Singer Cast: Ming-Na Wen (voice of Mulan), Lea Salonga (singing Mulan), Eddie Murphy (voice of Mushu), B.D. Wong (voice of Shang), Donny Osmond (singing Shang), Harvey Fierstein (voice of Yao), Jerry Tondo (Chien-Po), Gedde Watanabe (voice of Ling), Matthew Wilder (singing Ling).
Length: Aprox. 90 minutes.
Rating: * * * out of * * * * *
Official Web SIte: Mulan.com.Expect ... Disney
When it comes to movie-making, Disney is more consistent than Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. It's better favoured to bet on good animation in a Disney feature than bad acting in a Steven Seagal movie. You'll get the same strong heroes and pretty heroines, the laughable sidekicks, cool transitions between scenes, beautifuly rendered graphics and the hummable songs. Mulan is no different, and maybe, sadly so.Despite all the good stuff that Disney can do, I expected more.
Every character is a cultural stereotype . . . Mulan is not Chinese, she's American. But you knew that, didn't you? ![[ Pic from film ]](/film/images/mulan4.jpg)
Like most Disney heroes and heroines, Mulan is respectable. Fillial , courageous and intelligent, Mulan does kick some major ass. Too bad then she has to fall for some dufus of a prince who gave her the sexist slap in the face. Yes, I know the boy and girl always end up chummy in the end in Disney movies, but I just expected more.
We all know Disney spells culture with a capital D. Mulan is no different. Every character is a cultural stereotype, from the ugly, fussy matchmaker to the stubborn, traditional father. Mulan is not Chinese, she's American. But you knew that, didn't you? Little wonder Californian-born Asian-American skater Michelle Kwan identifies with her. Maybe you expected something a little more culturally specific or historically accurate from Disney?
Surely the great thing about cel animation is that you can get any shot you want, frame it, juxtapose it in just about any conceivable way. But even as the technique is improving, the ideas aren't getting any better. A Lawrence of Arabia-like dissolve here, a Touch of Evil-like multiple reflection there - we've seen those before and they're nice and effective. But Disney, you didn't expect us to drop a jaw in surprise, did you?
Sorry, I forgot Disney makes movies for kids - Disney virgins. So it can afford to push the same standard fare as their older viewers move on to Tekken, MTV's oddities and South Park. I guess seeing a Disney cartoon always reminds me of a child-like sense of wonder I once felt.
I guess I wasn't just expecting Disney. I was expecting more.
The Flying Inkpot's Rating System
* Wait for the TV2 broadcast.
** A little creaky, but still better than staying at home with Tonight With Gurmit.
*** Pretty good, bring a friend.
**** Amazing, potent stuff.
***** Perfection. See it twice.
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