Mulan: A Progressive but False War Story

I recently re-watched Disney's Mulan which tells a story about a young woman who is faced with the challenges of war. When the ruthless Huns invade Han China, the Chinese emperor sends each family a draft note, forcing each family to send one male to join the Chinese military. Realizing that her elderly father will be sent to war, Mulan decides to disguise herself as a man and join the military. While I love Mulan and think it is a great movie, I believe that the story is false.

According to Tim O'Brien, a war story is deemed false if it is predictable, uplifting, and has a clear ending.

Similar to many Disney movies, Mulan is very predictable. The movie ends with Mulan saving the city and defeating the Huns. She receives gifts and is praised for her noble actions while Mulan and Li Shang, the leading male character, end up falling in love.

Mulan is also a very uplifting and empowering story. The movie delivers the message that men and women are equals. As the movie finishes, you feel satisfied and inspired.

The story closes with Mulan returning home to her family, Mushu (Mulan's sidekick) receiving an important position as a family guardian, and Li Shang and Mulan ending up together. Many of the character's stories wrap up before the movie ends.

While the theme in Mulan is important and progressive, overall it depicts war in a distorted light.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120762/