Mulan
Mulan is set in ancient China and follows the story of a young woman named Fa Mulan, who defies traditional gender roles to protect her family and her country. It is a story of courage, identity, and self-discovery, centered around themes of honor, family, and bravery.
The story begins in a time of war when China is threatened by an invading Hun army led by the ruthless Shan Yu. The Emperor of China decrees that each family must send one man to fight in the imperial army to defend the country. Mulan, the only child of the elderly Fa family, knows that her father, Fa Zhou, who is frail and wounded, is unfit for battle. Faced with the prospect of losing her father in the war, Mulan decides to disguise herself as a man and take her father’s place in the army, despite knowing the consequences if her true identity is discovered.
Mulan’s journey begins with the help of a small, magical dragon named Mushu, who is sent by the family ancestors to protect her. Mushu is comical and witty, but he is also fiercely loyal to Mulan. She also has the support of the family’s ancestors, who are skeptical but eventually come to understand her motivations. To avoid suspicion, Mulan cuts her hair and dons the armor of a soldier, becoming "Ping" and joining the army in secret. She faces challenges and hardships as she trains alongside other recruits, including the strong and determined Captain Li Shang, who is initially doubtful of her abilities.
During boot camp, Mulan struggles to fit in with the other soldiers, who mock her for her lack of physical strength and soldierly prowess. However, through determination and resourcefulness, Mulan excels, particularly in a critical moment when she saves the life of her fellow soldier, Li Shang, by bravely climbing a mountain to retrieve an arrow. This act earns her the respect of her fellow soldiers, but she still keeps her true identity hidden.
Mulan's big break comes when the Huns invade a mountain pass, and she leads her fellow soldiers in a battle. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Mulan’s quick thinking and tactics help defeat the Huns, and she becomes a hero, although her secret identity is still safe. As the war intensifies, Mulan and her comrades continue their fight against Shan Yu, who is growing ever more powerful and dangerous.
Eventually, Mulan’s cover is blown when a battle injury reveals her gender. At first, Captain Li Shang is angry and feels betrayed, but Mulan explains that she joined the army to protect her father, and her bravery and loyalty to her country are more important than her gender. Although Mulan is dismissed from the army, she continues to pursue the Huns independently, determined to prevent them from attacking the Imperial City.
Mulan’s ingenuity leads her to infiltrate the Huns' ranks, where she uncovers their plans to attack the Imperial City. She warns the Emperor and the army, but her warnings go unheeded. Instead, she takes matters into her own hands and uses her knowledge of the Huns to stop them before they can strike. In a dramatic final confrontation, Mulan’s army of soldiers and the Imperial army face off against Shan Yu and his forces. Mulan's quick thinking helps to defeat Shan Yu and save the Emperor.
By the end of her adventure, Mulan’s bravery and determination are recognized by the Emperor, and she is celebrated as a hero. Li Shang, who has developed a deep respect for Mulan, publicly acknowledges her heroism. Mulan returns home, where she is reunited with her family. Mulan finds her place in the world and shows that honour and courage come from within, regardless of gender or societal expectations.
Moral of the Story
Mulan offers children powerful lessons about bravery, self-respect, and the importance of breaking societal boundaries. One of the central themes of the movie is that true courage comes from following one’s heart and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. Mulan defies expectations and risks her life to protect her father, showing that bravery is not limited by gender or tradition.
The movie also teaches the value of perseverance. Mulan faces many challenges and doubts, but she doesn’t give up. Whether she’s struggling to train with the soldiers or fighting an enemy that seems insurmountable, Mulan’s persistence and determination lead to her eventual success. Her story encourages children to keep going, even in the face of adversity, and to believe in their own abilities.
In addition, Mulan teaches children the importance of being true to oneself. Mulan does not conform to the expectations placed on her by society. Instead, she chooses her own path, making sacrifices to protect her loved ones and honor her family. This sends a strong message to children that they should embrace their unique qualities and not be afraid to challenge the norms that limit them.
The film also highlights the power of self-discovery. Mulan’s journey is not only about protecting her family and country but also about discovering her own inner strength and courage. This resonates with children, teaching them that they have the power to make a difference and shape their own futures.
Finally, Mulan underscores the importance of loyalty and friendship. Throughout the film, Mulan is supported by her friends and comrades, and her own loyalty to them strengthens the bonds they share. This teaches children that true friendship is built on mutual respect, understanding, and support.
