Mulan

Standing out as the exception, Disney's Mulan (1998) attempts to break free from its stereotypical role of women. On the surface, it seems Disney finally let a woman take charge, however, under a thicker lens, the issue is more complex. The main character, Mulan, impersonates a Chinese soldier by creating a masculine facade. Despite her being a woman, it is not until she becomes a "man" that she is able to fight for her family's honor. Things really get interesting, however, when her fellow soldiers find out she is a woman.

After the Chinese army abandons her upon this realization, Mulan attempts to pursue her task of protecting China from the Huns by herself. In the ending climactic scenes, Disney blatantly makes fun of the stereotypical Chinese woman, as the "Be A Man" song is played while Chinese soldiers dress up like Geishas and distract the Huns' attention. Although Mulan does in fact save the emperor and the land of China from the Huns as a woman (weapon of choice: Chinese fan), she is put back in her place at home. Welcoming her back are her father and mother, who are glad she is back and will most likely make sure she never leaves especially to impersonate a Chinese soldier. Additionally, the captain of the Chinese army enters, who is probably going to marry her - symbolizing a submission of Mulan's power to this man. All Disney really did is put an ironic, comedic spin on their stereotypical woman, ending it similarly to Snow White (1937) or Beauty and the Beast (1991).

[Blog 2 replacement]