1. Reflections of Feminism in Mulan
In the animated movie "Mulan," Disney Studio is presenting its own version of the Chinese legend of FaMuLan that Maxine Hong Kingston also offers in her book The Woman Warrior. Disney Studio chooses to tell this legend for similar reasons to Kingston. Mulan contains a theme that is fitting for the 90's, womanpower. Being a popular topic in the 20th century, Disney must have felt that this theme would attract moviegoers. Kingston chooses to tell this story because she knows women can be warriors. Women are more than just wives or slaves and are capable of doing jobs that have traditionally been set-aside for men. Women can be successful and bring honor to their families in other ways. .
When Disney Studios created Mulan, it altered the original legend in an attempt to make it more exciting for movie audiences. Disney begins by showing that there is only one way a woman can bring honor to her family in Chinese culture. She must be suitable for marriage. This includes being obedient to her husband at all times and hardworking. She must also be attractive, but not too slender. If a woman is too slender it is not good for bearing sons. Mulan is to be sent to The Matchmaker to be tested to see if she is suited for marriage. Before Mulan goes, she writes crib notes on her forearm to remind her of the correct attributes of a woman in Chinese culture. Yet in Kingston's version, FaMuLan had oaths and names carved into her back so people would know her sacrifice. When Mulan fails this test in the Disney version, she is told that she will never bring honor to her family as a bride.
A major difference from Kingston's version of the legend was who was in the war and which side Mulan fought on. In the Disney version, Mulan fought in the imperial army against the Huns. Yet in Kingston's version, FaMuLan fought with the villagers, the Hans, to dethrone the emperor. In both stories, one man from every family is drafted to serve in the army.
"Mulan" is the story of a young, high-spirited girl in ancient China. ... When Mulan's aged father is called to certain death in war, Mulan's bold spirit compels her to save his life by disguising herself as a man and joining the Chinese army in his place. ... When all seems lost, Mulan's irrepressible spirit spurs her once again to courageously fight against all odds, defeat the terrible Hun invaders, and save the Emperor, bringing great honor to her beloved parents, and finally gets the heart of captain Li Shang. ... Mulan has the courage to step outside society's "norm...
Confucian expectations made a major role in the film of Mulan, and also the Ban Zhao's lessons for women in some many types of ways. ... A perfect example of Confucian that took place was in the film of Mulan. ... Ancestors played a major role throughout the film, as seen in the movie Mulan's home had a temple for their family ancestors to protect them from harm. ... Another example, I could use was in the beginning of the film Mulan was being taught how to be respectful, and to be perfect. ... Lastly the Ban Zhao's lessons for women, was almost similar to the movie of Mulan,...
In the movie Mulan and G.I. ... This is similar in Mulan. ... In Mulan's case, she is impersonating a soldier; therefore she must act male so as not to be discovered by the respective authorities. ... Mulan is similar in this area. ... It is then that we hear such things as what the captain says to Mulan, "You fight good." ...
Compare and Contrast the representation of female characters in Snow White and Mulan. ... In comparison with Snow White at the start of the film, Mulan is very different. ... Mulan does none of the kind. ... Mulan also achieves nearly everything on her own. ... The story of Mulan is a unique. ...
The fairytale I like is Mulan. ... This tale started as a poem "written during the Northern Dynasties (AD 420-589)" (Angela Kuo, Mulan FAQ website). ... Another film version of Mulan "was the 1960 opera The Lady General Hua Mu Lan- (Kuo). ... Mulan FAQ. ...
The unspoken expectation for women to smell and look good is depicted well in Disney's Mulan, but in the movie, the rule is openly expressed. While being prepared for the matchmaker, Mulan was sung to by several women, her mother and grandmother included. ... Later in the movie, Mulan, disguised as a male soldier, joined her fellow soldiers in a song about the women that they either have or want waiting for them back home. ... All except Mulan, who interjected "how about a woman who has brains and always speaks her mind?" ...
A good example is the new Disney animated movie Mulan. To be powerful and accomplish her goals, Mulan must pass herself off as a boy. ... Mulan, while staying away from the dieting, "teaches" girls that to get what they want and to help other people, they must look, act and dress like a boy. ...