Mulan Film Study Unit
Mulan Film Study Unit
Character Notes
Mulan/Ping
Fa Zhou
Shang
Mushu
Shan-Yu
Emperor
Thoughts on Mulan by Disney, 1998
Universality of characters’ conflicts
A story becomes truly interesting when the majority of the audience can relate to at least some aspects of the story’s themes, characters and conflicts.
While Mulan is the story of a young Chinese woman living more than 1,000 years ago, an audience member does not have to be Chinese, female or a centurion to appreciate the themes, characters and conflicts.
She worries that she’s not cut out to be the “perfect daughter”. Well, much like we didn’t need to be clown fish to appreciate Nemo missing his dad, we also don’t have to be daughters to appreciate the feeling that we’re not living up to the high expectations of others.
Mulan’s own father feels he must live up to the social expectations of the perfect Chinese man, namely someone who will go to battle even when his body is incapable of fighting. He believes he has no choice but to report for duty and, true to her genetics if not her gender, Mulan feels she has no choice but to take his place.
How effective are these lyrics?
lyrics
I’m not meant to play this part. If I were truly to be myself, I would break my family’s heart.
Why is my reflection someone I don’t know? Somehow I cannot hide who I am though I’ve tried. When will my reflection show who I am inside?
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.