Filmmakers since the birth of the movies have taken inspiration from Chinese folk legends like the tale of Hua Mulan. Western audiences likely saw her in Disney’s excellent 1998 animated feature. But she’s been in films since 1927 — including several Chinese productions. One noteworthy example is 2009’s Mulan: Rise of a Warrior, directed by Jingle Ma and starring Zhao Wei as Mulan. Though lacking Disney’s widespread appeal, it’s entertaining and noble in its own way.
The story radically differs from Disney’s version. Mulan (Zhao Wei) enlists in the Wei army, disguised as a man, in place of her sick father to defend against the Rouran tribes. The film focuses more on her growth as a leader and military commander than her womanhood and emphasizes how war affects her emotionally, mentally, and philosophically. She uses her real name, but hides her gender from all but a few trusted allies. The movie’s power comes from how well it shows her ascent from an army grunt to a military hero. Mulan is not just revered by the end, but completely transformed.
Two slight issues lessen the film’s impact. First, the editing is occasionally clumsy. The movie shows several events out of order, particularly through flashbacks, and it becomes confusing. Chronological sequencing would work better here. In another peculiar editing decision, many scenes and even brief shots fade to white. Second, the war’s stakes aren’t clear. The characters are likable and sympathetic, but basic facts — why they’re fighting, what makes the Rouran tribes so formidable, etc. — aren’t adequately explained. Thus, it is difficult to truly root for Mulan and the Wei army.
Thankfully, Mulan has far more positives, including the acting. Everything about Wei’s interpretation of Mulan, from her facial expressions to her vocal inflections, beautifully portrays Mulan as fearful and tortured, yet brave and unyielding. The other performances are excellent, too: Chen Kun as Mulan’s main ally Wentai, Hu Jun as the devious Rouran prince Mendu, and Jaycee Chan (Jackie Chan’s son) as Mulan’s childhood friend Fei Xiaohu, AKA “Tiger.”
Mulan is also a visually magnetizing feature. The fights and battle sequences, especially in the first act, brim with energy and realism, accentuated by a pummeling score and featuring excellent choreography. The editing here never seems choppy like some action films; the shots have ample breathing room. Dozens of background extras give the scenes necessary grandiosity, and the dynamic camera puts the viewer in the battles with them. In fact, the cinematography and framing remain strong throughout the film, especially during dramatic dialogue scenes. The color palette is muted, but lively, and helps the film maintain its more serious, down-to-earth tone.
Audiences will likely prefer the animated adaptation for its bolder colors, memorable songs, and humor. Even Disney’s 2020 live-action remake may be more accessible. But Mulan: Rise of a Warrior brilliantly spotlights the martial and political aspects of Mulan’s story, and its technical aspects merit respect. A few hiccups aside, it’s an arresting, exciting, and stylish adaptation of a classic Chinese story.
