The original ballad of Hua Mulan dates back to the 6th century, although many believe its based on historical events a century earlier. Since then, the story’s been retold as a poem and then a novel. Her story has inspired many stage, TV and movie adaptations, including the popular Disney version which didn’t feature too well in China, but is still one of my favourite Disney movies. Audiences didn’t feel they could relate to the character, leaving her portrayal quite unrecognisable for Chinese viewers.
In the original story, Mulan had a younger brother who was too young to take her father’s place but in the movie – he’s a dog. I didn’t grow up with the folk tale so for me, Ming Na Wen and Lea Salonga were two big drawcards for me.
The live action version won several awards including Best Actress for Wei Zhao. At just 18, she took the place of her ill and elderly father and fought in the army for 12 long years, steadily climbing the ranks to general. Understandably, its a more graphic retelling of the story and tear-worthy in places.
I just love this piece from Sakimichan, especially her distinct Asian features and gorgeous colours.
Here’s one of my favourite scenes from the Disney adaptation.
The following image was taken from my original Fairy Tale post (with a couple of new additions) including the Purehearted Cricket Cage – a drop from the Siege of Orgrimmar.
I decided to watch Mulan: Legendary Warrior (alternate name for the live adaptation) a second time and was not disappointed. However, I’ll be ending the night on a lighter note so I’ll follow that up with the Disney version.
January 17, 2014
I know we’ve watched a few of them already. I do like the arty ones like House of Flying Daggers.
January 17, 2014
I’ll have to watch the Live Action version. I loved the Disney one, it’s got some of my favourite songs (until Frozen came out), but I can totally see why it wasn’t that well-received in China. It’s a great story, though.
January 17, 2014
Yes, definitely! You can catch the movie on YouTube (in 12 parts) if you don’t mind subtitles. That’s always my preference over dubbed versions.
January 18, 2014
She looks beautiful, and I have never seen ANY version. I’ll have to look into that!
January 18, 2014
OMG! Let me know what you think of either/both.
January 18, 2014
That’s one of my favourite songs from the movie too. I have a secret Disney playlist for when I’m alone and that’s on it. Love that first picture and will definitely take a look at the movie.
January 18, 2014
Check out some of their other work, you won’t be disappointed. I also love the Ariel with headphones pic.
January 18, 2014
Oh I’ll sing it alright!
January 19, 2014
I love the cricket cage and the mushu pet! Overall looks fab Cym, like always.
January 19, 2014
Thanks! :)
January 23, 2014
Oh, I love the story about Mulan! I used to watch the Disney movie when I was younger, I think I watched it in Norwegian because I didn’t understand English that well when I was 9 :P And I remember I had a Mulan game on Playstation which I played all the time :D
January 24, 2014
There was a Mulan game? Interesting :)
January 24, 2014
Disney’s Story Studio Mulan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4p1BY86_Ho
:D
January 30, 2014
Hey Cym, after the recommendation I’ll have to check out the new movie. Great mob too.
January 31, 2014
Oh good. At least it’s easy to find on YouTube.