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| Disney's Mulan - Image from Disney+ |
After several COVID-related release delays, Disney's Mulan debuted to viewers, not in movie theaters as expected, but finding a home on Disney+ as the first premium video on demand option. So what does that mean? Disney+ subscribers have the opportunity to pay a one time $29.99 on top of the monthly fee to access the movie. For moviegoers, this is a savings over what you would pay in the theater and it was the first time Disney attempted to release a movie in this format. So how was Mulan? And is it worth the premium fee? Don't forget to keep scrolling to find a FREE Mulan activity packet too!
Disney's Mulan Movie Review: Is it Kid-Friendly?
The new reimagining of Mulan tells a similar story to the animated version we all know and love, but with quite a few differences too that, in my opinion, make this a much tougher sell for younger audiences. First, let's start with the obvious differences - no Mushu, no animation, and no catchy songs. This adaptation dives deeper into expectations for females in ancient China. Mulan was expected to hide her Chi, be seen and not heard, and marry a good man so she can make a good wife. The movie is darker and more serious. The scenery, costumes, make-up artistry, and camera work is all stunning and the movie is truly beautiful to watch. It's also a tale of "girl power" at it's best. Even when Mulan proves herself on the battlefield, she finds question, doubt, and scorn from her superiors, but she continues to persevere.
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| Disney's Mulan - Image from Disney+ |
While I think this movie is an amazing reimagining of the story, we had our kids skip the viewing and, after seeing the movie, I think that was the best choice. While there really wasn't anything over-the-top concerning (some battle scenes, a skinny-dipping scene, etc.), the overall "tone" of the movie just doesn't mesh well with my young viewers. The plot is deeper and more complicated, and without the animation, it wouldn't be enough to pull my kids in to the movie. I'm glad that I had the chance to watch the movie and thought it was very well done, but ultimately I'll stick to the animated version of Mulan when watching with my kids.
Looking for a great kid-friendly movie on Disney+? Check out The One and Only Ivan!
Disney's Mulan Movie Review: Is It Worth $29.99?
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| Disney's Mulan - Image from Disney+ |
At the end of the day, this is an incredibly subjective question. Would I have gone to the movie theater and spent way more to see it if it wasn't available on demand? Yes. So by that very definition, spending $29.99 always feels like a bargain price to me for any new release movie right now. However, after seeing the movie, could I have waited until it's available with my usual Disney+ subscription in December? Yes. The movie was beautiful, but it wasn't something that I'll be tuning in to watch again and again.
Disney's Mulan: Free Activity Packet
Want to share a little Mulan Disney magic with your family? Check out this FREE Activity Pack from Walt Disney Studios. Inside, families can do activities around honoring each other, celebrating nature, and setting goals to name just a few. These are great activities to complete together that celebrate the spirit of Mulan!
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| Disney's Mulan - Click to Download Free Activity Packet |
Disney's Mulan (From Disney+)
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.
“Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Tzi Ma as Zhou, Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Honghui; Ron Yuan as Sergeant Qiang; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin, suggested by the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” The producers are Chris Bender, Jake Weiner and Jason Reed, with Bill Kong, Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Coddington and Mario Iscovich serving as executive producers.
Starting September 4, with Premier Access, viewers can watch “Mulan” before it’s available to all Disney+ subscribers.
Disney+ will offer Premier Access to “Mulan” for $29.99 on disneyplus.com. Once you have Premier Access to Mulan, you can watch as many times as you want on any platform where Disney+ is available.
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