The poster
The Story
I was really quite happy with a number of changes in the film, like we get to see Mulan's childhood more like what we see in Cinderella. I am very happy that she has a sister to talk to, to which I will get to that part later on!
Secondly, she does provide comic relief while in the army along with the soldiers. Whom the latter did not pick on her when they first met each other, they immediately strike up a friendship.
Speaking of the army, they are also given much stricter rules in a contrast to the animated feature. Mulan was also expelled, despite this, she immediately reported to the Captain upon hearing of Bori Khan and his clan coming to the capital. So that, is a huge change from the animated version itself!
The Characters
In the animated version, Mulan's surname is Fa Mulan for the sake of pronunciation. Her surname was change back to Hua Mulan for the sake of historical accuracy, to which I can't blame the producers for it! In a way it's good, because we get to know more about her culture now that Chinese history is fascinating as well.
As mentioned, she has a sister to whom she can interact with instead of making her an only child, unlike the animated version. Despite the fact the younger sister plays a minor role in it.
Although Captain Shang makes no appearance in the reboot, his personality traits are that of 2 new characters called Chen Honghui and Commander Tung. The latter is more calm and much like Captain Von Trapp from the Sound of Music!
Another new character Xianniang, somehow she reminds of Maleficent due to her association with crows! She was more of an anti-hero to say the least, mainly because she secretly supported Mulan in a way.
Shan Yu was rename as Bori Khan, who is more of a fictionalised version (or a descendant) of Genghis Khan. His motivation is also like Attila the Hun, the Scourge of God. Bori Khan is more vicious than Shan Yu and has more screen time as well.
Finally, the Emperor's advisor is very much like the Duke from Cinderella, who had secretly conspire with the Mongols to invade the palace.
The Music
Throughout the movie, we hear the instrumental version of Reflection, the theme song for both 1998 and the animated versions.
Christina Aguilera recorded a brand new song called Loyal Brave True, she even rerecorded Reflection, which she also sang for the 1998 version which boasted her singing career!
Honour To Us All
So, there you have it! My review on the 2020 reboot and I will write down a comparison with the 1998 animated film as well soon.
Go on and fight!
