B.D. Wong, Donny Osmond, Eddie Murphy

Disney's cross-cultural retelling of a popular Chinese folk tale about a peasant girl who disguises herself as a man and takes her ailing father's place in the emperor's army turns the traditional fai...( read more  read more... )ry tale ending on its head. This time, the princess rescues the prince.

Flixster Users

78% liked it

388,258 ratings

Critics

87% liked it

69 critics

G, 1 hr. 25 min.

Directed by: Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft

Release Date: June 19, 1998

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DVD Release Date: November 9, 1999

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Stats: 22,377 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (22,377)


  • July 29, 2009
    Mulan is a tomboy of sorts - not something that is looked for in a Chinese wife, and she causes constant worry and dishonour to her family. When the Huns attack China, the Emperor commands each family to put one man forward to fight. With Mulan's aged father the only man of the f...( read more)amily it looks like he must fight, but Mulan dresses as a man and takes his place. With the help of dragon Mushu, Mulan overcomes her status as a woman to help take on the Hun.

    I wasn't sure I would like this film as I have grown a little tired of the Disney formula of `songs, romance and smartassed comedy sidekicks', which Mulan sticks to pretty well, however I did really enjoy this film. I think it was mainly because of the sweep of the story, the big battles and the majestic feel to the movie. The plot moves swiftly and felt like it was all over too quickly. It has the usual mix of laughs for parents and kids as well as having quite a good story behind it all.

    The only major weakness is the songs. I didn't exactly start tapping my feet at any of them and, while they are not bad per se, they aren't great and after a few lines I was wanting to skip past them (but couldn't - it was showing on TV). Asides from these the film is funny and quite dramatic and is good fun to watch. The cast are good. Ming-Na is a good Mulan while Murphy rehearses for Shrek with his smart mouthed dragon that gets plenty of good laughs. DB Wong is a good actor but has a `straight' role and doesn't distinguish himself. I was worried at first by the presence of Harvey Fierstein, but he did good work and wasn't half as irritating as he usually is.

    With colourful animation that is good without being Pixar, this is a good cartoon that is fun, funny and, at times, dramatic. I'm not a big fan of Disney over the last few years but I did really enjoy this film and would watch it again.
  • July 15, 2009
    The story of a woman who cross dresses to save her father's life.
  • May 28, 2009
    Nice Movie.
  • February 18, 2009
    Great film; as close as we'll get to the 'old' Disney.

    The Eddie Murphy dragon can wear you out after a while, but it must be said, he does his job well. A fresh take on an old story, well - presented characters and some pretty amusing song lyrics make this a winner.
  • January 30, 2009
    A comical aninimation, with a touch of real life culture anticquities... and who better to pull off the role of a misguiding, smart mouth sidekick than Eddie Murphy...a great animated film!
  • November 8, 2009
    My absolute idol (when I was younger, as if I'd do this)
  • November 6, 2009
    some day ill make a man out of you
  • November 3, 2009
    Not very accurate but it is Disney after all.
  • November 3, 2009
    sorry disney again im a lover of them.
  • October 29, 2009
    Mulan is so BAMF! :D

Critic Reviews


October 18, 2008
Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times

Overall, this is a lovely film, ranking with the best of Disney's animated features while taking on rather serious issues of war, honor, gender roles and family pride. full review

April 12, 2002
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail

A disappointment for anyone hoping the studio would raise the standard of the animated feature to a new level. full review

May 11, 2001
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

The film shines at capturing the watercolor delicacy of China's past. full review

January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

A film that adults can enjoy on their own, without feeling an obligation to take along kids as a cover. full review

View more Mulan reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • sendo75nina
    July 10, 2008
    This movie is very awesome and it is somewhat very interesting to watch. I really like this movie because we can get moral lesson in this movie. Mulan is a brave girl who learns to her determination in able to bring honor to her family and to herself as well. She became a role model to all.
  • neontaylor
    January 29, 2008
    this movie is so good
    i just hate the sequal
    but i never expected
    the hauns to pop out
    of the snow like they
    did that made me jump
  • Yusuke2000
    January 9, 2008
    This movie is based on an actual teenage girl named Hua Mulan, who approximately lived during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534).
  • sportboy
    November 8, 2007
    I quite enjoyed it
  • ShimmerMePretty
    October 26, 2007
    Mulan is a great movie you will enjoy at any age :]
  • XxCaptinAlliSparrowxX
    August 21, 2007
    mulan is de best movie i love its so cool
  • daniawania
    March 26, 2007
    For a cartoon character, Shang is pretty hot!
  • azndevil93
    October 23, 2006
    this movie is the best one that ui've seen from disney out of all of the movies they've made =D
    no matter how many times i watch this i just cant get tired of it =D
  • dhelem
    October 15, 2006
    brilliant, such a colouful movie!
  • tbone3000
    October 8, 2006
    I love the geisha scene and who says that bronz and brain cand be beautiful to

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Mulan Trivia


  • What is the name of the chinese dragon in mulan?  Answer »
  • In what Disney movie did Christina Aguilera sing Reflection?  Answer »
  • what Disney movie is this song from: 'Let's get down to business - to defeat the Huns. Did they send me daughters when I asked for sons?' ?  Answer »
  • In the Walt Disney film "Mulan" what was the name of the pet dragon sent by the ancestors to guide Mulan?  Answer »

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