It was okay...

Rating: 4/10 (18 October 1999)

The animation wasn't terribly impressive; at times, it seemed too simplistic, with the quality of shading and attention to detail falling drastically short of say, for example, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. In addition, I felt that Disney was trying to stereotype and "play into" the Chinese culture too much by trying to imitate Chinese music in some of the soundtracks (which, I might add, weren't that great either. Only "Reflections" I shall acknowledge as being somewhat enjoyable). Mulan's character design is a stereotype in itself. Since when do Asians really have eyes that tilt at almost a 45 degree angle? I realize it might seem like a little thing to get so excited over, but I'm Asian, so I am sensitive to details like that simply because I have been the target of many jokes of that ilk during my adolescence. I also think that Mulan is the most flat-chested Disney human female I've ever seen. Pocahontas, who, historically, was 13 when Smith "discovered" her, was stacked. Of course, there's no stereotype about flat-chested Asians, right (which is entirely a grossly incorrect generalization). Now all I can say is, "Gee, thanks, Disney." I suppose that some credit should be given, because usually a giant corporation will not take risks by exploring a minority group. Yet in doing so, they have only played upon the American society's expectations of what Asian culture means to them, but doesn't necessarily reflect the truth.
At face value, however, Mulan was entertaining enough. Granted, this film is supposed to be for little kids, so hey, why not give some of the music a Chinesy feel to make it all cute. Why not paint Mulan's face entirely white (even though that extent of make-up is used, NOT for matchmaking, but most commonly for Chinese opera). Let's give the public something familiar, but at the same make it seem exotic and make it appear like we really *heh heh* want to explore Chinese tradition for its inherent value, and not to exploit it for our purposes. Mulan is something I'll watch when I have absolutely nothing better to do. Even then, I don't think I'd watch it more than two times. In the words of a previous reviewer, "Excuse me, I have to go watch some Anime now." Go watch Neon Genesis Evangelion.