to paraphrase a song title from an earlier disney movie , mulan is a whole new world .
the mouse factory 's latest feature is a treasure , featuring magnificent animation , a strong story and finely drawn characters .
mulan is the story of a fiesty , head - strong young woman who , unlike other disney heroines , is n't seeking her prince charming , mulan 's motivations are simple ; to save her father , serve her country and find a place for herself in a world in which females have no say .
the story of mulan takes place in ancient china at a time when the huns have invaded the nation .
the emperor has called for a conscription , one man from each family to join the army and defend the nation .
mulan 's crippled father is called , but mulan sneaks off , steals his armor and takes his place .
mulan is a saga of courage and self - discovery .
yet , despite the grim backdrop of war , it is a lively tale of self - reliance and brain - over - brawn that even the smallest child can appreciate and enjoy .
the movie utilizes a strong corps of asian - american talent as the voices for the main characters , including the wonderful ming - na wen ( the joy luck club ) as mulan ,
b . d .
wong as shang , mulan 's commanding officer and later love interest , pat morita as the emperor and the veteran soon - tek
oh as mulan 's proud , but loving father .
also adding to the proceedings is eddie murphy as mushu the dragon , sent by mulan 's ancestors to watch over and help the young woman .
his fast , wise - cracking , hip - talking mushu may seem out of place , but it 's a crowd pleasing performance , especially for the youngsters .
the movie features only a couple of songs , fewer than most previous disney animated flicks , but mulan 's are winners .
the music by matthew wilder and lyrics by david zippel fit nicely into the plot .
the overall score by jerry goldsmith
also is a plus .
mulan is a treat , more powerful than hercules , with more heart than the hunchback of notre dame .
at about 85 minutes , mulan moves rapidly , and will hold the attention of youngsters from beginning to the end .
mulan will set a new standard by which future animated efforts by disney and other studios will have to work hard to attain .
also , it is hoped that the success of mulan , and there is no doubt that it will prove to be a popular vehicle , will spur an interest for more movies with oriential or asian - american themes so as to provide more substantial roles for the talented performers who gave their voices for this production .
it would be nice to see them on screen as well as hear them .
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the wonderful also is a plus moves rapidly , and will hold the attention of youngsters from beginning to the end utilizes a strong corps is a treasure , featuring magnificent animation , a strong story and finely drawn characters also adding to the proceedings is a treat , more powerful than hercules , with more heart than the hunchback of notre dame but mulan 's are winners even the smallest child can appreciate and enjoy it is a lively tale the success of mulan will set a new standard by which future animated efforts by disney and other studios will have to work hard to attain fit nicely into the plot is a whole new world it 's a crowd pleasing performance