Whenever a new Disney film is released, millions of people, children as well as adults, rush to the movie theatre to see it. Disney films are much liked by old and young people alike. Very frequently, they use already commonly known plots and give them a new shape. Their repertoire covers many fairy tales and legends. One of these legends to be found in the Disney film collection is the story of Mulan, the story of a Chinese girl, who, disguised as a man, takes her father’s place in the Chinese army and helps defend China against the Huns. She does this to preserve the honor of the family. This old Chinese legend has, as is true for most of the Disney productions, been changed and made suitable for the (white) American market of family entertainment.
The China portrayed in the original version of the legend of Mulan, or rather the children’s book that was available to me in our course reader, is a pretty accurate description of what ancient China must have been like. However, for the audience this children’s book is probably aimed at, i.e. an audience with a Chinese background, Chinese culture is nothing extraordinary, so the culture is not highlighted in any way. In this book, Mulan has been trained in martial arts by her father from very early in her childhood. Moreover, she has a brother whose name she takes on when taking her father’s place in the war against the intruders. In other words, Mulan has been given her martial arts skills as well as a name
from a man, she has not acquired or created them herself. When she leaves, she leaves her home with the permission of her parents. Due to her knowledge of martial arts and her intelligence, she is soon admired by all of the soldiers and becomes a commanding general during a war of more than ten years. There is no one there to either protect her or assist her with advices. In the end, this very strategically oriented general uses the superstition of her enemies, which are not the Huns but simply “enemies from the north,” against them and defeats them. She wins without failing first, and it is only in the end that everyone finds out that she is actually a woman, and no one feels offended about it. The possible message of
this legend may be the importance of honor in ancient China, which has to be defended against the enemy, no matter who this enemy may be.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Comparison of the Disney Version and the Original Legend
- Analysis of the Disney Version
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to compare and contrast the Disney film "Mulan" with its original Chinese legend, analyzing how the story has been adapted for a Western audience. It explores the changes made to the plot, characters, and cultural context, examining the implications of these adaptations.
- Adaptation of Chinese Legend for Western Audiences
- Cultural Representation and Stereotypes
- Comparison of Strategic Thinking vs. Action-Oriented Approaches
- Analysis of Disney's Portrayal of China
- The Role of Gender and Tradition
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage for the essay, introducing the subject of Disney's "Mulan" and its relation to the original Chinese legend. It highlights the popularity of Disney films and the frequent adaptation of existing stories, establishing the context for the comparative analysis to follow. The introduction emphasizes the cultural transformation the legend undergoes in its Disney adaptation, highlighting the shift from a primarily strategic narrative to one emphasizing action and romance.
Comparison of the Disney Version and the Original Legend: This chapter provides a detailed comparison between the Disney version of Mulan and the original Chinese legend. It highlights key differences in character development, plot structure, and cultural portrayal. The original legend is presented as a story that emphasizes strategic thinking and the importance of honor within ancient Chinese society. In contrast, the Disney adaptation is characterized as presenting a more action-oriented and assertive female lead, incorporating elements of romance and humor that cater to a Western audience. The chapter subtly explores how cultural values are transformed in the process of adaptation, contrasting strategic thinking in the original with the focus on action and individual achievement in the Disney version. The focus on the differences in the portrayal of conflict—a prolonged war in the original versus a shorter, more focused battle in the Disney version—is a crucial aspect of the comparison, highlighting the different cultural contexts and pacing of storytelling.
Analysis of the Disney Version: This section delves into a critical analysis of the Disney film itself, assessing its strengths and weaknesses. It examines various aspects of the film, including the animation style, musical score, and character portrayals. The analysis highlights the high quality of the animation while also noting some inconsistencies, such as the use of cheerful songs that may not be entirely suitable for the film's serious undertones. This chapter also touches upon the representation of Chinese culture, recognizing both positive aspects—like the inclusion of Asian art elements—and negative ones, such as instances where Chinese traditions are portrayed in a way that might reinforce stereotypes or misunderstandings. This section's analysis also shows how the selection of voice actors, including several Asian American actors, contributes to the film's reception and interpretation.
Keywords
Disney's Mulan, Chinese legend, cultural adaptation, Western audiences, gender roles, stereotypes, strategic thinking vs. action, animation, cultural representation, Asian American actors.
Disney's Mulan: A Comparative Analysis - FAQ
What is the purpose of this essay?
This essay compares and contrasts Disney's "Mulan" with the original Chinese legend, analyzing how the story was adapted for a Western audience. It explores changes in plot, characters, and cultural context, examining the implications of these adaptations.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the adaptation of a Chinese legend for Western audiences, cultural representation and stereotypes, the comparison of strategic thinking versus action-oriented approaches, Disney's portrayal of China, and the role of gender and tradition.
What aspects of Disney's "Mulan" are compared to the original legend?
The essay compares character development, plot structure, and cultural portrayal. It highlights differences in the emphasis on strategic thinking versus action and the portrayal of conflict (prolonged war versus shorter, focused battle).
How does the essay analyze Disney's "Mulan"?
The essay critically analyzes the Disney film's strengths and weaknesses, examining aspects like animation style, musical score, character portrayals, and the representation of Chinese culture (including both positive and negative aspects).
What are some of the key differences between the Disney version and the original legend?
The original legend emphasizes strategic thinking and honor within ancient Chinese society, while the Disney adaptation presents a more action-oriented and assertive female lead, incorporating romance and humor to appeal to a Western audience.
What is the significance of the voice actors in Disney's "Mulan"?
The essay notes the inclusion of several Asian American actors in the voice cast and its contribution to the film's reception and interpretation.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, a comparison of the Disney version and the original legend, an analysis of the Disney version, and a conclusion.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include Disney's Mulan, Chinese legend, cultural adaptation, Western audiences, gender roles, stereotypes, strategic thinking vs. action, animation, cultural representation, and Asian American actors.
What is the overall approach of the essay?
The essay uses a comparative and analytical approach, contrasting the original Chinese legend with its Disney adaptation to highlight the changes made and their implications for cultural representation and storytelling.
- Quote paper
- B.A. Stephanie Wössner (Author), 2003, Mulan - A film review, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/138124
