This remake was high on my list of anticipated movies for 2020. Having generally enjoyed Disney’s previous remakes, I was excited that the 1998 film *Mulan* would be getting a similar treatment. Director Niki Caro stated her intention to create a significantly different version of the familiar story—a more realistic adaptation of the Chinese tale, without songs or beloved characters like Mushu. This immediately set expectations differently for viewers; those hoping for something close to the original might feel let down, while fans frustrated by Disney’s tendency to reuse its own ideas could find this remake appealing. Ideally, a remake should blend respect for the source material with fresh elements. It needs to preserve the core message while offering something new that makes viewers think, "I like this addition that wasn't in the original." *Aladdin* gave Jasmine a more developed storyline, and *Beauty and the Beast* expanded on the Beast’s background. Even *The Lion King*, often criticized as a shot-for-shot remake (though it isn't), offered a groundbreaking visual experience. I was genuinely looking forward to seeing what Niki Caro would bring with her more grounded approach... I must admit, I feel deeply disappointed. In my previous review of the original film, I highlighted its epic and cinematic qualities—something I eagerly anticipated in this new version. Despite the beautiful set design and some striking visuals, it’s the first Disney live-action remake that falls short compared to its animated predecessor. The twenty-year-old animation feels superior overall. There's only one shot from the remake that I would consider worthy of inclusion in the original, and even then, it likely wouldn't carry the same emotional weight. The action sequences are uninspired and feel disjointed. Aside from a few strong war moments, most action scenes rely heavily on excessive CGI, poorly utilized high frame rates, and frantic editing. The editing (credited to David Coulson) feels strangely overdone throughout the film, with too many cuts that remove important narrative beats. It’s as if the movie is concealing something; I frequently needed to recall details from the original to understand why certain moments held significance for a character or the story itself, because this remake simply omits those moments without providing adequate replacements. Even the timeline feels awkward, jumping between locations without showing the characters' transitions. The score by Harry Gregson-Williams is also somewhat underwhelming. Like the rest of the film, there are pleasant nods to the original songs, especially "Reflection." I had mentally prepared myself to accept the absence of music, believing that Harry would create a similarly grand score that I’d enjoy. However, the *Mulan* soundtrack fails to elevate even a single battle and doesn't deliver the cinematic atmosphere I hoped for; I didn't feel any genuine emotional impact during the film. Story-wise, it’s a mixed experience. Niki Caro promised a realistic take that diverged significantly from the original, and she certainly delivered on that promise. This is the most distinct departure any Disney remake has taken from its source material. While remaining faithful to the original Chinese tale in some respects, this version isn't necessarily better—quite the opposite. The core themes are present but explored through a different lens, which might be difficult for dedicated fans of the original to accept. However, I still feel that Hua Mulan embodies the qualities that made me connect with her character. Her courage and bravery in going to war to protect her father, her love and devotion to her family—these are all present, but portrayed through a protagonist who already possesses the traits needed to lead a nation. This is a key difference, though it doesn’t invalidate the original story. It does impact this remake itself. While this sounds promising, Mulan somewhat contradicts itself by making its main character feel exceptional and separate from everyone else, rather than truly embracing her connection to others. As I mentioned earlier, this is an entirely reimagined version of a familiar tale. I appreciate all the changes made, including the removal of Mushu, Cri-Kee, and the songs. However, when something is removed, it needs to be replaced with something else. My feelings are mixed once again. Some additions, such as the introduction of Chi and the witch Xian Lang (Gong Li), are welcome but underdeveloped throughout the film. The concept of vital energy clashes with the “be yourself” message, while Xian Lang’s character feels predictable and diminishes Bori Khan's (Jason Scott Lee) threat. The ending is surprisingly anticlimactic. Not only does the final battle between Hua Mulan and Bori Khan fail to meet expectations, but it’s also visually disappointing. I expected this remake to feel grand, magnificent, epic, and cinematic—at least as much as or even more than its original. It falls far short of that goal. The acting is also uneven; Liu Yifei shines as Hua Mulan, Yoson An provides a subtle yet effective portrayal of Chen Honghui, and the actors playing Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po are amusing. However, Donnie Yen as Commander Tung and Jet Li as The Emperor are disappointingly bland, and while Jason Scott Lee is perfectly cast as the villain, he doesn’t get to truly stand out. Ultimately, *Mulan* is the most disappointing Disney remake I've seen so far. Even though Niki Caro delivered a realistic and distinct take as promised, its execution feels inferior to the original animated film in nearly every aspect. The 1998 movie remains more epic and cinematic than this remake. The editing is rushed and disjointed, omitting key character moments. The action sequences are weighed down by unnecessary CGI that detracts from the war scenes, which also feel small-scale. The musical score fails to fill the void left by the songs, leaving a strangely empty feeling. Despite Liu Yifei’s strong performance and some supporting work, the acting is generally mediocre. Story-wise, it's a mixed bag—an undeniably unique version that will likely divide audiences, upsetting some while pleasing others. I commend the courage to produce such a different take, but the execution lacks emotional impact, making it an ultimately disappointing film. The original’s message and essence are still present through a new perspective, which is the best compliment I can offer. Rating: C-

Source on TMDB