Mulan

Main Plot

Mulan follows the story of a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father's place in the army. With the Huns threatening to invade China, Mulan's family is called upon to serve, but her father, a war veteran, is too frail to fight. Determined to protect him, Mulan cuts her hair and dons male armor, adopting the name Ping. As she trains with fellow soldiers, Mulan faces numerous challenges while trying to prove herself in a male-dominated environment. Alongside her dragon guardian, Mushu, she navigates the rigors of military life and battles against the invading forces. Throughout her journey, Mulan demonstrates bravery, intelligence, and resourcefulness, ultimately striving to bring honor to her family and country. The film explores themes of identity, honor, and the struggle for acceptance in a traditional society.

Characters

• Ming-Na Wen voices Fa Mulan, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army and save China from invaders.
• Eddie Murphy voices Mushu, a small dragon who becomes Mulan's guardian and helps her throughout her journey to save China.
• BD Wong voices Captain Li Shang, who trains the protagonist and leads the army against the Huns. He becomes a key ally and love interest.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Mulan, the main conflict reaches its climax as Mulan returns to China after successfully defeating the Huns. The Emperor is initially unaware of her true identity, believing she is a heroic soldier. Mulan's actions in battle, where she uses her intelligence and bravery to save the Emperor from Shan Yu, solidify her status as a hero. However, the resolution comes when Mulan's true identity as a woman is revealed. This moment challenges the traditional gender roles of her society, leading to a pivotal change in perception. Instead of facing punishment for her deception, Mulan is celebrated for her courage and contributions. The Emperor honors her, and she is recognized as a valuable member of the community. The film concludes with Mulan returning home, where she is embraced by her family and community. This ending emphasizes themes of honor, self-acceptance, and breaking societal norms. Mulan's journey not only resolves her personal conflict of identity and acceptance but also inspires a broader change in how women are viewed in her society, suggesting that bravery and honor transcend gender. The narrative ultimately champions individuality and the strength found in being true to oneself.