REVIEW: MULAN

4/5

Mulan Rouge.

115 Mins. Starring: Yifei Liu, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan, Gong Li & Jet Li. Director: Niki Caro. 

Tigers crouch and dragons hide in Disney's live action adaptation of their amazing 1998 animation, 'Mulan'. All for members only with the plus price of $29.99 (WHAT?!) and a small screen downgrade. After parting with these Disney dollars no one is going to want to see the new Marvel 'Black Widow', whether Robert Downey Jr's 'Iron Man' is bolted up in it or his three word response not, now. Following the big-three of the big ears of 'Dumbo', mane of 'The Lion King' and the magic carpet that really ties those three wishes of 'Aladdin' together last year, 'Mulan' wasn't just meant to be the latest and greatest of the magic kingdoms live action remake, rebooted age. It was supposed to be the biggest film of the year for them or anybody. It even survived a Hong Kong controversy with its lead worse than Los Angeles Laker LeBron James' response. Both still however need to be accounted for. Even if we are fans, we stand with Hong Kong too. But now with Florida's Disney World playing host to the quarantined NBA Bubble, corona closed cinemas leave a mop cleaning mouse looking to pull 'Fantasia' tricks to fulfil all their franchise fantasies. Even with 'Batman Begins' big-screen blockbuster with smarts director, Christopher Nolan beginning the Summer season again in theatres with 'Tenet' (as a masked Tom Cruise watching the premiere will also lead to all the top guns returning to take off dates like James Bond with 'No Time To Die' now in November), his star Robert Pattinson still got infected after a movie were they wore masks ahead of their time in Nolan's old crusades. Batman has coronavirus. What the hell kind of year is this? One we will never forget as we were meant to roar into the 20's like a Gatsby, but ended up heading back to the dark ages old sport.

Big screen or not, 'Mulan' is still a plus and a spectacle, but we really think that 29.99 would be better spent on seeing it between the red curtains than the halfway house of somewhere between your phone and your laptop. Tapping into more this is one of the most amazing and atmospheric Disney updates on their traditional animations. Right there with 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Jungle Book' and 'The Lion King'. Although we're still waiting for the deer crossing of that 'Bambi' remake starring The Rock that SNL promised. Sure this ravaging red room may be missing some songs and Eddie Murphy, but it still looks as iconic and incredible as any stroke of the artists brush. From spices in the street, to porcelain powder making up this cinematography, adaptations have not looked this awe-inspiring since the Arabian nights of last years 'Aladdin' made all your wishes come true like Will Smith honouring the late, great, one and only Robin Williams. The Twitter highlight come Ava DuVernay backed one hour documentary, 'One Perfect Shot' would have their work cut out choosing just one single clip here. This 'Mulan' is full of mesmerizing moments for your filmography frame. One empowering one in particular through the mist and air of atmosphere is as epic as they come on horseback. Shedding the armour and disguise of a life once hidden in fear. Now coming out and of age to all the worlds stage. But floating above all this foundation are the beautiful battles and classic cinematic chereography that demands a bigger spotlight than the thing we normally use to swipe left. The amazing action should see bigger lights than a camera phone. Focusing on something that shouldn't be crouched OR hidden in the year of the dragon.

Rising phoenix's still have order though and this one flames on in all its glory like the traditional temples and the aura of being at one with your chi. The energy is strong. Floating and fighting. Taking a knee and offering a sacrifice, Yifei Liu gives us her absolute all in a moment that deserves a bigger stage in spotlight. Going all 'If I Were A Boy' like 'Black Is King' star Beyonce as she fights for her family and fathers place and life. Gifting us with the sweetest father and daughter story since 'The Farewell' star Tzi Ma finally getting his flowers, picked us one in one of this years best movies in Disney's streaming service rival Netflix's 'Tigertail'. But it's when we see that the commander of the Imperial Army is none other but the 'Ip Man' himself and 'Star Wars: Rogue One' actor Donnie Yen that we are left with the biggest smile on our faces. Almost akin to seeing a bearded and grey, 'Fearless' Jet Li play the Emperor of China in what really is a celebration of the greats of Chinese cinema. The only ones missing being Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh as even 'Memoirs Of Geisha' and 'Miami Vice' actress Gong Li sprinkles some magic and witchcraft. But we won't spoil the classic cameo that in cinemas would have drawn as many cheers as it does a "SERIOUSLY" reaction on the socials. Giving 'Whale Rider' director Nika Caro's most expensive female fronted movie made with the biggest budget plenty to work with in a scope that demands better from its streamed showcase. Like the warrior King of 'Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story' and Mowgli 'Jungle Book' star Jason Scott Lee. Or Netflix's 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword Of Destiny' sequel star Yonson An's love interest reuniting with Yen like Donnie's loyal right hand man Ron Yuan of 'Prison Break' and 'Mortal Kombat' video game voiced fame. Loyal, brave and true, this vivid version of 'Mulan' is magnificent and brings honour to us all. Running up the walls like we all did in quarantine and having the biggest fun in temples since Suga of BTS became Agust D against himself for 'Daechwita' in South Korea. In a crazy, rich amazing year for Asian cinema that saw 'Parasite' take best picture at the Academy Awards and not just the renamed best international Oscar and even has another 'Train To Busan' leaving this month for the 'Peninsula', nothing celebrates the culture in all its textures and traditions quite like this. Even with a more subtle sense of scale. This ballad of Mulan still sings. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Mulan (1998)', 'Tigertail', 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'.