Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: this is a beautifully shot, well-acted film with a strong empowerment message and impressive action sequences. The problem? It's kind of joyless.

The 2020 Mulan strips away everything that made the animated version sing—literally—and replaces it with a grim war drama that's more concerned with looking epic than feeling epic. The violence is intense (PG-13 earned), the tone is heavy, and while the feminist themes are front and center, they're delivered with all the subtlety of a battle axe.

The audience score (46% on RT, 5.8 on IMDb) tells the real story: people wanted to love this, but it just doesn't connect emotionally. Kids who grew up with the animated version will miss Mushu and the music. Kids watching for the first time will wonder why everyone looks so serious all the time.

That said, if you've got a 10-13 year old who's ready for more mature content and wants to see a female warrior kick butt in a historical epic, this delivers on that front. Just set expectations: this isn't a Disney musical, it's a war movie with a Disney logo.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-13 and up who can handle realistic war violence and appreciate a more mature, serious take on the legend. Kids under 10 expecting the animated version's humor will likely be disappointed or overwhelmed by the battle intensity.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Strong themes of family honor, courage, and challenging gender norms, but the serious war tone and realistic violence create a heavier emotional experience than the animated version. Models determination and self-sacrifice, though the removal of humor and musical elements makes it less emotionally balanced for younger viewers. The feminist empowerment message is clear, but the film's treatment of 'chi' as a gendered power and the darker battlefield imagery add complexity that requires maturity to process.

Imaginative

68

Visually stunning with impressive cinematography, choreography, and period set pieces that bring ancient China to life. The addition of mystical 'chi' powers and the sorceress Xianniang adds fantastical elements, but the film trades the animated version's whimsy and creativity for a more grounded, realistic war drama. It's beautiful to watch but doesn't particularly invite creative play or exploration—it's more of a straight historical action piece with some magical realism.

Safe

58

PG-13 rating for sequences of violence is earned—graphic battle scenes, sword fights, dead bodies on battlefields, and intense combat throughout. No strong profanity and minimal sexual content (brief intimacy hints), but the realistic war imagery is significantly more intense than typical family fare. Younger kids expecting the animated version's tone will be caught off-guard by the darkness and violence. The mature themes around deception, honor, and gender discrimination require context.

Enriching

75

Solid exploration of gender roles, personal identity, and the cost of conforming to societal expectations. The film tackles feminist themes head-on and shows a young woman finding her power outside patriarchal constraints. However, critics note limited cultural depth beyond a Western director's lens, and the loss of the animated version's heart means some teachable moments feel more surface-level. Still offers good conversation fodder about courage, family duty, and being true to yourself.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stunning cinematography and fight choreography that's genuinely impressive to watch
Strong feminist message about breaking free from gender constraints and finding your own power
More faithful to the original Chinese legend than the animated version, with mystical chi elements
Great conversation starter about courage, family honor, and being true to yourself
The sorceress Xianniang adds moral complexity as a woman who chose a different path

⚠

What to Watch For

Realistic war violence—dead bodies on battlefields, intense sword fights, people getting stabbed
Much darker and more serious than the 1998 animated version kids might expect
Some critics question the cultural authenticity despite the Chinese setting
The 'chi' concept is presented as something women must hide, which may need discussion
It's just not as fun—no Mushu, no songs, no comic relief to break the tension

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Mulan's society told her she had to hide her chi? What would you have done?"
"How is the sorceress Xianniang different from Mulan, even though they both have power?"
"What does it mean to bring honor to your family? Do you think Mulan's choice was the right one?"
"If you had to pretend to be someone else to protect your family, how would that feel?"
"Why do you think this version is so different from the animated one? Which do you prefer?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Mulan Live