Disney's Making a Live-Action Mulan Movie | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Disney's Making a Live-Action Mulan Movie

Here's why I'm really not excited.

13
Disney's Making a Live-Action Mulan Movie
The Verge

Disney has announced that they will be producing a live-action remake of the beloved movie Mulan. The story centers around the titular character Mulan, a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man and replaces her elderly father in the army. Mulan then goes on to be instrumental in the defeat of the invading Huns and captures the heart of General Shang as well, and the movie ends with the girl saving the country and the boy awkwardly knocking at her door.

Personally, Mulan was my favorite Disney princess as a child and even now she holds a special spot in my heart. She was the only Disney princess who looked like me, and she kicked ass. She also had a dragon sidekick and a horse who was fed up with everything, what was there to not like?

But hearing the news that Disney was going to make a live-action movie didn't exactly make me jump for joy. Seeing Disney's announcement that they would be casting a Chinese actress didn't make me ecstatic. Seeing Disney's announcement that Mulan's love interest would not be a white merchant who would save China didn't make me clap my hands in glee.

It's awful to realize that you have absolutely zero faith in mainstream media's ability to represent Asians well. Not just Asians, but any non-white races and non-American ethnicities.

This original version of the script is already incredibly offensive to Asians by taking away our rightful victory, but what makes it worse is that the only reason the script was changed was because people were rightfully protesting it, angered by Disney's sheer audacity. The changes to the script were only made to appease future viewers of the movie.

But here's the thing, Disney. I understand that you're a business first and foremost, but what you need to keep in mind that the original animated Mulan was so popular for a reason. The Mulan in that film didn't have any white merchants randomly swooping in to save the day and get the girl, and the Mulan in that film was brave and lovable and independent. This is the Mulan that your audience wants for a live-action version, and to sully that character is to shoot yourself in the foot. Understand, Disney, that your standards have slipped, but also that your ability to understand the wants of your consumers has become downright awful.

It's 2016, people. It's 2016 and we still have to sign petitions specifically requesting that Asian roles be played by Asian actresses. It's 2016 and Disney announcing that Mulan will be played by a Chinese actress is something to marvel over and applaud. It's 2016 and Disney originally planned to have a white man steal the spotlight as the one who saves China and wins a Chinese warrior woman's heart.

Wake up, America. Wake up to the fact that Asian-Americans do in fact face racism and are treated unfairly in America, and that it's time to admit that no one race is superior to another, no matter how much you cower at the thought of facing the truth. It's 2016, how much longer do we have to keep going in circles?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

1784
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1530
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1193
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments