Mulan

When the Emperor orders one man from each family to join the army against a northern threat, Hua Mulan, the oldest child of a respected warrior, takes her sick father's place. She cuts her hair, assumes a male identity, and trains alongside fellow recruits while keeping her secret. Facing harsh drills, leadership tests, and battlefield danger, she has to sharpen her skills and rely on quick thinking. The film follows her growth from unsure daughter to capable soldier, showing how loyalty, courage, and inner strength reshape her role in a strictly ordered society, all without revealing key plot twists or the final outcome.

Directed by Niki Caro, this 2020 live-action reworking draws on the classic Chinese legend and Disney's earlier animated Mulan, with a screenplay credited to Lauren Hynek, Amanda Silver, and Rick Jaffa.

Released during the global pandemic, Mulan had a hybrid rollout, debuting on Disney+ via Premium Access while seeing limited theatrical screenings in some regions, a strategy that changed how audiences experienced its opening.

The movie sparked widespread discussion beyond film circles, from debates about casting and the removal of musical elements to controversy over certain production choices and filming locations. It became a focal point for conversations about how big studios handle cultural sources, historical sensitivity, and modern expectations for representation.

Critical reaction was mixed, reflected in audience and critic scores, with a vote average of 6.842/10 from 6,941 users, as listed. Reviewers often praised the fight choreography and visual design, while some critics flagged tonal shifts and pacing. Major themes include personal honor, gender roles within rigid traditions, the costs of duty, and the push to prove one's worth in a world that assigns roles by birth.