It’s finally here! After a 6 month wait, we’re finally able to see the new live-action film, Disney’s Mulan. But, can the kids watch it? This post will share an honest parent review of Mulan, and if it’s worth purchasing through Disney+ on September 4th.
A Different Kind of Princess Tale
As always, these reviews are spoiler-free, but I can share that this is not the Mulan you are used to watching.
As you may have predicted through the trailers and PG-13 rating, this film is very different from the animated version of Mulan.
There’s a focus the strength and chi of women, and the prejudices we have encountered since the beginning of time.
There is a score to the film, and a nod to some of the classic songs we love, but no actual musical numbers. For younger kids who connect to a storyline through music or sing-a-longs, this may be a challenge for them.
My 6 year old somewhat enjoyed the film, but I did see him disconnecting a few times since he is used to a musical break within the film.
Live Action With Actual Action
The biggest question most parents are asking — Is Mulan too violent? My answer as a mom of 3 kids in different age groups is no.
The battle scenes aren’t technically graphic, but there’s lots to take in during these parts of the film. Mulan’s acrobatics alone got a whoop and praise from my 10 year old daughter and 15 year old son.
The entire movie was visually stunning, and repeatedly took my breath away.
Here’s my very straightforward thought about this. If you’ve ever let your kids watch one of the recent Marvel or Star Wars movies, you can let them watch Mulan.
This won’t be a sensational and over-dramatic Mulan review telling you to shield the eyes of your kids over some pretty awesome fight scenes. It’s a beautiful film that needs to be seen, even if it’s on a small screen.
There’s no gore or extremely uncomfortable encounters. I suspect the PG-13 rating from Disney was a bit overzealous. It’s nowhere near the PG-13 films we are currently used to seeing.
Lack Of Love Story
One thing my daughter commented about the film was the lack of a love story. She really enjoyed that the film was truly all about Mulan — her journey to being a true warrior.
We need more of these kind of princess stories from Disney; hyper-focused on the main female character, and her development into a powerful entity. This reason alone is why I’m all about my girl, and my teenage son, repeatedly viewing this film.
Is Mulan For Young Kids, Though?
Can we have a minute to talk about if this film would be enjoyable for younger kids?
While I mentioned earlier in our Mulan review that the action isn’t something that should deter you from letting your young kids see Mulan, the length and storyline might be too much for younger ones.
Disney’s live-action Mulan is 115 minutes long, which is almost 2 hours of young ones having to pay attention the unfolding of the story.
While the action sequences and the amazing shape-shifting villain Xian Lang (wait until she see her in action, you guys) will keep the attention of a younger audience, the other parts of the film may fall flat.
My 6 year old action-loving kid did leave the room a few times during our Mulan movie night, and I didn’t press him to stay. The rest of the family was enthralled, though.
Should I Buy Mulan on Disney+?
The big question is should you buy Mulan on Disney+ now for $30, or wait until December when it will be available for free on the platform?
First, let me remind everyone that you will OWN Disney’s Mulan if you decide to purchase it through the platform. This is not a rental, like we’ve seen with past Video On Demand movies.
That being said, you can still wait almost 4 months to see it on the platform.
My opinion is all parents of young girls need to seriously consider purchasing this film.
Even though we were able to view a screener of the film early, I will be purchasing Disney’s Mulan for our family. Why? Because we vote with our dollars.
This is the perfect time to show Disney Studios and Disney+ that we are deeply invested in stories about strong women. That they stories about strong women are important to us as we raise strong women. Period.
If you can, find the money in your budget to purchase Mulan. Let’s show them how much we care about our girls.
