Mulan 2020
Directed by
Niki Caro
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Mulan (2020). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the backdrop of Imperial China, we follow the journey of the spirited Hua Mulan, portrayed by Yifei Liu. Mulan is no ordinary girl; she is brimming with adventure and vigor, much to the dismay of her parents, Tzi Ma and Rosalind Chao, who hope to find her a suitable husband one day. Although she longs to bring honor to her family, Mulan’s independent streak shines through with her skill in martial arts, a talent unrecognized for girls in her society.
From a young age, Mulan proves her capabilities when she deftly captures a chicken that has strayed onto the roof. Her adeptness earns her scorn from the community, who believe her actions may taint her family’s honor. Despite societal expectations, she is determined to forge her own path.
When she is presented to a matchmaker (Cheng Pei-Pei) in the hopes of passing as an ideal bride, Mulan feels the weight of tradition pressing upon her. Dressed in extravagant gowns and adorned with heavy makeup, she falters during the tea ceremony, leading to an embarrassing mishap that stains her family’s name further.
Meanwhile, in the north, a fierce threat looms as Böri Khan, played by Jason Scott Lee, leads the Rouran warriors in an invasion, determined to avenge his father’s death at the hands of the Emperor (Jet Li). Assisted by the powerful witch, Xian Lang (Li Gong), they launch a devastating attack that disrupts trade and threatens the very fabric of the empire.
As the Emperor initiates a conscription order, insisting every family contribute a male combatant, Mulan’s father, lacking sons, is compelled to enlist despite his injuries. Understanding the grave risk her father faces, Mulan dons his armor, steals away during the night, and bravely takes his place in battle.
In the rugged mountains, guided by a majestic Phoenix that symbolizes her family’s protection, Mulan arrives at the training camp helmed by Donnie Yen as Commander Tung. Here, she keeps her identity secret while embracing rigorous training alongside fellow recruits like Ling (Jimmy Wong), Yao (Chen Tang), and Chien-Po (Doua Moua). The dynamic grows as she competes against Chen Honghui (Yoson An), who becomes a close ally.
Under Commander Tung’s mentorship, Mulan learns invaluable combat skills, transforming from a hesitant recruit into a formidable soldier. As the Rouran threat escalates, Mulan employs her cunning to turn the tide in battles, cleverly using surplus helmets to misdirect the enemy’s artillery, causing an avalanche that buries Khan’s forces.
However, Mulan’s true identity is soon discovered, leading to her expulsion from the army. Yet, she cannot abandon her comrades. Confronted by Xian Lang, Mulan learns about the looming danger threatening the Emperor, compelling her to return and alert her battalion. Her bravery is acknowledged when her fellow soldiers rally to defend her honor.
With time running out and Bori Khan poised to attack the Imperial City, Mulan spearheads a courageous mission to rescue the Emperor. She faces Bori in an intense confrontation where sacrifices are made, especially by Xian Lang, who ultimately embraces her powers to save Mulan from an arrow meant for her.
In a climactic battle, Mulan manages to defeat Bori Khan, freeing the Emperor from peril. Offered a prestigious position among the Emperor’s personal guard, Mulan chooses instead to return to her village. The journey concludes with a heartfelt reunion with her family, followed by an emissary’s arrival from the Emperor, extending an invitation for Mulan to join the Imperial Army as an esteemed officer under the watchful eye of Commander Tung.
Timeline
Track the key events of Mulan (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Mulan's Childhood
In Imperial China, Hua Mulan is a spirited girl filled with adventure and vigor. Her parents hope to arrange a suitable marriage for her, but Mulan longs for independence and adventure, showcasing her martial arts skills which are unrecognized in her society.
Capture of the Chicken
From a young age, Mulan proves her capabilities when she bravely captures a chicken that has strayed onto a roof. This act, however, brings her scorn from the community who believe such actions could tarnish her family's honor.
Visit to the Matchmaker
Mulan is presented to a matchmaker in hopes of proving herself as an ideal bride. However, during the tea ceremony, she suffers an embarrassing mishap that tarnishes her family's name, reflecting the heavy expectations placed upon her.
Invasion by Böri Khan
In the north, Böri Khan leads the Rouran warriors in an invasion, seeking revenge against the Emperor for his father's death. Assisted by the witch Xian Lang, they launch an attack that disrupts trade and threatens the empire's integrity.
Conscription Order by the Emperor
The Emperor issues a conscription order demanding every family provide a male combatant to defend the empire. Mulan's father, without any sons and burdened by injuries, is forced to enlist, raising concern for his safety.
Mulan Joins the Army
In a desperate act to save her father's life, Mulan disguises herself as a man and takes his place in the army. She dons her father's armor and sneaks away from home, determined to fulfill her family's duty and protect her father.
Arrival at Training Camp
Mulan arrives at a rugged mountain training camp where she meets Commander Tung and her fellow recruits. She keeps her identity a secret as she begins her rigorous training while forming alliances, notably with Chen Honghui.
Training and Transformation
Under the mentorship of Commander Tung, Mulan undergoes intense training, transforming from a hesitant recruit into a formidable soldier. She learns invaluable combat skills and builds camaraderie with her fellow soldiers in the face of a growing threat.
Turning the Tide in Battle
As the Rouran threat escalates, Mulan cleverly uses surplus helmets to misdirect enemy artillery, causing an avalanche that buries Böri Khan's forces. Her ingenuity showcases her leadership skills and earns her respect among her peers.
Discovery of Mulan's Identity
Mulan's true identity as a woman is discovered, leading to her expulsion from the army. Despite this setback, her loyalty to her fellow soldiers drives her to confront Xian Lang and return to warn them of the impending danger threatening the Emperor.
Mulan Returns to Battle
Mulan cannot abandon her comrades and bravely returns to the battlefield to defend her honor. The loyalty and bravery she displays rally her fellow soldiers, who come together to support her despite the dangers they face.
Mission to Rescue the Emperor
With time running short, Mulan leads a daring mission to rescue the Emperor who is held captive by Böri Khan. The stakes are high, and Mulan demonstrates remarkable courage as she faces the warrior in a climactic confrontation.
Böri Khan's Defeat
In an intense showdown, Mulan manages to defeat Böri Khan, securing the safety of the Emperor and his realm. The battle is fierce, and sacrifices are made, including Xian Lang's unexpected actions that aid Mulan at a crucial moment.
Recognition by the Emperor
After her victory, Mulan is offered a prestigious role in the Emperor's personal guard, a recognition of her bravery and skills. Yet, she chooses to return to her village instead, prioritizing her family's honor over personal gain.
Reunion with Family
The journey concludes with Mulan's heartfelt reunion with her family, who realize the depths of her sacrifice and bravery. Shortly after, an emissary arrives from the Emperor, extending an invitation for Mulan to join the Imperial Army as a respected officer.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Mulan (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Hua Mulan
Mulan is a spirited and adventurous young woman determined to prove her worth in a patriarchal society. Her martial arts prowess and courageous heart set her apart from conventional expectations of femininity. Throughout her journey, Mulan evolves from a girl seeking honor to a formidable warrior, demonstrating resilience and bravery.
Commander Tung
Commander Tung serves as a mentor to Mulan, guiding her through the rigors of military training. He exemplifies leadership and strength, recognizing Mulan’s potential despite her disguise. His character emphasizes loyalty, bravery, and the idea that true leaders recognize talent regardless of societal norms.
Böri Khan
Böri Khan is the fierce antagonist driven by revenge and the need to avenge his father's death. He leads the Rouran warriors with ruthless determination, posing a significant threat to the Emperor and the empire. His character represents the darker themes of vengeance and ambition, serving as the catalyst for Mulan's courageous journey.
Xian Lang
Xian Lang, a powerful witch aiding Böri Khan, embodies the theme of inner conflict. While she aids in destruction, her character also experiences a transformation that leads to self-sacrifice. Through her, the film explores the complexities of power, loyalty, and redemption.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Mulan (2020), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The story unfolds in a time of ancient traditions and societal expectations, where honor and duty weigh heavily on individuals. It is an era marked by conflict with external forces, specifically the Rouran warriors, and internal pressures regarding gender roles and family lineage.
Location
Imperial China
Imperial China serves as the majestic backdrop for Mulan's journey, characterized by its rich culture and intricate societal traditions. The rugged mountains represent both the physical challenges and the spirit of bravery that Mulan embodies. The Imperial City, where the climax unfolds, symbolizes power and honor, highlighting the stakes involved in Mulan’s quest.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Mulan (2020). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Valor
Valor is central to Mulan's character as she defies societal norms to protect her family and her country. The theme resonates through her transformation from a girl constrained by tradition to a courageous warrior ready to fight for her beliefs. Mulan’s journey showcases the importance of bravery in the face of adversity.
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Family Honor
The theme of family honor permeates Mulan's story, fueling her desire to bring pride to her family amidst societal expectations. Mulan's actions reflect the conflict between individual aspirations and familial duty, emphasizing that true honor can be found in courage and loyalty rather than conforming to tradition.
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Identity
Mulan’s struggle with her identity is pivotal as she navigates the expectations of a woman in her society. By disguising herself as a man, she explores the restrictions placed on her gender and ultimately discovers her true self. Her journey highlights the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance.
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