Warrior Woman: Why Mulan Was A Disney Princess Ahead Of Her Time
When she made the leap from Chinese legend to Disney canon in 1998, Mulan immediately signified a new and exciting kind of lead.
As Disney princesses go, she’s extra special. And, sure, technically she isn’t a princess, but that’s okay, because, really, she’s a QUEEN – a warrior queen.
Now, with Mulan set to capture the hearts of a whole new generation in the new live-action movie, we’ve taken a look at some of things that made her a Disney princess ahead of her time.
A brave – and smart – warrior
What Mulan is best known for, of course, is being a warrior. When her father is conscripted into the army, she disguises herself as a boy to take his place in order to save his life and protect the rest of her family. While Mulan’s false identity leads to some very funny moments, it’s pretending to be something she’s not that enables Mulan to find her true self.
It’s remarkable that the story doesn’t really require Mulan to change or be more masculine in order to succeed. Sure, she’s a fierce fighter, but the things that lead her to victory are same the qualities that set her apart from the other soldiers. Where their brute strength fails them, Mulan uses her wits and ingenuity to come up with unique and successful solutions.
Mulan saves the day not just by being a brave fighter, but also by being smart and, most importantly, herself.
The hero of her own story
Mulan is well and truly the star of the show. It’s refreshing that her romantic interests take a back seat – indeed, while there are rumours Mulan will have a new love interest in the live-action film, it seems likely he’ll also have secondary priority. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of romance, of course, but it’s meaningful that Mulan isn’t defined by it. Rather than being a victim or waiting around for a guy to rescue her, Mulan is the one doing all the rescuing – she saves her father, her love interest, and, oh yeah, her entire country.
Mulan is as far from being a damsel in distress as you can get. Her story doesn’t revolve around a man – it’s completely her own. The focus is on Mulan’s journey – not just the physical one, in which she goes off to war, but also the internal one, in which she finds herself.
A complicated and real heroine
One of the best things about Mulan is, even within a larger-than-life story, she feels grounded in reality. She loves her family more than anything and wants to make them happy, but, at the same time, she chafes against the expectations and restrictions they, and society in general, place upon her. She’s clumsy and awkward, outspoken and impulsive, but she tries her best.
Still, all that effort leaves Mulan feeling isolated and lonely because she doesn’t fit the perfect, idealised picture of what a woman should be. The alienation of not fitting in is something just about everybody can relate to growing up – and even as an adult.
There’s comfort in that relatability, but most especially in the way that the story ultimately validates Mulan. It’s the world that needs to change, not her – and it’s her actions that help to do it. It’s exactly the kind of message we all needed to hear growing up; and it’s more relevant in 2020 than ever.
Mulan isn’t just a Disney princess – she’s the kind of hero the world needs.
—
Disney’s Mulan is streaming September 4. Exclusively available to Disney+ subscribers who unlock Premier Access. Additional fee required.
—
Hey, just FYI, if you buy something from one of the links in this article, we may earn a small commission.
—
(Images courtesy of Disney)