I finally watched the Mulan live-action remake this weekend with my fiancé, and honestly — I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it! Between the controversy and all the early reviews, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the film turned out to be beautifully done and full of powerful moments. Here’s what stood out to me most:
💄 Mulan’s Makeup & Costumes
Can we take a moment to appreciate the makeup and costume design? Absolutely breathtaking! The artistry behind Mulan’s look was both elegant and historically inspired. Every detail — from the subtle symbolism in her colors to the intricate fabrics — added so much depth to her character. The makeup might have leaned a bit dramatic at times, but honestly, it worked. The overall visual experience was stunning.
🐉 Xianniang, the Witch
One of the biggest surprises for me was how much I adored Xianniang (played by the incredible Gong Li). While I originally hoped the live-action version would stay closer to the animated film, this addition brought an unexpected layer of complexity. Xianniang’s story felt symbolic — showing what Mulan could become if she let her power isolate her. It was haunting, empowering, and completely mesmerizing.
👑 Jet Li as the Emperor
Epic. Just epic. I do wish they aged him up slightly for the role, but it’s Jet Li — he can do no wrong. His calm authority and subtle power were perfect for the character.
🎖️ “Honor to Us All” Moment
One of my favorite parts of the movie was when Mulan finally restores honor to her family. The emotion in that scene hit so beautifully — it felt like a love letter to the spirit of the original.
🌸 The Reveal
Without giving too much away, Mulan’s reveal as a woman plays out differently in this version — and I actually loved it. It felt more intentional and mature, highlighting her bravery rather than shame or fear.
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What I Would’ve Changed
Of course, no remake is without a few things I wish were handled differently:
- Mushu & the Phoenix:
I had mixed feelings here. The phoenix was visually stunning, especially in the moments where it paralleled Mulan’s growth — but I missed Mushu’s playful spark. The film could’ve used just a touch more humor or warmth. - The Love Interest:
While I appreciated seeing Mulan as an independent heroine, there was definitely some subtle chemistry with one of her fellow soldiers. I wasn’t mad about it — just curious where it could have gone. - The Controversy:
It’s impossible to ignore the backlash surrounding Liu Yifei’s political comments. While I understand that actors are entitled to their opinions, I wish her response had been more thoughtful given the context. Still, I don’t believe that should overshadow the artistry of the film itself.
Final Thoughts
Mulan is visually stunning, emotionally rich, and refreshingly empowering. While it takes creative liberties from the original, it still captures the heart of the story — courage, honor, and self-discovery. If you missed it in theaters, it’s now streaming on Disney+, and I’d definitely recommend giving it a watch.
Grab some popcorn, pour a glass of wine, and let yourself get swept up in the story. I’d love to hear your thoughts — did you love it, or do you prefer the animated version? Let’s chat in the comments!
I often feel that any movie remake, especially when it comes to Disney’s live-action versions of their animated classics, will be scrutinized for flaws or perceived shortcomings. With that said, here are a few observations I have about what could have been done differently.
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 