Whenever a new Disney film is released, millions of people, children as well as adults, rush to the movie theatre to see it. Disney films are much liked by old and young people alike. Very frequently, they use already commonly known plots and give them a new shape. Their repertoire covers many fairy tales and legends. One of these legends to be found in the Disney film collection is the story of Mulan, the story of a Chinese girl, who, disguised as a man, takes her father’s place in the Chinese army and helps defend China against the Huns. She does this to preserve the honor of the family. This old Chinese legend has, as is true for most of the Disney productions, been changed and made suitable for the (white) American market of family entertainment.
The China portrayed in the original version of the legend of Mulan, or rather the children’s book that was available to me in our course reader, is a pretty accurate description of what ancient China must have been like. However, for the audience this children’s book is probably aimed at, i.e. an audience with a Chinese background, Chinese culture is nothing extraordinary, so the culture is not highlighted in any way. In this book, Mulan has been trained in martial arts by her father from very early in her childhood. Moreover, she has a brother whose name she takes on when taking her father’s place in the war against the intruders. In other words, Mulan has been given her martial arts skills as well as a name
from a man, she has not acquired or created them herself. When she leaves, she leaves her home with the permission of her parents. Due to her knowledge of martial arts and her intelligence, she is soon admired by all of the soldiers and becomes a commanding general during a war of more than ten years. There is no one there to either protect her or assist her with advices. In the end, this very strategically oriented general uses the superstition of her enemies, which are not the Huns but simply “enemies from the north,” against them and defeats them. She wins without failing first, and it is only in the end that everyone finds out that she is actually a woman, and no one feels offended about it. The possible message of
this legend may be the importance of honor in ancient China, which has to be defended against the enemy, no matter who this enemy may be.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to the Disney version of Mulan
2. Comparison between the original legend and the Disney adaptation
3. Cultural emphasis: Strategy versus Action
4. Critical analysis of themes and stereotypes
4.1 Portrayal of China and traditional values
4.2 Feminist perspective and gender roles
4.3 The Asian American experience as a parallel
5. Conclusion: American cultural imperialism and final assessment
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the Disney animated film Mulan to analyze how it adapts ancient Chinese legends for the Western market and what impact this has on the representation of Asian cultures and gender roles. The study investigates the intersection of storytelling, ethnic stereotypes, and the cultural implications of Western media.
- Comparison of the original Chinese legend with Disney's narrative choices.
- Analysis of gender dynamics and feminist readings of the film.
- Evaluation of how the film reflects Asian American identity and social status.
- Examination of Disney’s Mulan as a manifestation of cultural imperialism.
- Critique of ingrained societal stereotypes perpetuated through mainstream entertainment.
Excerpt from the Book
Comparison between the original legend and the Disney adaptation
The China portrayed in the original version of the legend of Mulan, or rather the children’s book that was available to me in our course reader, is a pretty accurate description of what ancient China must have been like. However, for the audience this children’s book is probably aimed at, i.e. an audience with a Chinese background, Chinese culture is nothing extraordinary, so the culture is not highlighted in any way. In this book, Mulan has been trained in martial arts by her father from very early in her childhood. Moreover, she has a brother whose name she takes on when taking her father’s place in the war against the intruders. In other words, Mulan has been given her martial arts skills as well as a name from a man, she has not acquired or created them herself.
The Disney version, in contrast, presents an assertive female lead who engages in action, acquires her skills by perseverance. She is more like a Chinese American version of the original Mulan, a young woman who fights a war against prejudice and who ends up falling in love. The battle she has to fight, however, seems much shorter than is described in the original legend. This may be attributed to the pace of life in America, which is by far faster than elsewhere on the world. In addition to that, the love story plot and some characters have been added to the Disney version.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction to the Disney version of Mulan: This section introduces the popularity of Disney films and the specific choice to analyze the legend of Mulan as a case study for cultural adaptation.
2. Comparison between the original legend and the Disney adaptation: This chapter contrasts the traditional Chinese narrative with Disney’s changes, highlighting how the protagonist's background and agency were modified.
3. Cultural emphasis: Strategy versus Action: This chapter argues that while the original legend leans towards strategic problem solving, the Disney version prioritizes active, heroic engagement.
4. Critical analysis of themes and stereotypes: This section provides a deep dive into the socio-cultural impacts of the film, focusing on depictions of China, gender, and the Asian American experience.
5. Conclusion: American cultural imperialism and final assessment: The final chapter summarizes the film as a vehicle for cultural imperialism while acknowledging its emotional appeal and entertainment value.
Keywords
Mulan, Disney, Asian American, Cultural Imperialism, Gender Roles, Stereotypes, Ancient China, Representation, Film Analysis, Feminism, Ethnic Identity, Western Media, Narrative Adaptation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the cultural and social implications of the Disney movie Mulan, specifically how it reshapes a traditional Chinese legend to fit Western audiences.
What are the primary themes discussed in the analysis?
Key themes include gender representation, the portrayal of Chinese culture, the reinforcement of racial stereotypes, and the parallels between the film's narrative and the Asian American experience.
What is the author's central research objective?
The objective is to identify how Disney's version of Mulan serves as an instrument of cultural imperialism by altering historical content to perpetuate Western social hierarchies.
What methodology does the author employ?
The author uses a comparative analysis method, pitting the original Chinese legend against the Disney animated film to highlight specific narrative and character modifications.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The main body examines the differences in Mulan's agency, the film's comedic and dramatic elements, and how gender roles are constructed for both male and female characters.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Essential keywords include Mulan, cultural imperialism, stereotypes, Asian American identity, and representation in Western media.
How does the author interpret the role of Mulan's father in the story?
The author notes that while the father is portrayed as a traditional figure, the film shows a touching development in their relationship that deviates from the rigid patriarchal structures.
What is the author's conclusion regarding the film's suitability for children?
The author suggests that while the movie is enjoyable, it may not be suitable for young children because it presents stereotypes as fact in an uncritical way.
- Quote paper
- B.A. Stephanie Wössner (Author), 2003, Mulan - A film review, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/138124
