Soundtrack Review

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Soundtrack Review : Mulan (1998

Historical Context

The animated Disney movie Mulan is based on the Chinese legend Hua Mulan , a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take the place of her elderly father in the army , and could be traced in The Ballad of Mulan . The earliest accounts of this legend indicate that the character lived during the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534 . This is further corroborated by the presence of the Huns or Xiongnu (the main antagonists in

the movie , who were already absorbed by into Chinese culture during this era . Another version however , implies that it took place later , stating that Emperor Yang of Sui China (who reigned from 604-617 ) requested Mulan to be a concubine . The use of fireworks also support that the story happened during the Sui dynasty

On the other hand , the presence of landmarks such as the Forbidden City , which was not built until the 15th century , may also indicate that the film took place at a much later period . Similarly , the style of dress used in the movie (traditional Han clothing , also known as Hanfu suggest that it was set during the 15th century or earlier . Although the movie is set in northern China , whose main language is Mandarin , the Cantonese pronunciation "Fa , was used for Mulan 's family name

Summary of the Plot The emperor requires all male members of every family in the country to join the draft for the army and participate in the war , as a result of the invasion of the White Huns , headed by Shan Yu . Fa Zhou , despite his old age , is forced to enlist , having no son of his own . Fa

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Mulan , his daughter , saves his father from this predicament by posing as a man and joining the army on her father 's behalf . A small dragon Mushu , is enjoined by Mulan 's ancestors to go with her in her adventure . Mulan proceeds to the camp headed by Captain Li Shang and is successful in her disguise . She passes off with the name Ping and joins the group in their gruelling training sessions . Mulan impresses them by successfully retrieving an arrow from a pole

Their group eventually faces off with that of Shan Yu 's (head of the Huns . The White Huns stampede down a snowbank towards the outnumbered troops of Captain Li Shang . The latter escape from a sure massacre of the Huns , thanks to Mulan 's ingenious idea she also saves Li Shang 's life in the process . However , Mulan is crtitically wounded by Shan Yu Mulan is discovered to be a woman during her treatment . Chi Fu , the emperor 's adviser , demands for Mulan 's death , but Li Shang relents and spares her life in exchange for saving his during battle . However , he banishes her from the troops as they head to the city

The troops get a heroes ' welcome in the Imperial City and are hailed before the Emperor . Mulan , having...