We’re nearing Disney live action remake number 30 out 75. While that’s not entirely true, it sure feels that way. Though some people might find bits an pieces to enjoy in Aladdin, The Lion King or Beauty & The Beast, the only true place that matters they connect is at the box office. By that metric alone, this experiment has been a success. Yet something needs to make them feel less like tired retreads, and more so individual films worth merit…Enter this new trailer for the Mouse House’s latest try, Mulan. No, seriously, if you’re a fan of action epics or wuxia films, you just might want to put your peepers on this one:
Given the divergent nature of the live-action take on this age old tale, here’s Milan’s official synopsis:
“When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father. Mulan features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Cheng Honghui; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor.”
If you ask me (which I’ll just assume you have), that’s one loaded cast. Li, Li and Yen are worth the price of admission on their own. Seeing Jason Scott Lee as the heavy is an added dose of fun, too. Given the footage of the trailer, it would appear the spirit side of the animated feature will still remain intact. In some form of another.
Speaking of that footage, this looks like a full scale wuxia movie. A somewhat daring move for Disney. Taking Mulan in that direction allows them to both side step the musical roots, while potentially catering the to more action oriented viewers. Not to mention the bost that likely gives overseas as well. It could easily look hokey, but it would appear director Niki Caro (Whale Rider) and her team are up to the task. Out of all the recent live action remakes in the mouse house pipeline, this one may be just different enough to warrant everyone’s attention.
The most important question is what do you think, dear reader? Are you already feeling fatigue from these releases? Is there a certain property you’re holding out they adapt rather soon? What’s your favorite wuxia, if you’ve seen more than just Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon? Answer these questions in the space provided in the comments. And be sure to catch Mulan when it twirls and slashes its way into theaters, on March 27, 2020.
