Transfiguring Adoption’s Overview:
Mulan is the newest addition to the ever-growing list of live-action Disney remakes. The anticipation for this one seems to be extra high, due largely in part to the repeated changes to its release date. But it’s finally available! (Though does require a premium upgrade to Disney+ to be able to view. The film will release for free on the platform on December 4th).
For those who loved the animated version in the 90s and go into this expecting catchy musical numbers and a comical dragon sidekick: you will be disappointed. The movie takes on a more serious/darker tone but is still a great retelling of the story we know and love. I knew what to expect going into it and was pleasantly surprised to find how many small details were put into the film to pay homage to the original. And the best part for me was that we still get some of the music, it’s just used as an instrumental underlay to the film, rather than having the characters break out into song and dance. I did find myself slightly disengaged in the second half of the film. Without the humorous banter with Mushu and even the comical quips of the emperor that we get in the cartoon all we’re left with is pretty much…extended battle scenes. There’s a new character- Xian Lang the sorceress- but even that added storyline was brief and not enough to…
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About the Author: Jenn Ehlers
Jenn is a central Virginia native who received her BA in Psychology from the University of Virginia in 2012. Since then she has worked for a local mental health agency and the Department of Social Services in various capacities and has been involved in her community’s efforts to create a Trauma Informed Network. Currently Jenn works in vocational rehab and mentors youth in foster care. When she isn’t working, Jenn enjoys writing stories, anything and everything Harry Potter, and spending time with her niece and nephew.
**Transfiguring Adoption is a nonprofit organization seeking to nurture growth in foster and adoptive families by giving a HOOT about their families. Transfiguring Adoption does not intend for its reviewers nor its review to be professional, medical or legal advice. These reviews and discussion guides are intended to help parents to better be able to connect and understand their children who come from traumatic backgrounds.
