The story in the film of Mulan is based on a Chinese folktale and set in 15th century China Essays

The story in the film of Mulan is based on a Chinese folktale and set in 15th century China Essays The story in the film of Mulan is based on a Chinese folktale and set in 15th century China Paper The story in the film of Mulan is based on a Chinese folktale and set in 15th century China Paper and it shows that she has not yet found who she is. According to the article, Woman Warrior, the authors notes, How can [Mulan] be a dutiful Chinese daughter and still be true to herself? (Corie and Laura 65). However, there is a conflict in Mulans mind; if she were truly to be herself, she possibly would break her familys fame and heart. Actually, Mulan wants to be herself and earn honor to her family (Cue 48). In my opinion, Mulan is a filial and considerate girl; she decides to take her fathers place by disguising a man and to save her fathers life because of his weak health (Cue 48). On the other hand, the step of transformation to be a soldier is difficult to her when she becomes a cross-dresser; however, she is not accepted because she is the weakest of all the men. But she never has thought of giving up; she works harder and practices more at night until she is strong enough to be equal with men (Corie and Laura 65). From the scene, Mulan shows that women also can do everything that men are doing. Moreover, she wins everyones respect . In addition, in the article inChicago Sun-Times, the author says that the film doesnt follow the traditional scene about male hero rescues the heroine (Eber 2). There is a scene about Mulan uses her wit to defeat the Huns and to save Shangs life. He says to Mulan, You have my trust, [Mulan], the bravest man of all; it shows that Shang sees her as better than other soldiers. However, when Shang and others find out that Mulan is a woman, Shang changes his attitude and turns back on her even though she rescues him. Maybe Shang feels lost his face because a woman saves his life. The scene shows the issue of gender role in Chinese values; most men in Asian usually cant accept that women have better capability than mens. In other words, the scene also shows that even when a woman can outsmart men and be as strong and brave as they are, men still cant accept her equally. On the other hand, when Mulan discovers that the Huns didnt die and then she wants to warn Shang; however, soldiers and Shang dont listen to her warning at all, because she is a woman. The custom and law have reinforced gender roles. At the end of film, Mulan makes it to earn the emperor and other peoples respect. The scene shows that Mualn comes home and hands her father the sword of the enemy and the honor gift that the emperor gave. However, her grandmother thinks that it is better to bring a husband, even though she is successful to bring great fame to her family. It shows that women are capable of doing what men can do, and to be good daughters at home. Nevertheless, women are also expected to find ideal men with good marriage. In other words, the message of the film makes me feel that it is important for women to be yourself, to be equal to men; women still have to follow the traditional roles of being a wife and mother. In conclusion, Bonnie thinks, courage, family values and determination are all prominent themes touched upon in this film (48). Moreover, In the article in SpiritualityHealth , the authors thinks that the film is filled with the notions of Confucianism, esteem older people and pledge loyalty to country(1). In my opinion, I strongly agree with Bonnie : That nothing is impossible for a girl if she sets her mind to it. Mulan struggles to win respect, not only for herself but for women of all times (48). As long as you have determination to do everything, you still can make it no matter you are just a little girl or women. Most importantly, it is good to be yourself and to be equal with men, and they also can devote themslves to their country as well as men do. Women should have confidence to find their true identitis.