Let's get down to business as we flap our gums about Mulan, the mold-breaking animated classic that loaded the Disney canon with its strongest questioning of gender roles at the time. In several ways, it transmuted the traditional formula that sustained the studio's modern resurgence, while still remaining a reflection of deeply internalized storytelling (and brand) values. The result: a rousing and memorable film that's true to its complex heart.
Kevin Chu brings honor to our pod as we dig into some of the catchiest tunes in the Disney discography, discuss the movie's depictions of Asian culture, and show Mushu a little love. This episode will surely make a man/woman/person out of you!
Mulan (1998)
Directed by Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft
Written by Rita Hsiao, Philip LaZebnik, Chris Sanders, Eugenia Bostwick-Singer, and Raymond Singer
Starring Ming-Na Wen, BD Wong, Miguel Ferrer, James Hong, Jerry Tondo, Gedde Watanabe, Harvey Fierstein, Soon-Tek Oh, Pat Morita, George Takei, June Foray, and Eddie Murphy