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The cinematic masterpiece Mulan transports audiences to ancient China during an unspecified dynasty, a time when the Great Wall is breached by the Huns, leading the emperor to command a draft of new soldiers. Mulan, a young woman who recently experienced familial disgrace, undertakes the daring act of disguising herself as a male soldier to prevent her aging father from facing certain death in the war. As the narrative unfolds, Mulan reveals a complex interplay of historical accuracies, religious philosophies, and the discernible influence of American culture in the film's production.
Ancient Chinese philosophies, deeply ingrained in contemporary society, play a pivotal role in shaping Mulan's narrative.
Confucianism, a cornerstone of Chinese thought, becomes evident as the emperor, guided by Confucian principles, prioritizes the safety of his subjects over his personal well-being. Confucian ideals regarding the relationships between rulers and subjects are clearly portrayed, emphasizing the ruler's responsibility to protect and serve the people.
Mulan's defiance of traditional gender roles challenges Confucian views on the place of women in society.
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While disguised as a man, Mulan gains trust and respect, but her true identity leads to a dismissal of her authority, underscoring Confucian beliefs about the perceived inferiority of women. Daoism, another significant Chinese philosophy, manifests in Mulan through spiritual connections to nature, as illustrated in the training scenes and the emperor's refusal to bow to Shan Yu.
During the song sequence where Captain Shang trains his soldiers, Daoist influences become apparent as he imparts wisdom such as, "You must be swift as a coursing river...
With the strength of a great typhoon... Mysterious as the dark side of the moon." When Shan Yu demands that the emperor bow to him, the emperor brusquely states, "No matter how much the wind blows, the mountain cannot bow to it." Both instances exemplify a profound connection to nature, a key aspect of Daoism.
Despite the adept integration of Chinese philosophies, Mulan is not without historical inaccuracies. The construction timeline of the Great Wall, the Hun invasions, the invention of fireworks, and the establishment of the Forbidden City are portrayed as concurrent events in the film, despite their actual occurrence spanning different dynasties and centuries.
The construction of the Great Wall, for example, began in the Qin Dynasty and did not attain the height depicted in the film until much later. The Huns were repelled from China for the final time during the Han Dynasty, while fireworks were not invented until the Tang Dynasty. The Forbidden City, an iconic structure, wasn't constructed until the Ming Dynasty. These events, separated by hundreds of years, are compressed into an undefined time period in the film, raising questions about the filmmakers' commitment to historical accuracy.
It is plausible that the filmmakers may not have conducted extensive research on these historical details, or they consciously allowed these inaccuracies to slide for the sake of narrative convenience. Regardless, these historical liberties invite viewers to critically examine the film's portrayal of ancient China.
A discernible American influence permeates Mulan, leaving imprints on both cultural stereotypes and narrative choices. The film occasionally exaggerates racial stereotypes, such as the portrayal of the emperor's council and the pervasive consumption of white rice at the training camp and Mulan's house. These stereotypes, rooted in the American view of Asian societies, raise questions about the extent to which cultural nuances were sacrificed for cinematic convenience.
Mulan's overarching theme of "doing what is right" despite societal norms aligns with a distinctly American value, reflecting the nation's historical narrative of championing individual morality. The protagonist's decision to ride off to war to save her father, defying both his wishes and the law, mirrors the American ideal of 'doing what you know is right' in the face of adversity.
Notably, the depiction of the Huns as relentless, bloodthirsty antagonists mirrors historical American tendencies to dehumanize adversaries, as seen during World War II and contemporary conflicts. This portrayal aligns with a narrative strategy commonly employed by American media to vilify enemies and justify military actions.
Examining the Huns, the primary antagonists in the film, we see them portrayed how Americans would depict any national enemy. Throughout the film, the Huns make themselves out to be unstoppable brutes with an everlasting bloodlust, pressing on to assault the Chinese capital despite losing their entire army, save a few. By the end of the film, they are portrayed as rabid animals who can only be stopped by being put down. Historically, America is adept at dehumanizing its enemies, as witnessed during World War II with the Japanese and Germans, and even today, to an extent, making terrorists in the Middle East seem like targets for missiles and shells in our eyes.
American culture influenced the writing of the Huns' characters heavily, raising questions about the portrayal of adversaries in cinema and its potential impact on shaping public perceptions of foreign cultures.
In conclusion, Mulan stands as a cinematic achievement that intricately weaves together ancient Chinese philosophies and American cultural influences, creating a captivating narrative that transcends generations. The film adeptly captures Confucian and Daoist principles, providing depth to its characters and narrative. However, the presence of historical inaccuracies and cultural influences, particularly from American perspectives, invites critical examination.
Mulan's enduring popularity stems from its ability to entertain multiple generations while offering a lens through which we can analyze the intersection of cultures in filmmaking. By appreciating the accurate use of Chinese philosophies and acknowledging the film's deviations from historical realities, viewers can engage in a nuanced exploration of Mulan and, by extension, gain a broader perspective on the complexities of cultural representation in cinema.
As we navigate Mulan's rich tapestry of historical contexts, philosophical underpinnings, and cultural influences, we find a cinematic gem that not only entertains but also challenges us to reflect on the intricate interplay between storytelling, culture, and historical accuracy in the world of cinema.
Mulan: Bridging Cultures Through Cinematic Alchemy. (2017, Jan 16). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/mulan-essay
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