Fighting Mulan

A young woman named Hua Mulan is the eldest daughter of an esteemed warrior. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man from every family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country against invaders from the North, she steps in to take her aging father's place. Mulan disguises herself as a man and endures rigorous training, facing numerous challenges and discovering her inner strength and courage.

The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for its visuals and Yifei Liu's performance, but criticism for its deviation from the animated original and its pacing. Audiences were similarly divided, appreciating the live-action adaptation but noting a lack of the musical numbers and the distinct tone of the animated classic.

• Visually stunning with a strong lead performance from Yifei Liu.

• Lacks the charm and musicality of its animated predecessor.

• A serviceable adaptation that struggles to find its own unique voice.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally found the film to be a visually impressive spectacle with a capable lead. However, many expressed disappointment over the absence of songs and the more serious, less whimsical tone compared to the beloved 1998 animated version. Some also felt the story lacked the emotional resonance and memorable moments of the original.

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards (Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design).

The film's director, Niki Caro, made history by becoming the first woman to direct a live-action film with a budget of over $100 million.