Lady General Hua Mulan
Lady General Hua Mulan

Movie spotlight

Lady General Hua Mulan

1964
Movie
106 min
Mandarin

About a woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Director: Yueh FengGenres: War, Drama, Action, History

Plot Summary

In ancient China, facing invasion, the elderly Hua Hu cannot fight. His young daughter, Mulan, disguises herself as a man to take his place in the army. She excels in combat and strategy, rising through the ranks and earning respect, all while concealing her true identity from her fellow soldiers.

Critical Reception

The 1964 'Lady General Hua Mulan' was a significant film in Hong Kong cinema, lauded for its patriotic themes and strong performances, particularly from lead Li Li-hua. It was a commercial success and is remembered as a classic example of the Shaw Brothers' historical epics, though modern critical analysis might focus on its era-specific portrayal of gender and heroism.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its compelling portrayal of female strength and wartime leadership.

  • Celebrated for its historical drama and action sequences.

  • Commended for Li Li-hua's performance in a demanding dual role.

Google audience: N/A

Fun Fact

Li Li-hua, who played Mulan, was already a major star and had previously portrayed the legendary warrior in another film in 1951, further cementing her association with the role.

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