Mulan 2 Movie Review

Mulan 2, the 2004 animated sequel of the 1998 feature film Mulan, is a production of Walt Disney Pictures and DisneyToon studios. Darrell Rooney and Lynne Southerland directed the film. Lynne made a directorial debut with this movie. Jennifer Blohm produced the film, and Michael Lucker, Chris Parker, and Roger S.H. Schulman co-wrote the screenplay. Jeanine Tesori and Alexa Junge wrote the original songs for this musical film, while Joel Mcneely conducted the musical score.

Plot

In this sequel, Mulan and Shang are engaged when the Emperor tasks them with escorting three princesses to their arranged marriages, which are meant to protect China through alliances. The journey becomes a challenge to Mulan’s beliefs about arranged marriages and a test of her relationship with Shang. Mushu, her dragon companion, complicates matters due to his concerns. The story explores the conflict between personal desires and duty to one’s country, raising the question: Can Mulan balance her wishes with her responsibilities to China?

Star Performance

The voice artists provided great voices for the animated characters. The film features both returning cast members and newcomers to the franchise.

Analysis

The narrative tries to include feminist themes in the sequel, but it isn’t entirely successful. The character dynamics shift as Mushu becomes a villain and Mulan and Shang develop a soft romance. Excellent, well-coordinated music and animation. The plot’s pace picks up near the finish when several things go haywire simultaneously, yet it ends somewhat for the focal characters. Like other Disney films, this one struggled to establish a solid moral message since it would be difficult for the younger audience to comprehend the issues surrounding arranged marriages.

What’s There?

• Well-developed arcs for certain characters
• Justice to the musicals

What’s Not There?

• Unlike the first film, this one lacks a compelling plot.

Verdict

It may disappoint some fans of Mulan who were hoping for a similar storyline to that of the first film. Otherwise, there are entertaining and thought-provoking scenes in the film, and the adventure is on.