Movie Review: Mulan 2
Rated by 1 member
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that the violence isn't bloody, but
it's virtually all unnecessary. The movie hammers home the
message that following your heart is always the right
choice.
Parents may want to discuss with young viewers the importance of respecting others and how fulfilling your responsibilities sometimes shows even more inner strength then doing what you want
Common Sense Media Review
One month after saving China from the Huns, Mulan joyfully
becomes engaged to her former captain, Shang. But they are
quickly summoned by the emperor for a special mission. To seal
an alliance with a neighboring nation, the emperor will send
them his three daughters for marriage. Mulan, Shang, and a trio
of misfit soldiers accompany the princesses to ensure their
safety. The princesses quickly fall in love with the soldiers,
however, and don't want to go through with the plan. Thanks to
Mushu's meddling, Mulan and Shang break up, and must seal their
own alliance even as they figure out how to save China
again.
Good voice actors such as Ming-Na as Mulan and Pat Morita as the emperor return for the sequel to the much-loved Mulan, but clearly the creators had some difficulty figuring out how to build on the legend. MULAN II plays like a Saturday-morning cartoon, with a lightweight story that has China's savior playing matchmaker to three princesses. While in the first movie Mulan's independence and sense of self led her to disobey her father in order to protect him and save her country, here "following your heart" means that characters fall in love instantaneously, and then disregard agreements made with their parents. Of course we're happy the princesses don't end up in arranged marriages, but the impetuousness of their behavior comes across as selfish. Instead of strong, they seem flighty.
Adding to the silliness is Mulan's watchful dragon Mushu (not voiced by Eddie Murphy this time but kids won't know the difference). It's difficult to understand Disney's decision to include even more of this annoying character the second time around. Here, out of jealousy, he stirs up misunderstandings and eventually a grave conflict between Mulan and Shang. In the end events and feelings sort themselves out, but the process isn't very pleasant to watch. The trouble he causes isn't funny, it's sad.
The DVD includes a shadow identifying game that may prove difficult for kids. The World of Mulan feature is fun and educational, with an exploration of Chinese cultural symbols.
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