MULAN |
| The Disney Corporation is exactly that, a corporation. They are out to make money, out
to increase market share, and if possible take over the world. Yet despite this I have a
strange affection for the output of this once fascist organisation. The past few years, however, has seen some dire output in terms of Disney feature length cartoons. The fully-fledged characters, originality and moving soundtrack of the excellent Lion King was swept away in favour of the American stereotypes and naff songs of Pocket-o-hunters and Hercules. Disney appeared to be loosing that oh-so important feature - the ability to appeal to both children and adults. So now enters their new offering - Mulan, and I like it. As an adult I enjoyed the film. And my 10-year-old charge for the afternoon enjoyed it too. Through the irritating slurps of ice laden drinks from the young cinema-goers around us we saw a very affable film. It was dark and broody in places, light and fluffy in others. Mulan gives the impression that the artists and animators actually thought about the getting the Chinese look and feel right. The backdrops and characters are suitably oriental. The plot revolves around a young Chinese girl who, in order to prevent her sick father from following a conscription call-up, dons his armour and joins the army. Thrown into this is a very nasty invading army, waggish ancestor ghosts, the cutest puppy ever seen in a cartoon and a comical sidekick miniature dragon voiced by Eddie Murphy. Overall a cracking little film. |