Mulan first reactions praise Disney’s latest live-action adaptation

March 10th 2020, 9:01am

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

MULAN had its Hollywood premiere on Monday and the first reactions are rolling in. While the live-action take on the 1998 animated hit won't be the musical with the talking dragon that we all know and love, the fact that it breaks the mold and isn't a straight adaptation of its source material seems to be its strongest asset.

This early positive reception is something MULAN really needs right now. While the film is tracking for an opening of at least $85 million domestically, growing concerns over the coronavirus are likely to mute its global oresence, particularly in China where the film was expected to thrive before this global pandemic took place. With a reported budget of $200 million, it won't be an easy road for MULAN but the early positive feedback could help as reviews continue to come in.

Taking its inspiration from the 1998 animated film, MULAN starts Liu Yifei as the titular heroine Hua Mulan. In the film Mulan disguises herself as a man to spare her father from military service. The early reactions praise Yifei as a true standout of the film and director Niki Caro is earning kudos for directing style and for giving the film a sprawling and epic aesthetic that makes it different from the live-action Disney adaptations to come before it. Donnie Yen, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Ron Yuan, Tzi Ma, Rosalind Chao, Cheng Pei-Pei, Nelson Lee, Chum Ehelepola, Gong Li and Jet Li also star in the film.

The more I hear about MULAN the more I think it's really going to surprise moviegoers. Hopefully it can achieve its true box office potential despite what's on due to the coronavirus. We'll all be able to see for ourselves when MULAN opens on March 27, 2000. You can check out the first reactions to the film below.

#Mulan is exciting, vibrant, emotional, and different from the animated version. It's definitely its own thing, which I dug – a more mature Disney film, featuring stunning production design & fight choreography. Director Niki Caro & star Liu Yifei are the big stand-outs, imo pic.twitter.com/p6IEQUDNBu

— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) March 10, 2020

#Mulan is the best of the Disney live-action remakes since Cinderella — I didn’t even miss the songs. Finds new notes in a story we already know while delivering gorgeous action, heart, and humor. Liu Yifei is ????????????

— Angie J. Han (@ajhan) March 10, 2020

#Mulan is absolutely fantastic. Different enough with great action scenes, but with the heart of the original film. It doesn't even matter that it's not a musical. If you're a fan of the animated, there are subtle nods to many of the songs. Can’t wait to see this again.

— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) March 10, 2020

#Mulan is one of the best live-action adaptation of a Disney animated classic. It honors the 1998 film and the ballad by modernizing themes of female empowerment and iconic scenes, while also standing out w/ great cinematography & battle sequences are reminiscent of Wuxia epics. pic.twitter.com/2DUjzX1M1h

— Michael Lee (@IamMichaelJLee) March 10, 2020

Disney’s Mulan remake leaves a lot behind, but offers much more in its absence. Plenty of 1998 throwbacks pepper a story full of incredible action, humor, and heart.

Oh, and the romantic chemistry gets STEAMY. Like chanting “kiss” in a silent theater steamy.#Mulan2020 #mulan pic.twitter.com/soILc7OdTm

— Alison Foreman (@alfaforeman) March 10, 2020

Wow! @DisneysMulan was everything I hoped it would be and more! They were able to bring new elements to life while maintaining the classic nostalgia we all know & love. Wow. Just incredible! ???? Thanks @DolbyCinema for inviting me. #Mulan pic.twitter.com/BwPVV1m1LP

— Katie Wilson (@thekatiewilson) March 10, 2020

I’m very surprised at how much I liked the live action #Mulan movie. It’s so majestic, the action is thrilling, it aims for a level of sophistication and beauty you don’t expect.

(I was never a huge fan of the animated film, I think I’ve only seen it once. So no attachments)

— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) March 10, 2020

#Mulan is about a warrior. And that warrior is a legend. Thank you, from all the female warriors that needed this kick-A movie. It’s different from the animated version, and I’ll be proud to show my daughters this film!

— Tania Lamb (@LolaLambchops) March 10, 2020

I’ve seen MULAN twice now and I must say it is grrrreat. Easily Disney’s best live action reboot. I think it’s also Disney’s first battle epic? It is beautiful & absorbing & rich & empowering. The cast is excellent and Niki Caro’s direction is just breathtaking.

— Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) March 10, 2020

Just got out of seeing #Mulan with @thatgrltrish, LOVED this film. Costumes & fighting/stunts were incredible, sexual chemistry eat your heart out, and our buddy @jfwong CRUSHED IT as Ling!! @DisneyAUNZ pic.twitter.com/YTRETySZyF

— Maude Garrett (@maudegarrett) March 10, 2020

The cast of Mulan is fantastic in the film. There are lots of little moments that nods to the animated that’ll make the fans happy. Very beautiful & epic cinematography. It had more fantastical elements than I expected. Overall, a great re-telling of the animated and very fun ????????

— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) March 10, 2020

Wow. Just wow. Disney's Mulan is not only visually stunning, it is absolutely magical. I laughed, I cried, and I loved every second of it. I cannot wait to take my girls to see it. Talk about girl power. WOW. #Mulan

— Mama's Geeky – Tessa Smith (@MamasGeeky) March 10, 2020