Mulan

Mulan

Year: 1998

Runtime: 50 mins

Language: English

Directors: Susan Beak, Geoff Beak

WarAdventureAnimationFamily

Determined to bring honor to her family, Mulan lies her way into the army to protect her father.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Mulan (1998)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Mulan (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Ancient China (Imperial era)

Set in a mythic version of Imperial China, the era features mandatory military service, a rigid gender code, and martial traditions. The period is defined by external threats from nomadic invaders and a powerful Emperor relying on loyal generals. The narrative merges legend with a feudal atmosphere and ceremonial ancestor worship.

Location

China, Imperial China

The story unfolds across imperial China, with the Great Wall serving as a defining backdrop. It blends rural villages and the capital, rooted in a culture of honor, duty, and centralized military power. The imminent Hun invasion frames the setting as a nation prepared to defend itself at the edge of collapse.

🏯 Historical 🧭 China ⚔️ War

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:39

Main Characters – Mulan (1998)

Meet the key characters of Mulan (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Fa Ping / Mulan

A spirited young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the Imperial Army. She is resourceful, brave, and driven by family honor, but must navigate a strict gender code and the risk of exposure. Her clever tactics and leadership challenge stereotypes and alter the course of the war.

🎭 Courage 🗡️ Duty

Captain Li Shang

A capable and strict army captain who becomes Mulan’s mentor and reluctant ally. He values discipline and loyalty, yet respects Mulan for bravery and resourcefulness. His leadership is tested by deception and the looming Hun threat.

⚔️ Leadership 🎖️ Honor

Shan Yu

Leader of the Huns and primary antagonist. He is ruthless and strategic, pressing a brutal campaign against China. His confrontation with Mulan highlights the stakes of national survival and the personal danger she faces.

🗡️ Villain 🧭 Invasion

Mushu the Guardian Dragon

A comical yet earnest guardian spirit who rekindles the Fa family’s protective traditions. He provides guidance and comic relief while seeking redemption before the ancestors. His magical support and missteps frequently influence the battle’s dynamics.

🐉 Comedy 🪄 Magic

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:39

Major Themes – Mulan (1998)

Explore the central themes of Mulan (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Honor & Duty

The central conflict pits personal desires against family and country. Mulan risks her life and reputation to fulfill a perceived duty to her father and the Empire. The story examines what it means to act bravely within a strict societal code.

👗 Identity & Gender

Mulan's disguise as a male soldier challenges gender roles and social norms. The transformation is both a survival tactic and a path to self-discovery. The narrative explores authenticity and courage beyond appearances.

🔥 Heroism & Sacrifice

Sacrifice appears on both personal and collective scales: Mulan's deception, the battle against the Huns, and the final showdown with Shan Yu. The choices made redefine honor and save countless lives. The climax validates individual bravery within a shared national identity.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:39

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Mulan Summary

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Mulan Summary

Mulan Timeline

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Mulan Timeline

Mulan Spoiler-Free Summary

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Mulan Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Mulan

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More About Mulan