Mulan

Mulan

Year: 1998

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Directors: Barry Cook, Tony Bancroft

FamilyAnimationAdventureEpic heroesEpic history and literature

Courage, family, and honor drive a young Chinese woman to take her ailing father's place in the imperial army. Disguised as a man, she endures rigorous training, battles alongside soldiers, and ultimately rises to become one of China's most celebrated heroines, proving that bravery knows no gender.

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

During the Han Dynasty era

The story is set in ancient China during the era roughly corresponding to the Han Dynasty, a period characterized by significant military, cultural, and political developments. This historical context influences the themes of honor, family, and duty seen throughout the film, reflecting societal values of that time.

Location

China, Village, Imperial City, Silk Road

The movie takes place in various significant locations across China, including a traditional village, the imperial city, and along the Silk Road. These places are known for their rich history, cultural heritage, and strategic importance. The settings enhance the narrative by showcasing Chinese landscapes, architecture, and cultural traditions.

🏯 Historic 🏞️ Scenic ⚔️ Battle 🕌 Cultural

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:46

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.

Mulan (voiced by Ming-Na Wen)

Mulan is a fearless and resourceful young woman who defies societal expectations to protect her family and her country. Her resilience and determination allow her to grow into a warrior, challenging traditional gender roles. Her journey is driven by a deep sense of family devotion and personal integrity.

💪 Brave 🌸 Rebellious 🏹 Loyal

Shan-Yu (voiced by Miguel Ferrer)

Shan-Yu is the ruthless leader of the Rouran invaders, driven by revenge and a desire for power. His ruthless tactics and strategic mind make him a formidable antagonist. His character embodies chaos and destruction, posing a significant threat to China.

⚔️ Villain 👹 Ruthless 🐉 Strategist

Xianniang (Gong Li)

Xianniang is a powerful sorceress ostracized by her community, haunted by her dark past. She seeks vengeance but is also seeking redemption, forming a complex relationship with Mulan. Her character explores themes of exile, inner strength, and eventual sacrifice.

🌑 Dark 🧙‍♀️ Mystical 👩‍🎤 Tragic

Commander Tung (Donnie Yen)

Commander Tung is a seasoned and honorable military leader committed to defending China. He respects discipline and tradition but recognizes the importance of individuality and bravery in his soldiers. His mentorship guides Mulan through her training and battles.

🎖️ Leadership 🥋 Discipline 🤝 Mentor

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:46

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.

🛡️ Courage

Courage is a central theme, demonstrated through Mulan's bravery in disguising herself and fighting alongside soldiers. It highlights overcoming societal expectations and personal fears to do what is right. The movie emphasizes that true courage involves standing up for loved ones and facing challenges head-on.

🌟 Honor

Honor drives much of the film's narrative, influencing characters' actions and decisions. Mulan seeks to bring honor to her family beyond traditional roles, redefining what it means to be honorable. The story explores the importance of integrity, loyalty, and personal valor.

🔥 Revenge and Redemption

The pursuit of revenge against Bori Khan and the journey toward redemption are prominent themes. Characters struggle with their past actions and injustices, seeking to rectify their mistakes. The film underscores forgiveness and the possibility of personal growth through adversity.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:46

Unlock the Full Story of Mulan

Don't stop at just watching — explore Mulan in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Mulan is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Mulan Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mulan, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Mulan Summary

Mulan Timeline

Track the full timeline of Mulan with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Mulan Timeline

Mulan Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Mulan that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Mulan Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Mulan

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Mulan: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Mulan

Explore More About Movie Mulan

Mulan (1998) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Mulan (1998) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Mulan (1998) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow