Mulan

Young Mulan, played by Crystal Rao, is seen chasing a chicken and running across rooftops in her village, demonstrating her fearless personality. She accidentally breaks the wing of a phoenix statue during her antics but manages to land safely, hinting at her connection to the legend of the phoenix. Her parents worry about her future, especially her mother Li, who is concerned about her bringing honor to the family.

Zhou shares the story of the phoenix with young Mulan, emphasizing its role as the guardian of the Emperor. He recognizes her strong chi but believes it is for warriors, and encourages her to find her own way to bring honor to the family. This conversation establishes the cultural and familial expectations placed on her as she grows up.

On the Silk Road, the witch Xianniang kills a man and assumes his identity in the face of advancing Rouran soldiers led by Bori Khan, who seeks revenge against the Emperor for his father's death. The Emperor orders all families to send their strongest sons into battle to defend China from this threat.

Mulan and her sister Xiu meet with the Matchmaker to find proper husbands. During this visit, Mulan's clumsy behavior causes chaos, leading the Matchmaker to criticize her family's failure in raising a proper daughter. This scene highlights societal expectations and family pressures regarding marriage.

Zhou, despite being weak and crippled, is called to serve in the army, but collapses during the process. Mulan, determined to prevent her father from risking his life, steals his sword and armor and secretly departs to join the Chinese army in his place.

Traveling across great distances, Mulan is guided by a phoenix to the army camp. She falsely presents herself as Hua Jun and begins her military journey, facing taunts and establishing herself among the soldiers during training.

Mulan undergoes rigorous training, showcasing her strong chi during a spear duel and excelling in physical challenges. She begins forming bonds with soldiers like Honghui, Ling, Yao, and Po, despite her initial discomfort and fear of being discovered.

The soldiers prepare for the upcoming battle against the Rourans. Tung senses that Mulan is holding back her true strength due to her family’s honor, leading her to practice balancing her chi and eventually succeed. She earns the respect of her fellow soldiers through her perseverance.

Mulan and the soldiers engage in combat as the Rourans attack. Mulan fights fiercely, using her wits and chi to turn the tide of battle. She ultimately reveals her true gender during a critical moment, inspiring her comrades and taking part in the decisive fight.

Xianniang, transformed into a hawk, sacrifices herself to save Mulan during a duel with Bori Khan. Bori Khan captures the Emperor but is eventually killed by Mulan, who fights atop a platform, using her chi to defeat him and save the Emperor.

Mulan returns to her village as a hero. Her family and the villagers are amazed by her bravery. Tung offers her a position as an Imperial Guard, but she chooses to prioritize her family and return home, emphasizing her devotion to her loved ones.

Back at home, Mulan is celebrated for her heroism and the Emperor’s recognition, which includes a new sword with an added virtue: devotion to family. Zhou expresses pride, and Mulan is finally seen as a legend in her community, fulfilling her journey from fearless girl to celebrated hero.