Plot Explained Spoilers guaranteed!
Plot Explained

Browse by genre

Mulan (2020) movie poster

Timeline

Mulan (2020) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 115 min · English
Echo score 50
JustWatch #33,776 2
Directed by
Niki Caro
Starring
Donnie Yen, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Chum Ehelepola, Doua Moua, Jason Scott Lee, Jet Li
Budget
$200M

In ancient China, a courageous young woman disguises herself as a man to take her injured father's place in the Imperial Army. Assuming the identity of Hua Jun, she faces rigorous training and perilous battles, demonstrating remarkable skill and bravery. Along her journey, Mulan confronts personal struggles, discovers her inner strength, and earns the respect of her fellow soldiers and her nation, ultimately striving to protect her family's honor.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Mulan
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Mulan (2020)

Where can you watch Mulan? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Disney Plus, Philo and Amazon Video: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

Streaming availability powered by JustWatch

15 events in order · contains spoilers

Mulan Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Mulan (2020) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. Mulan's Childhood

    In Imperial China, Hua Mulan is a spirited girl filled with adventure and vigor. Her parents hope to arrange a suitable marriage for her, but Mulan longs for independence and adventure, showcasing her martial arts skills which are unrecognized in her society.

    Where
    Hua Family Village
  2. Capture of the Chicken

    From a young age, Mulan proves her capabilities when she bravely captures a chicken that has strayed onto a roof. This act, however, brings her scorn from the community who believe such actions could tarnish her family's honor.

    Where
    Hua Family Home
  3. Visit to the Matchmaker

    Mulan is presented to a matchmaker in hopes of proving herself as an ideal bride. However, during the tea ceremony, she suffers an embarrassing mishap that tarnishes her family's name, reflecting the heavy expectations placed upon her.

    Where
    Matchmaker's Pavilion
  4. Invasion by Böri Khan

    In the north, Böri Khan leads the Rouran warriors in an invasion, seeking revenge against the Emperor for his father's death. Assisted by the witch Xian Lang, they launch an attack that disrupts trade and threatens the empire's integrity.

    Where
    Northern Borders of China
  5. Conscription Order by the Emperor

    The Emperor issues a conscription order demanding every family provide a male combatant to defend the empire. Mulan's father, without any sons and burdened by injuries, is forced to enlist, raising concern for his safety.

    Where
    Imperial City
  6. Mulan Joins the Army

    In a desperate act to save her father's life, Mulan disguises herself as a man and takes his place in the army. She dons her father's armor and sneaks away from home, determined to fulfill her family's duty and protect her father.

    Where
    Hua Family Home
  7. Arrival at Training Camp

    Mulan arrives at a rugged mountain training camp where she meets Commander Tung and her fellow recruits. She keeps her identity a secret as she begins her rigorous training while forming alliances, notably with Chen Honghui.

    Where
    Training Camp in the Mountains
  8. Training and Transformation

    Under the mentorship of Commander Tung, Mulan undergoes intense training, transforming from a hesitant recruit into a formidable soldier. She learns invaluable combat skills and builds camaraderie with her fellow soldiers in the face of a growing threat.

    Where
    Training Camp
  9. Turning the Tide in Battle

    As the Rouran threat escalates, Mulan cleverly uses surplus helmets to misdirect enemy artillery, causing an avalanche that buries Böri Khan's forces. Her ingenuity showcases her leadership skills and earns her respect among her peers.

    Where
    Battlefield
  10. Discovery of Mulan's Identity

    Mulan's true identity as a woman is discovered, leading to her expulsion from the army. Despite this setback, her loyalty to her fellow soldiers drives her to confront Xian Lang and return to warn them of the impending danger threatening the Emperor.

    Where
    Training Camp
  11. Mulan Returns to Battle

    Mulan cannot abandon her comrades and bravely returns to the battlefield to defend her honor. The loyalty and bravery she displays rally her fellow soldiers, who come together to support her despite the dangers they face.

    Where
    Battlefield
  12. Mission to Rescue the Emperor

    With time running short, Mulan leads a daring mission to rescue the Emperor who is held captive by Böri Khan. The stakes are high, and Mulan demonstrates remarkable courage as she faces the warrior in a climactic confrontation.

    Where
    Imperial City
  13. Böri Khan's Defeat

    In an intense showdown, Mulan manages to defeat Böri Khan, securing the safety of the Emperor and his realm. The battle is fierce, and sacrifices are made, including Xian Lang's unexpected actions that aid Mulan at a crucial moment.

    Where
    Imperial City
  14. Recognition by the Emperor

    After her victory, Mulan is offered a prestigious role in the Emperor's personal guard, a recognition of her bravery and skills. Yet, she chooses to return to her village instead, prioritizing her family's honor over personal gain.

    Where
    Imperial City
  15. Reunion with Family

    The journey concludes with Mulan's heartfelt reunion with her family, who realize the depths of her sacrifice and bravery. Shortly after, an emissary arrives from the Emperor, extending an invitation for Mulan to join the Imperial Army as a respected officer.

    Where
    Hua Family Village

Last updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:50

Was this helpful?

Timeline questions answered

Mulan Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Mulan (2020): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why does Mulan disguise herself as a man to join the army?

Mulan disguises herself because her father Hua Zhou is injured and cannot fight, yet the Emperor's conscription order requires every family to provide a male combatant. With no sons and facing certain death if he enlists, Mulan takes his armor and sneaks away to take his place, determined to protect him and bring honor to her family.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, we see Mulan's parents worry about her lack of suitable marriage prospects, contrasting with her desire to prove herself through action.

  • Mulan disguise
  • Hua Zhou
  • conscription
  • save father
  • army
Q2

How does Mulan keep her identity secret during training?

Mulan maintains her disguise by binding her chest, using the name Hua Jun, and sleeping separately from the other soldiers. Her smaller stature is explained as being from a poor village with little food, and her exceptional skills are attributed to her ' qi ' rather than questioned as unusual for a man.

Foreshadowing: The training camp scenes show Commander Tung noticing her unique fighting style but not immediately suspecting her gender.

  • secret identity
  • training camp
  • Hua Jun
  • disguise
Q3

Why is Mulan expelled from the army after her identity is revealed?

Mulan is expelled because lying about her identity and enlisting as a man is considered a crime punishable by death in the Chinese army. Even though her fellow soldiers and Commander Tung respect her abilities, the law requires her removal. However, she is allowed to leave rather than face execution.

  • expulsion
  • discovery
  • army law
  • gender secret
Q4

Why does Xian Lang help Mulan in the final battle?

Xian Lang helps Mulan because she sees a reflection of herself in her, another woman rejected by society for being different. As a witch who was also hunted and scorned, Xian Lang recognizes Mulan's courage and chooses to sacrifice herself by using her powers to redirect an arrow meant for Mulan, redeeming her own past betrayals.

Foreshadowing: Xian Lang's initial warning to Mulan about the Emperor's danger hints at her conflicted loyalty.

  • Xian Lang
  • witch
  • sacrifice
  • redemption
  • help Mulan
Q5

Why does Mulan decline the Emperor's offer to join his personal guard?

Mulan declines because she values her family and personal honor over personal glory. She has already proven herself and saved her father; now she wants to return home to be with her family. Her choice reflects the film's themes of staying true to oneself and prioritizing familial bonds over societal status.

  • Emperor offer
  • personal guard
  • return home
  • family honor
Q6

What triggers Böri Khan's invasion of China?

Böri Khan launches the invasion to avenge his father's death, which was ordered by the Emperor. Seeking revenge, he gathers the Rouran warriors and teams up with the witch Xian Lang to disrupt trade routes and threaten the empire, ultimately aiming to kill the Emperor himself.

  • Böri Khan invasion
  • Rouran
  • revenge
  • Emperor
  • father death
Q7

How does Mulan's helmet plan cause an avalanche?

Mulan realizes the enemy is using catapults to launch cannonballs at the soldiers' position. She orders her fellow soldiers to pile surplus helmets on dummy positions, tricking the enemy's aim. When the catapults fire at these false targets, the shots hit a snow-covered mountain slope above Böri Khan's forces, triggering an avalanche that buries the Rouran army.

Foreshadowing: Earlier training shows Mulan studying terrain and learning to think strategically rather than fighting blindly.

  • helmet trick
  • avalanche
  • battle strategy
  • catapults
Q8

Why does Xian Lang betray Böri Khan?

Xian Lang betrays Böri Khan because she was only using him to get close to the Emperor, who previously wronged her. However, her encounter with Mulan changes her perspective. After witnessing Mulan's bravery and sacrifice, Xian Lang chooses loyalty to Mulan over her own vendetta, ultimately saving Mulan's life.

  • Xian Lang betrayal
  • Böri Khan
  • witch
  • switch sides
Q9

What does the Phoenix represent in Mulan's story?

The Phoenix represents the spirit of Mulan's ancestors watching over her throughout her journey. It appears as a guiding force during her travels to the training camp and serves as a symbolic reminder of her family's protection and legacy, reinforcing the theme of ancestral honor.

  • Phoenix
  • ancestors
  • protection
  • symbol
  • Mulan family
Q10

Why does Mulan fail the matchmaker ceremony?

Mulan fails because she is uncomfortable with the traditional expectations placed on women. Dressed in restrictive clothing and heavy makeup, she struggles with the tea ceremony and accidentally causes a mishap that embarrasses her family. This moment highlights her rebellion against societal constraints and sets up her eventual path to finding honor through combat instead.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Mulan's independent spirit and martial arts skills going against traditional gender.

  • matchmaker ceremony
  • fail
  • tea
  • tradition
  • Mulan woman
Q11

How do the other soldiers react when they learn Mulan is a woman?

Initially, the soldiers feel betrayed because Mulan lied to them and broke military law. However, after Mulan saves them from the Rouran attack and proves her courage in battle, they rally behind her. They even defend her honor when she returns, accepting her as one of their own despite the law.

  • soldiers reaction
  • discover truth
  • accept Mulan
  • fellow soldiers
Q12

Why does Mulan return to fight after being expelled from the army?

Mulan returns because she learns from Xian Lang that Böri Khan is planning to assassinate the Emperor. Despite being expelled and facing death if captured, she cannot ignore the danger threatening her country and comrades. Her sense of duty and loyalty drives her to warn her fellow soldiers and join the fight.

  • return to battle
  • expelled
  • warn soldiers
  • save Emperor

Movie threads

More Movies Like Mulan, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Mulan tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Heroic Journeys of Self-Discovery like in Mulan

Stories about heroes who must find their true selves to achieve greatness. Explore movies like Mulan, where characters undertake epic quests to find their true identity and inner strength. These similar stories of self-discovery feature inspirational heroes, personal transformation, and journeys of empowerment that challenge societal expectations, blending character-driven drama with adventurous action.

  • inspiring
  • courageous
  • earnest
  • determined
  • empowering
  • adventurous
  • Tone: hopeful, uplifting
  • Pacing: steady, purposeful
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These narratives typically follow a classic hero's journey structure, where a protagonist, often initially out of place, must hide or change their identity to pursue a greater goal. The central arc involves rigorous trials, internal conflict between duty and self, and a pivotal moment of truth where embracing their authentic identity becomes the key to victory.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core focus on the theme of identity, often involving elements of disguise or societal defiance. They balance internal emotional struggles with external, high-stakes action, creating an uplifting and empowering experience centered on courage, honor, and the triumph of individuality.

Earnest Historical Action Epics like in Mulan

Sweeping tales of duty and courage set in richly realized historical worlds. Find more movies like Mulan with grand historical settings, epic battles, and themes of honor and duty. These similar action-adventure films feature courageous heroes, steady pacing, and a hopeful tone, combining large-scale spectacle with strong character-driven stories about sacrifice and familial loyalty.

  • adventurous
  • uplifting
  • inspiring
  • earnest
  • large-scale
  • honorable
  • Tone: hopeful, earnest
  • Pacing: steady, epic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot structure is often straightforward, centering on a clear moral goal such as protecting family or country. The protagonist undergoes rigorous training and faces large-scale conflicts, with the narrative balancing intense battle sequences with quieter moments of character reflection and growth, leading to a triumphant conclusion.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their serious yet hopeful treatment of themes like honor and sacrifice within a historical framework. They share a steady pacing that builds consistently to epic confrontations, a medium intensity that blends action with drama, and a heartfelt, earnest tone that avoids cynicism.

If you liked this

Movies Like Mulan

Similar movies to Mulan: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

Browse all movie summaries

Every angle

Mulan (2020) Explained: Plot, Ending, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Mulan in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning, the ending explained and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

Plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Catch up on any movie in minutes, save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private, always.

Learn more about the app