The first reactions to the eagerly-anticipated Mulan live-action adaptation have arrived! The film is set to open in theaters on March 27, but the embargo has lifted on initial reactions from those who got to see it at films red carpet premiere on Monday night and those reactions are overwhelmingly positive. While various elements of the film received praise especially Liu Yifeis performance as Mulan it seems that what the film truly delivered on was telling a story that both honored the animated classic while telling a fresh, new tale.
And these positive initial reactions will go a long way toward helping the film at the box office. Early tracking for the film has indicated that Mulan may well end up being a solid performer for Disney as the film is eying an $85 million opening.
Directed by Niki Caro, Mulan stars Yifei Liu as Mulan. Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Gong Li, Yoson An, and Jason Scott Lee also star in the film.
You can find Disneys official synopsis for Mulan below.
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of Chinas legendary warrior to life in Disneys Mulan, in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nationand a proud father.
Read on for initial reactions to Mulan.
Mulan arrives in theaters on March 27th.
Angie Han, Mashable
#Mulan is the best of the Disney live-action remakes since Cinderella I didnt 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
Erik Davis, Fandango
#Mulan is exciting, vibrant, emotional, and different from the animated version. Its 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
Kristen Acuna, Insider
#Mulan is absolutely fantastic. Different enough with great action scenes, but with the heart of the original film. It doesnt even matter that its not a musical. If youre a fan of the animated, there are subtle nods to many of the songs. Cant wait to see this again.
Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) March 10, 2020
Alison Foreman, Mashable
Disneys 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
Peter Sciretta, Slash Film
Im very surprised at how much I liked the live action #Mulan movie. Its so majestic, the action is thrilling, it aims for a level of sophistication and beauty you dont expect.
(I was never a huge fan of the animated film, I think Ive only seen it once. So no attachments)
Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) March 10, 2020
Mansoor Mithaiwala, ScreenRant
Theres a great film yearning to break out in #Mulan, but its surprisingly bogged down by adapting the animation. It has its moments, but the poor villains and inconsistent action quality results in a mediocre movie. pic.twitter.com/2iZ3wZYOts
Mansoor Mithaiwala (@MansoorAYM) March 10, 2020
Kevin Polowy, Yahoo Entertainment
Ive seen MULAN twice now and I must say it is grrrreat. Easily Disneys best live action reboot. I think its also Disneys first battle epic? It is beautiful & absorbing & rich & empowering. The cast is excellent and Niki Caros direction is just breathtaking.
Kevin Polowy (@djkevlar) March 10, 2020
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