Questions about Mulan (2020): 1. We discussed the depiction of gender in the animated version of Mulan (1998) earlier in the semester; explore the depiction of gender in the 2020 version. 2. Identify 3 central differences between the animated version (1998) and the live-action version (2020). Comment on whether you think each change is a positive or negative change. What, if anything, did the remake gain? What, if anything, did it lose? 3. Explore some general differences between animation and live action: are e they too different to fruitfully compare? Or can a meaningful comparison be made? 4. Identify anything that was problematic to you in the remake.

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Certainly! Here’s an exploration of the 2020 live-action version of Mulan compared to the 1998 animated version, focusing on gender depiction, central differences, the comparison between animation and live action, and any problematic elements in the remake.

### 1. Depiction of Gender in the 2020 Version

In the 2020 live-action Mulan, the depiction of gender is more nuanced and serious compared to the animated version. While the animated film emphasizes Mulan's journey of self-discovery and empowerment through humor and musical numbers, the live-action film presents a more grounded and realistic portrayal of gender roles in ancient China.

- **Warrior Identity**: Mulan's character is depicted as a strong warrior from the beginning, showcasing her skills and determination. The film emphasizes her struggle against societal expectations, but it also introduces the concept of "chi," suggesting that strength is inherent and not just a result of defying gender norms.
  
- **Female Empowerment**: The live-action version includes other strong female characters, such as Xian Lang, who embodies a different kind of strength and independence. This adds complexity to the portrayal of women, showing that female empowerment can take various forms.

- **Cultural Context**: The film places Mulan's story within a broader cultural context, highlighting the expectations placed on women in her society. This adds depth to her character and the challenges she faces, making her journey more relatable and impactful.

### 2. Central Differences Between the Animated and Live-Action Versions

**Difference 1: Tone and Style**
- **Animated Version**: The 1998 film is light-hearted, featuring comedic elements and musical numbers that contribute to its charm.
- **Live-Action Version**: The 2020 film adopts a more serious tone, focusing on realism and dramatic storytelling.
- **Evaluation**: This change can be seen as positive for audiences seeking a more mature interpretation of the story, but it may lose some of the whimsical charm that made the animated version beloved.

**Difference 2: Character Development**
- **Animated Version**: Mulan's character arc is driven by her desire to prove herself and her love for her family, with a strong emphasis on her personal growth.
- **Live-Action Version**: The live-action film introduces the concept of chi and portrays Mulan as inherently powerful, which shifts the focus from her personal journey to her destiny.
- **Evaluation**: This change can be viewed as a negative one, as it may undermine the relatability of Mulan's struggles and the theme of self-discovery.

**Difference 3: The Role of Music**
- **Animated Version**: The animated film features memorable songs that enhance the storytelling and emotional depth.
- **Live-Action Version**: The live-action film does not include musical numbers, opting for a more traditional score.
- **Evaluation**: This change may be seen as a loss, as the songs in the animated version contributed significantly to its emotional resonance and cultural impact.

### 3. General Differences Between Animation and Live Action

Animation and live action are distinct mediums that offer different storytelling possibilities.

- **Visual Style**: Animation allows for exaggerated expressions, fantastical elements, and creative visual storytelling that can enhance themes and emotions. Live action, on the other hand, relies on real actors and settings, which can create a sense of realism and immediacy.

- **Character Expression**: Animated characters can convey emotions in ways that may not be possible in live action, while live-action performances can bring a depth of human experience that animation may struggle to replicate.

- **Comparison**: While they are different, meaningful comparisons can be made regarding themes, character development, and emotional impact. Each medium has its strengths and weaknesses, and the effectiveness of a story can depend on how well it utilizes the unique qualities of its chosen format.

### 4. Problematic Elements in the Remake

Several aspects of the 2020 remake have been criticized:

- **Cultural Representation**: Some viewers felt that the film did not fully capture the essence of Chinese culture and traditions, leading to concerns about cultural appropriation and misrepresentation.

- **Character Depth**: While the live-action film introduces new characters and themes, some critics argue that it sacrifices character development for action sequences, making it harder for audiences to connect with Mulan's journey.

- **Pacing and Structure**: The pacing of the film has been criticized for being uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others drag on, which can detract from the overall narrative flow.

In conclusion, the 2020 live-action Mulan presents a different interpretation of the beloved story, with both strengths and weaknesses compared to the animated version. While it offers a more serious and culturally grounded portrayal of gender, it also faces criticism for its character development and cultural representation. The differences between animation and live action provide a rich ground for comparison, highlighting the unique storytelling capabilities of each medium.
The 2020 live-action Mulan offers a more serious and culturally grounded portrayal of gender compared to the animated version. It introduces new characters and themes but faces criticism for character development and cultural representation. The film's pacing and structure have also been criticized.

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