Talk:Mulan (2020 film)/@comment-27373870-20180728212006/@comment-4889892-20180803072805

1. Makes sense. But just saying, if Niki Caro can prove capable enough to understand the culture, so can I. You haven't read my fanfiction, so I'd appreciate if you stop bringing up my lack of understanding for Chinese culture. Also, the original film did have Chen-Yi Chang on board, and he helped a lot with the characterization and art authenticity. I guess people weren't as culturally sensitive as they are now, so a new rendition of the music could go a long way, but it needs to be reminiscent of the original. It can't go all out to please just Western or Eastern audiences. A marriage of styles can bring out the best. (I know in the cartoon they tried to give an Eastern feel to the songs through instruments like a guzheng and er-hu, but they can do an even better job as they did in the Cinderella live action.)

2. I did notice the bullying, but the soldiers came to respect Mulan. By the description, it seems Chen only stops picking on her because he realizes she's "datable" (I know dating wasn't really a thing back then, but use your imagination.) I think it's great that Mulan can fend for herself and I would love to see Mulan reject him. I guess that's a possibility. Or maybe Chen will change. Whatever the case, most people still ship Mulan and Shang and it's frustrating that a studio that actually has the rights to this character decides not to use him. I like Shang as a character, not just because he's supposedly bisexual. My theory is they just wanted to stir up that community for publicity.

3. Why should he believe someone who just lied to him?

From the Mulan Press Kit:

"Shang was a tough but rewarding character to animate. He's very realistic and he has lots of different aspects to his personality. He's not just a stern by-the-book commanding officer. He's also an eager son ready and willing to prove himself as a thankful friend who really appreciates what Mulan has done to save his life. You see his anguish when he's trying to decide what to do with her after she is discovered. He is weighing booklearning versus friendship. B.D. Wong was a great voice for the character." - Ruben Aquino (Shang's supervising animator)

5. So if Mushu and his humor are a good idea but inappropriately placed, they can change it up a bit. A small change is better than a drastic one.

I haven't seen any Chinese reviews of the movie, so it's good that the witch is well-received. But honestly, a formidable conqueror like Shanyu could also have a good reception. A villain backstory would have been ideal here.