---
title: "Mulan"
year: 2020
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/mulan-2020"
fi1m_id: "mulan-2020"
imdb_id: "tt4566758"
tmdb_id: 337401
wikidata_id: "Q24284283"
fi1m_score: 54
critics_score: 59
critics_reviews: 31
published: "2026-10-03T01:27:16.138102+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-03T01:27:16.835226+00:00"
region: "PL"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Mulan (2020)

Directed by Niki Caro · 1h 55m · PISF 12 · Adventure, Fantasy, Action

## Identity

Mulan

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/mulan-2020
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** mulan-2020
- **IMDb ID:** tt4566758
- **TMDB ID:** 337401
- **Wikidata ID:** Q24284283
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4566758/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/337401, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q24284283

**Fi1m score: 54** · Critics 59 from 31 reviews

*In a sentence:* Mulan is ready for a fight; the editor seems reluctant to let her finish one

> Niki Caro’s *Mulan* has vivid colour, imposing costumes and a capable lead in Liu Yifei. We wish its characters received the same care: the hurried storytelling and fussy cutting leave too little room for feeling.

## Synopsis

Hua Mulan (Liu Yifei) is the heroine of a fantasy adventure about a woman trying to determine her own course. Commander Tung (Donnie Yen), The Emperor (Jet Li) and Xian Niang (Gong Li) are among the figures in her story, alongside Böri Khan (Jason Scott Lee) and Chen Honghui (Yoson An). Military conflict brings martial-arts combat and battles into a story concerned with strength and duty. Hua Zhou (Tzi Ma), Hua Li (Rosalind Chao) and Hua Xiu (Xana Tang) also feature.

## Review

Niki Caro’s [*Mulan*](https://film.one/film/mulan) takes its heroine seriously, which ought to be a sound place to start. But this is a disappointing action fantasy, handsome enough to keep us watching and too thinly written to make that attention feel rewarded. The film wants strength, duty and self-determination to carry considerable weight, yet its characters are rarely allowed much untidy human behaviour. A little humour would have helped, especially when the dialogue grows solemn.

Mandy Walker’s cinematography supplies the most consistent pleasure, using vivid colour to give the spectacle an energy the conversations often lack. Grant Major’s production design gives the action suitably imposing surroundings, while Bina Daigeler’s costumes hold our attention even when the characters do not. The sets and clothes are worth looking at in their own right. The difficulty is that a setting and an outfit can only do so much for a character whose personality has barely been written.

Liu Yifei, as Hua Mulan, gives the film a steady centre. Her physical assurance is persuasive, and there are stretches when simply watching her move supplies the interest missing from the dialogue. Gong Li makes Xian Niang a commanding presence too, without needing the film to insist on her importance. Their relationship deserves more attention than the script gives it, and the missed opportunity is particularly irritating because both performers seem capable of making it count.

The screenplay is credited to Rick Jaffa, Elizabeth Martin, Lauren Hynek and Amanda Silver, and it repeatedly hurries past the things that might make its heroine individual. We get the broad lessons clearly enough, but too little of the hesitation, friction or humour that could make them convincing. The villain-focused plotting takes up time without making the people involved much more interesting. This leaves the film oddly busy for something that gives us so few reasons to feel attached.

David Coulson’s editing causes a more immediate problem. The fights have promising movement, but the cuts too often interrupt our sense of how one action follows another, while slow motion arrives without a clear reason for the emphasis. We were frustrated when the cutting made Liu Yifei’s movement harder to follow; we wanted to watch the performance, and kept noticing the editing instead. In a martial-arts adventure, giving us time to see a body complete a movement is a basic pleasure, and this film makes it unnecessarily difficult.

Harry Gregson-Williams’s music is more effective at keeping the adventure moving, giving the action an impetus that the storytelling struggles to maintain. The film can still generate excitement, and its more expansive passages suggest why Caro’s approach might have worked. Yet the glossy visual effects soften the impact of the combat, even when the staging is confident. Judged simply as a martial-arts fantasy, it needs more clarity and a less dutiful manner.

There is enough skill here to prevent *Mulan* becoming a wasted evening, but not enough warmth or dramatic detail for us to recommend it. Liu Yifei and Gong Li deserved scenes that let their characters become more than statements about strength. Admirers of costume and production design will have plenty to examine. Anyone coming chiefly for the fighting should be prepared to lose patience with the cuts.

*Fi1m score 54, published 3 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus on Mulan is mixed, with praise clustering around its visual scale, vivid colours, costumes and production design. Many critics find the battle sequences exciting, and Liu Yifei’s performance wins substantial support for giving the heroine presence and resolve. The more enthusiastic reviews welcome a reimagining that departs confidently from the animated film. Even several less persuaded critics admire the spectacle, though they find the storytelling less engaging.

The spread is wide, and the disagreements extend beyond how much the missing humour and charm matter. Some reviews praise the fight choreography; others say choppy editing and conspicuous visual effects weaken it. Rushed plotting, thin characterisation and an overly solemn tone recur among the reservations. Eye for Film praises the nuanced portrayal of Mulan and Xianniang, while The Hollywood Reporter finds their relationship underdeveloped. That divide reflects a broader split over whether the film gives its heroine enough emotional depth.

## Straight answers

**Is Mulan worth watching?**

*Mulan* offers handsome spectacle and a capable lead in Liu Yifei, but we find it too thinly written to recommend and score it 54 out of 100. Admirers of costumes and production design have plenty to enjoy; anyone chiefly after martial-arts action may lose patience with editing that keeps interrupting the movement.

**How long is Mulan, and what is it rated?**

*Mulan* runs 1h 55m and is rated 12 by the PISF in Poland. It is an adventure and fantasy film.

**Where can I watch Mulan in Poland?**

*Mulan* is streaming on Disney+ in Poland, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from zł 9.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Mulan, and is it suitable for children?**

*Mulan* has a UK 12 certificate and contains martial-arts combat and battles, making it a more suitable choice for older children and teenagers than younger children. We find that glossy visual effects soften the impact of the fighting, but that does not make the military conflict suitable viewing for every sensitive child.

**How does Mulan compare to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon?**

*Mulan* is the weaker choice beside [*Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*](https://film.one/film/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon), which we recommend for clearer combat, more persuasive characters and a greater balance of action, humour and feeling. *Mulan* offers vivid colour and imposing costumes, but its solemn dialogue and interrupted fight movement make it less rewarding; the martial-arts romance gives its performers room to hold our attention.

**What should I watch after Mulan?**

After *Mulan*, try [*Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*](https://film.one/film/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon) (2000, Fi1m 90): For martial-arts movement given room to breathe, and characters worth caring about. Then [*The Assassin*](https://film.one/film/the-assassin) (2015, Fi1m 82): A patient martial-arts film whose silences give its heroine space to remain complicated; and [*The Adventures of Robin Hood*](https://film.one/film/the-adventures-of-robin-hood) (1938, Fi1m 90): Bright costumes, readable swordplay and a welcome sense that adventure can be fun.

### Reviews we read (31)

- **Empire**, Beth Webb (90/100, inferred): Webb considers it a dazzling, moving success and the best live-action Disney adaptation to date. She particularly praises the meticulously staged fight scenes and Liu Yifei’s commanding performance, while noting that the story sometimes shifts too quickly. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/mulan-2020/)
- **IndieWire**, Kate Erbland (B+): Erbland finds the live-action adaptation an energetic, successful reimagining of the familiar story. She especially praises Liu Yifei’s performance and the thrilling wuxia-style action, while noting some convoluted villain-focused plotting. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/mulan-review-disney-live-action-1234583522/)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (4/5): O'Sullivan finds the update a triumphant, entertaining reinvention of the animated original. She particularly praises Liu's magnetic performance and the film's strikingly odd set-pieces. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/mulan-review-disneys-smart-update-is-an-ass-kicking-triumph-a4540096.html)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (70/100, inferred): Debruge finds the remake visually impressive and culturally distinctive, despite rushed pacing and an underwritten heroine. He particularly praises its striking action and Asian-cinema-inspired spectacle. [Read](https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/mulan-review-live-action-adaptation-1234758090/)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (64/100, inferred): The accessible text does not reveal the critic’s verdict. The standfirst notes that Disney’s live-action epic is going directly into homes. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/mulan-review/5147996.article)
- **The AV Club**, Beatrice Loayza (C+): The review finds the remake an improvement over Disney’s earlier live-action adaptations, but says it remains superficial and emotionally underdeveloped. It praises the film’s striking production design and costumes, while criticizing its rushed storytelling and underused action choreography. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/mulan-improves-disney-s-live-action-remake-record-but-n-1844931145)
- **Little White Lies**, Leila Latif (3/3/3): Latif finds the film exciting and beautiful but ultimately less triumphant than hoped. She praises Liu Yifei’s compelling performance, while criticizing the frantic editing and arbitrary slow motion. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/mulan)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (3/5): Bradshaw finds it entertaining but glossy and straightforward, with its ambitions stopping short of pushing the envelope. He praises the well-managed, exciting battle scenes, though he says their CGI sheen diminishes their visceral power. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/sep/03/mulan-review-disney-remake-liu-yifei)
- **The i Paper**, Joseph Walsh (60/100, inferred): Walsh calls the remake competent and neat enough, though it loses much of the original’s heart and humour. He singles out the Wuxia fight sequences and Harry Gregson-Williams’s score for praise. [Read](https://inews.co.uk/culture/film/mulan-review-feminist-spin-heart-humour-disney-plus-niki-caro-jet-li-liu-yifei-626389)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (3/5): The review finds the film visually impressive but emotionally unengaging. It singles out the imagery as a feast for the eyes while saying the story does little for the heart. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/mulan)
- **Total Film**, Neil Smith (3/5): Smith finds the remake occasionally dazzling but ultimately less funny and dramatic than it could have been. He praises its sweeping spectacle and thrilling avalanche sequence, while criticizing its ponderous stretches and the loss of Mulan’s personality. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/mulan-review/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (45/100, inferred): Chang finds the film a disappointing but admirable muddle, caught between cultural contradictions and bluntly delivered lessons. He praises Gong Li’s commanding presence, which lends the spectacle a glimmer of authenticity. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-09-03/mulan-review-disney)
- **Radio Times**, Huw Fullerton (45/100, inferred): The review finds the remake visually arresting but less charming than the animated original. It praises the visuals while faulting the loss of charm. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/mulan-review-live-action/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Inkoo Kang (30/100, inferred): Kang finds the film visually dazzling but ultimately lacking in vision and emotional resonance. She singles out its thin characterization, especially the underdeveloped relationship between Mulan and Xianniang, as a central flaw. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/mulan-film-review-4054617/?amp=)
- **The New York Times**, Jeannette Catsoulis (30/100, inferred): Catsoulis gives the film a negative verdict, finding the remake bloodless despite its scale. She singles out its visually polished presentation, which cannot make the story feel alive. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/03/movies/mulan-disney-review.html)
- **Sight and Sound**, BFI (25/100, inferred): The review finds the remake shallow and ideologically antiquated despite Liu Yifei’s formidable presence. It praises Gong Li’s majestic performance but criticizes the action’s disorienting editing and lack of wuxia grace. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/mulan-2020-live-action-disney-remake-niki-caro)
- **Slant Magazine**, Sam C. Mac (1/4): The critic finds the remake lazy, unconvincing, and weighed down by nationalist messaging. They particularly fault the wooden performance, unconvincing CGI, and choppy action editing. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/mulan-review-live-action-adaptation/)
- **Vulture**, Alison Willmore (20/100, inferred): Willmore finds the film a dour, clunky spectacle whose cultural balancing act leaves its motivations muddled. She praises its sweeping scale and vivid use of color, despite criticizing its choppy action and writing. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/review-disneys-mulan-with-liu-yifei-donnie-yen-gong-li.html)
- **Digital Spy**, Gabriella Geisinger (90/100, inferred): The critic calls this the best Disney remake and says it may surpass the animated original. They praise its realism and Liu Yifei’s performance, while noting that its cultural perspective suffers from a predominantly white team behind the camera. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a33889165/mulan-review-live-action-disney/)
- **HeyUGuys** (85/100, inferred): The critic finds Mulan spectacular, entertaining and ultimately inspiring despite some weaknesses in the script. They particularly praise the performances of Liu Yifei and Gong Li, along with the film’s vibrant visuals and battle sequences. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/mulan-review/)
- **NME** (85/100, inferred): The review calls the film the best live-action Disney adaptation to date, praising its empowering take on Mulan. It singles out Liu Yifei’s strong performance and Niki Caro’s visual approach, while noting that the villain feels underdeveloped. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/mulan-review-disney-2745622)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B+): Goldberg finds the adaptation vibrant, exciting, and emotionally faithful while giving the story its own identity. He especially praises its visual scale, lavish costumes, and confident departures from the animated film. [Read](https://collider.com/mulan-disney-plus-review/)
- **Eye for Film**, Amber Wilkinson (80/100, inferred): Wilkinson finds the reimagining fresh, emotionally engaging and impressively spectacular. She singles out the nuanced portrayal of Mulan and Xianniang, alongside the balletic action sequences, for praise. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/mulan-2020-film-review-by-amber-wilkinson)
- **Den of Geek**, Natalie Zutter (3.5/5): The review finds the remake worthy and relevant, though it does not surpass its animated predecessor or fully realize its themes. It praises the dazzling fight choreography for showcasing Mulan’s cleverness and resourcefulness. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/mulan-review-disney-live-action/)
- **The Wrap** (70/100, inferred): The critic finds the remake satisfying and pretty good, despite some awkward visual effects. They praise its fresh, heartfelt interpretation and emphasis on Mulan’s empowerment. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/mulan-film-review-epic-disney-remake-ditches-the-songs-and-the-dragon-but-has-heart/)
- **Film Stories**, Mark Harrison (68/100, inferred): The review finds this a fresher, better-looking Disney remake, though it remains less effective than the animated original and plays too dryly. It praises the dazzling action and Mandy Walker’s cinematography, especially the film’s vivid colours and practical feel. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/mulan-review-a-distinctive-disney-do-over/)
- **Paste**, Amy Amatangelo (6.8): The critic finds the film visually glorious but emotionally hollow, and says it may not live up to the anticipation. She praises its vibrant visuals and its example of a heroine who defines her own story, while warning that the graphic violence makes it unsuitable for young children. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/mulan/mulan-review)
- **The Playlist** (64/100, inferred): The page is blocked, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No praise or complaint can be verified from the available text. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/mulan-niki-caro-review-20200903/)
- **/Film**, Hoai-Tran Bui (6/10): Bui finds the remake visually splendid and compelling in places, but ultimately too dour and burdened by its political and scripted compromises. She singles out Caro’s direction and the majestic battle sequences as its greatest strengths. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/576385/mulan-review/)
- **Consequence**, Josh Spiegel (45/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a serious, visually striking improvement over some Disney remakes, but says its superhero turn is an unwelcome detour. The cinematography earns praise, while the action scenes are faulted for choppy editing. [Read](https://consequence.net/2020/09/film-review-mulan/)
- **The Ringer**, Manuela Lazic (25/100, inferred): Lazic finds the remake disappointing, arguing that its effort to deliver an empowered heroine leaves Mulan flat and its feminism compromised. She particularly criticizes the characterless portrayals of Mulan and Xianniang, which reduce women’s strength to a slogan. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2020/09/08/movies/mulan-review-live-action-remake-disney-plus)

## Details

- **Director:** Niki Caro
- **Director:** Niki Caro
- **Screenplay:** Lauren Hynek, Amanda Silver, Rick Jaffa, Elizabeth Martin
- **Cinematography:** Mandy Walker
- **Editor:** David Coulson
- **Music:** Harry Gregson-Williams
- **Production design:** Grant Major
- **Costume design:** Bina Daigeler
- **Producer:** Jake Weiner, Chris Bender, Jason Reed
- **Cast:** Liu Yifei as Hua Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Gong Li as Xian Niang; Jet Li as The Emperor; Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Chen Honghui; Tzi Ma as Hua Zhou; Rosalind Chao as Hua Li
- **Runtime:** 1h 55m
- **Certificate (PISF):** 12
- **Release (Poland):** 11 September 2020
- **Genres:** Adventure, Fantasy, Action
- **Budget:** $200 million
- **Box office:** $70 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-eFm--k21c

## Where to watch in Poland

- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent zł 9.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent zł 9.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy zł 49.99, sd
- Apple TV: buy zł 49.99, sd

*Checked 2026-10-03.*

Also available in: AE, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2021: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* (2000), Fi1m 90: For martial-arts movement given room to breathe, and characters worth caring about. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/crouching-tiger-hidden-dragon.md)
- *The Assassin* (2015), Fi1m 82: A patient martial-arts film whose silences give its heroine space to remain complicated. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-assassin.md)
- *Whale Rider* (2002): Another Niki Caro heroine confronting inherited expectations, with far more emotional patience.
- *The Adventures of Robin Hood* (1938), Fi1m 90: Bright costumes, readable swordplay and a welcome sense that adventure can be fun. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-adventures-of-robin-hood.md)
- *Princess Mononoke* (1997), Fi1m 88: A fantasy adventure that allows its fierce women difficult, sometimes incompatible convictions. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/princess-mononoke.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/mulan-2020