ChinaTalk The Mulan Debacle
Sep 11, 2020
In this engaging discussion, Rui Zhong, a think tanker, and Xiran Jay Zhao, a novelist and commentary guru, dive into Disney's live-action Mulan. They critique its portrayal of feminism and cultural authenticity, arguing the film instead endorses outdated patriarchal values. The conversation highlights the struggles of modern feminism in China and examines historical figures who paved the way for women. Plus, they analyze masculinity in the film's anthem and the challenges of authentically representing Chinese narratives in Western cinema.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mulan's Misrepresentation
- Disney's live-action Mulan aimed for authenticity but missed the mark.
- The film's creators prioritized aesthetics over cultural understanding, resulting in a misrepresentation of the original story.
Cultural Disconnect
- Disney hired a white costume designer to travel for cultural immersion.
- They could have hired someone already immersed in the culture, highlighting a disconnect.
Political Messaging
- The film's political messaging feels like it was derived from think tank reports.
- This approach resulted in a portrayal of the emperor that is overly simplistic, even for Chinese propaganda.
