The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Mulan
Entertainment • Film

Mulan

Mulan is a Disney film franchise based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mulan is a Disney film franchise based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. The best-known versions are the 1998 animated film and the 2020 live-action remake, both centered on a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army. The franchise is widely known in Canada through Disney theatrical releases and streaming availability.

Story

Mulan tells the story of a young woman in ancient China who disguises herself as a man so she can serve in the army in her father’s place. The plot usually follows her training, military service, and eventual recognition for her bravery. In the 1998 animated film, Fa Mulan takes her father’s place after a military conscription order.

Sources and inspiration

The films are based on the legend of Hua Mulan, a folk story preserved in the Ballad of Mulan. The story is widely treated as legendary rather than a confirmed historical account.

1998 animated film

Disney’s 1998 version is an animated musical adventure with humor, songs, and the dragon character Mushu. It takes substantial creative liberties from the traditional legend. The film includes comic and musical elements, whereas the 2020 remake is more serious.

2020 live-action film

Disney’s 2020 remake is a live-action adaptation with a darker, more serious tone. It stars Liu Yifei in the title role and removes or changes several elements from the animated film. The live-action film does not use the same musical approach as the 1998 version.

Key facts

  • The 1998 animated film follows Fa Mulan as she takes her father’s place after a military conscription order.
  • The story is inspired by the traditional Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, not a documented historical biography.
  • The 2020 live-action film stars Liu Yifei as Mulan.
  • The 1998 film includes comic and musical elements, while the 2020 remake is more serious and does not use the same musical approach.
  • Both films center on themes of duty, identity, courage, and family.
🍁
Canadian context

Mulan is widely known in Canada through Disney theatrical releases, home video, and streaming availability, and it remains a familiar title for Canadian audiences interested in family films, animation, and Chinese legend adaptations.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mulan about?
Mulan is about a young woman who disguises herself as a man and joins the army in her father’s place to protect her family and her country.
Is Mulan based on a true story?
It is based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan, especially the Ballad of Mulan, rather than a fully verified historical account.
Who played Mulan in the 2020 movie?
Liu Yifei played Mulan in the 2020 live-action film.
What is the difference between the original Mulan and the live-action?
The 1998 film is an animated musical with comedic elements such as Mushu, while the 2020 version is live-action, more serious in tone, and closer to war-drama storytelling.
Where to watch Mulan?
Availability changes by country and over time, but Mulan titles are typically found through Disney’s official streaming service or for rental and purchase on major digital platforms. Exact availability should be checked in your region.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulan_(1998_film)
    Supports: 1998 film plot summary and premise of Mulan taking her father's place in the army.
  2. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mulan-1998
    Supports: 1998 film described as based on a Chinese folk tale and involving Mulan disguising herself as a boy to fight invaders.
  3. Wikipedia — https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Mulan_(2020_film)
    Supports: 2020 film casting and synopsis; Liu Yifei stars as Mulan.
  4. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/mulan-movie-review-2020
    Supports: 2020 live-action film characterization as a live-action take on the classic story.
  5. Raising Children Network — https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/movie-reviews/mulan
    Supports: 1998 film summary and note that it is loosely based on the historical legend.
  6. SJS Review — https://www.sjsreview.com/15506/opinions/mulan-2020-what-happened-to-the-original-plot-of-the-movie/
    Supports: Comparison noting the live-action film is grittier/darker and more faithful to the ballad than the animated film.