DIRECTOR'S CUT: Psychology of a Hero: MULAN

What??? How dare you dishonor Crickey like that! Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on YOU! Dishonor on your COW! 🤣

Real men cry. Thank your for this episode. I teach the poem Ode to Mulan to my 7th grade English classes and then we watch the movie. You have given me some more character and movie observations to use. Keep watching movies.

Ok, who did that “Because he’s so thick” montage? I’m dying! 😂 They deserve a raise 💸

i have watched this episode any number of times, but for some reason, last night, something that Jono said really resonated with me. He said, “comparison is the thief of joy”. Way back when my daughter was around nine years old, I started comparing myself to other moms, and in my own mind, I was sorely lacking and I decided she would be better off without me. I had a suicide plan in place and everything. Two things stopped me: A very caring neighbor who had been through the same sort of thing, and me not wanting Mary to be “the kid whose mom killed herself”. So I got therapy and got better. Then, earlier this year, after a 20-year hiatus, those thoughts came back, because I started comparing myself to my grandson’s other grandparents. Thankfully, this time I could recognize the warning signs and stop those thoughts. Jono saying this is going to be my theme for a long time, I think. I am unique in what I bring to the table. Thanks, Jono and Alan!

Wow, something I completely missed until just now, for some reason... She joined the army to save her father, to serve in his place. When she was dismissed, she could have just gone home! Been back with her family, honor preserved, dust hands, done. But she doesn't... she chooses to stay. Why does she make that choice?

My coworker was non-binary and we see how it also perfectly encapsulates not relating to being any gender. Many people took the message that this movie was about being transgender, but it's actually much more like being non-binary. Mulan doesn't feel uncomfortable with the label of "woman". She feels like a woman and never is uncomfortable expressing her femininity. What she IS uncomfortable with is the "role" society says you must serve as a woman. Mulan doesn't identify as a man or even WANT to be a man. She just wants to be able to express her talents and worth the way she wants to instead of what society demands she can and cannot do.

Gender roles don't play any role in improvement. There's no "being a woman" or "being a man". No two people can or will be the same. Be yourself and recognize everybody is unique. There are experiences and things only YOU will be able to understand and/or do.

I had this really awesome conversation with my coworker about mulan and how it perfectly conveys how dumb it is to assume you have to be one way because of a gender. In the beginning and middle of the movie, mulan and the others are still not as efficient in battle as they could be. It's not until the guys start to use her techniques (like climbing the temple with the scarfs) that they can truly be on the same page and win against the Huns. Instead of criticizing each other and individually trying to be able to "do it all" they use each others advantages and skills. Mulan has the guys use their brute strength to slip in instead of needing to do it herself. She knows that isn't the best use of her energy. They all play a crucial part in the ending because they each brought something unique to the table.

I have not watched Mulan so I can't comment on the movie. But I have had problems with knowing my worth and worrying about what people thought about be for years. Recently I have been making strides in changing those feelings and focusing on my self worth. Knowing who I am through the unique way that I want to express myself has been helpful, and putting time and attention into goals that I find valuable for myself, under my own values and not anyone elses, seems to help towards letting go of worrying about what other people might think of me.

This was a critical movie in my childhood, so good, different. Also, I had some unusual books of Chinese tales (the paper smelled like bamboo) and so many values on the movie are aligned to them, like honor and filial pity (respect and love for your parents and elders). I gained a lot of wisdom bybreading them because they were so different in values and yet so equally correct. I've been telling my son bedtime stories out of Disney movies and they luckily have enough variety that now my son asks me for tales of any new culture he encounter (he went to an Egyptian museum and I had to pull out facts form my history lessons to spin something like a tale xD) He gets that there are more people in the world and that they have stories. Random thoughts. Thanks!

Alan: You are not the only one who cries/tears up at the surplus of any emotion. :) The bad news is, it's because you have repressed it for so long that your body is like "FEEL DAMMIT". (Source: Me, and my therapists telling me so for 10+ years. =/) Bonus filmmaking bit I love: The movie is a musical until the *amazing* transition ending of "A Girl Worth Fighting For" to war. Then the musical is over because now everything is too real. (Lemme geek out about how FREAKING COOL that is!)

My favorite line that always makes me laugh is from the movie is at the end “Would you like to stay for dinner?” And grandma chips is “Would you like to stay forever!” Such a simple line but always makes me laugh

Mulan's dad sees worth in his daughter, despite not living up to societal expectation (though the blossom speech can also be interpreted as him simply being patient and waiting for her to grow into that role). But his own self worth is still tied into living up to what society expects of him.

My mom used to quote "the greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter" on our really hard days 💚

For some reason I did not watch Mulan until recently with my kid. What a great movie! I think it would have helped me getting through teen years. But anyway, happy that my daughter watched it already, along with Brave and Raya and the last dragon.

I will say Mulan was very impactful for me as a kid. The song reflection hit me hard as an undiagnosed high masking autistic. Mulan showed that my weird way of thinking outside the box and finding solutions no one else would ever think of was actually a really good thing. Plus feminine power, I was the youngest of 6 and only girl. I'm so used to people telling me I can't do stuff because I'm a girl and then Mulan happened and confirmed for me that I could do anything I put my mind to.

Hey guys! Longtime fan. Short time Patreon. My opinion is nowhere important but I do want to share. I love your channel and your analyses. Lately, there seems to be more roasting than enjoying the movie. There are content creators that react and roast. What set you two apart, for me, was an honest discussion. I’m not at all suggesting you always be positive. I would have personally enjoyed more of Alan commenting on the animation and story telling aspects instead of riffing on the movie’s “inadequacies.” Jonathan is clearly a fan of Mulan. As a music teacher, I know I can’t reach my students unless I am just as enthusiastic. Mulan is a great movie. Great soundtrack. Reflection gives us a fantastic song for the legend Lea Salonga. Maybe tone down the roasting and more of the technical & psychological that makes your show awesome. Oh… and Cricket is the best!!

I'm sorry but crickie is my favourite character and you cannot change my mind. He IS lucky. And his actions set up half the movie. So there.

Yay! I love this film! I didn't realise in 1998 why this film meant so much to me. The idea of understanding your worth does not diminish, nor is dependent on the form you take is such an important lesson for children and adults. Thanks for reminding me.

This was amazing disgusting nonsense!

YESSS!! Mulan!!! Feels like kismet that this went up the week of my legal name change. Such a confidence boost and affirmation towards carving my own path. I'm a trans man, and with the disclaimer that trans men aren't women in disguise, Mulan is a woman, etc yeah whatever: Mulan has always been a huge influence, inspiration, and role model for me, particularly from that queer/trans struggle of finding your own worth in a world where that's not always seen or supported. I'll watch this film whenever I'm faced with a big moment in my life or sometimes if I'm just having a hard time feeling like I belong. No matter how many times I see it, I'll cry like Alan at seemingly random moments just from the sheer overload of pride I have for her, for myself, and how far we've come.

Haven’t seen it yet, but this film was my absolute favorite when I was a kid. A got it for my 8th birthday and watched it everyday for a week. Until my dad came home after work and took one look at the TV and said ’Again???’ 😆

Hey, I'm Chinese, adopted so i'm not as connected with all of the culture, but I absolutely love this movie. This is how you do "strong female characters". Mulan always had worth and value, but she also had to struggle and learn and grow and discover her strengths. She respects and earned the respect of her brothers in arms and did it all out of love for her father/family, not just because she needed to prove something. One of, if not the best disney movie. Also Ming-Na Wen is a queen! (And we don't talk about the 2020 LA)

I remember when my husband bought a short horror game, and after he played he wanted me to play it. I laughed all the way through, and afterward he was like “wow, you reacted to that game way differently than I did”. Weird laughers unite 😂💪 -Erin

I watched it literally yesterday, and thought to myself that I hope that you guys will maybe one day check it out… I LOVE that move! I grew up with it on so many levels, with me being a girl who did Kung Fu beginning at the age of 5 (now 26), never fitting into the 'proper' mold of a lady/woman/girl, wanting to fight and defend those that i care for and about more than anything else… i _love_ this movie, and to hear your take on it is just so amazing to me! thank you!!!

Donny Osmond! James Hong!! (Do you even know how many of your movies he's been in?). What's not to love? When this came out, I worked with a woman from China. I asked her how she felt about this as a depiction of true events. She laughed at the thought that Mulan "saved ALL OF CHINA," but said overall she didn't have a problem with it.

We've had Aladdin, we've had Mulan. Now its time for Hercules?

One of my favorite movies!!! My Family loves this movie and it's message. Mulan is such a great character and is well loved. As someone who struggles with self worth this movie hits home sometimes! It is so great to see empowered women in movies animated,live action, etc.

So today's Mulan drop, even before I watch it makes me think of this little anecdote. I had a hip fracture and later a hip replacement at an odd, young age. I had the same hospital Social Worker for each medical instance. I told her that a family friend once compared me to Disney's Quasimodo. The Social Worker was shocked with dismay and encouraged that I connect with Disney's latest movie, Mulan. Since that time in my life and watching the movie, I try to live with the quote " The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. " in my heart and in my head at all times. Thank you for posting this!

Thank you, Jono, for standing up for Cricket! He was one of my most favorite characters throughout the movie. I watched this movie a lot growing up because it was one of the first movies, to my memory, where the lead woman in a Disney movie found her worth through her own means and not through a love interest. Plus, the love interest actually had personality. Yes, Li Shang is a beefcake, as Jono wonderfully pointed out, but he wasn't perfect. Even his love confession at the end was pretty awful. "Um- do you...? You fight good." I was so mad at him the first time I heard it, but now I absolutely adore it. They much such a great pair because respect came first, and there was no way he wasn't questioning himself when he knew her as Ping. This is a wonderful film, and I loved additional information that Alan gave. There were so many wonderful tidbits that I wasn't aware of, including the Universal opening theme. Also, seeing the CTU: Provo outtake again was great. I recently watched that movie and thought it was so heartwarmingly cheesy. Gave me so many flashbacks to that year! I've happily added it to my comfort movie lists. Also, major shout out to Alan for the beginning! Not needing as much therapy is such a huge step 💕. Thanks everyone at Cinema Therapy for another fantastic video!

The closing moment with her father always, ALWAYS makes me cry. I don't want to generalize, but I think that any little girl hearing that from her dad--that she is worthy, and precious, and special, just for being herself--can feel that deeply. I am always so heartbroken when I see stories about men getting upset at a gender reveal party when the child is revealed to be born female, how girls can frequently be unwanted by their dads. I always had a deep fear that my dad would love my little brother the most (the only boy in the family) because he was a boy, and that as a girl I would never be good enough at any of the things that mattered. Like Mulan, I never felt like I achieved the social expectations of being feminine, but I also wasn't a boy. But my dad made me feel exactly the way Fa Zhou does for Mulan in that moment. It hits me so hard because it reminds me of how deeply I know my dad loves me and is proud of me. There's this moment, and the lyric from 'On My Father's Wings' from Quest for Camelot that both make me cry thinking about my dad. "I want to live my life the way you said I would: with courage as my light, fighting for what's right, like you made me believe I could."

Also a cute little animation touch. The reason that Mulan touched her hair a lot is because Ming Na Wen did the same

One context thing to point out. In Hun culture the women were fighters too so of course Shan Yu isn’t fazed by Mulan being a woman

I am the hugest fan of Ming-Na Wen. Best all-around Disney badass. Voiced Mulan (AND appeared in the remake as the person who introduces Mulan to the Emperor as an esteemed guest!)... played Melinda "The Cavalry" May in MCU, and Fennec Shand in Mandalorian and Boba Fett. Badass in every role and in real life! What I really want to see is a movie with Ming-Na Wen and Michelle Yeoh kicking all of the ass everywhere.

One more comment: What Mulan brings to the table is an indirect approach. Do not attack the Huns - defeat them with an indirect tactic, by bringing the snow down. This goes back to Sun Tzu: “To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.”

Oh, I bet you both needed lots of therapy after the Labyrinth video dropped...

Transformation scene also gives me goosebums everytime I see it, especially the moment right before cutting hair when music goes boom. I don't know why, I didn't see Rocky yet, but it's so badass. It's similar with getting the arrow scene and the moment when everyone bows. It's one of my favourite movies since childhood. It's so epic and funny and dark (I love the detail that there are only songs until half of movie and after "girl worth fighting for" is cut short by burned village there no more songs). Shan Yu is a cool villain who isn't just scary brute but who is also pretty smart, if you think about it he is similar to mulan in a way, hiding his men in dragon costume and infiltrating palace even with his army gone is real mulan move and he also never seems to doubt her abilities and as soon as she reveals she is the one who defeated him he indiscriminately goes to kill her :D I love that Mulan is vulnerable, but also so badass and smart in cunning and resourceful (not just booksmart) kind of way. This is one of two animated movies (second is Anastasia) that played a big part in creating my taste for women (and fact than Ming-Na Wen is so hot even at sixty doesn't help) and at the same managed to be kind of role model for me (quite an achievement for disney princess to be role model for little boy). I still really like heroes who win because they outsmart their opponents and because they are determined over those who are stronger or more noble or win because someone loves them. As for live action, for me it's probably weakest live action disney remake. Often live action manages to deepen some characters and story arcs even if it overall doesn't change that much (beuty and the beat, alladin), but Mulan takes away almost everything I liked about movie and doesn't add much I'd like. From what I heard asian audience seems to prefer it maybe because it's more centered on honor, duty and family as ideals while original mulan is about individuality and standing for yourself which is more western thing imho. However I'm not asian so maybe my interpretation is completely wrong.

You're not the only one Alan, I'm the same way

As a Chinese person, I have to say I disagree with your view of the live action, Alan!!! It's actually a lot closer to the true legend. Though I will say I've seen this animated version so many times that I reference it regularly lol

You guys thirsting over Li Shang was actually on my bingo card for this episode 😂 (we all do, it’s like the least surprising thing ever)

One of my favorite Disney movies growing up. I was always never a fan of any of the Disney princesses because they were just too much pigeon holed into gender roles, and they start out with privileges due to being royal and what not. But at least Mulan was not royal, not a princess, but still a bada$$ soldier who like you said, thought outside the box, came up with creative solutions, etc. She definitely was a great role model for young ladies and it was wonderful to see a woman of color as the main lead for a Disney movie at that time. As an adult, I went to Disneyland over Thanksgiving week one year and attempted to find a cool Christmas ornament that was from Mulan. Based on the fact that the character was so awesome, I expected really cool ornaments. Literally could not find anything other than red high heels that were supposed to embody Mulan's character. I found this incredibly disappointing as she never wore heels and probably never would. I thought that the character was super progressive and to have the merch be a massive disappointment by reducing a cool character to sparkly red heels. I just couldn't believe they didn't have anything else. So glad you guys reviewed this one. Mulan is awesome, and shut up Alan, all the animal sidekicks were awesome , I love them all, and I'm w/ Jono on this one. LOL You guys are great.

Alan, you cry just like Kristen Bell does...if you're too happy/sad, excited/bored, or if a sloth is nearby. (Google it. Totally worth it.)

I always wondered why Donny sang for Shang when his voice actor, B. D. Wong, is a HUGELY awarded Broadway star. He obviously sang beautifully, but I never got that.

"Comparison is the thief of joy."

Okay, going off the rails just a bit but I got to see Donny Osmand perform “man out of you live” two years ago at his concert in Vegas. (My mother is a big fan….haha!) The fact that he’s in your movie is AMAZING! 🤣 BACK ON TRACK NOW! I adore Mulan. She was one of the princesses I dressed up as for Halloween….she is so cool and strong and brave and I think such a good model for girls that not all princesses have to be prim and proper. They can kick butt too! Also Mushu is the best character ever lol

Something I just realized while listening to this video, when Mulan's Dad says that she has Dishonored him, I don't know that he just meant that she's embarrassed him in front of everybody. He is there accepting his duty, and making a choice. She is dishonoring his choice by speaking out for him when he did not wish to stand down. His choice maybe made with what we today would consider poor reasoning, but to him it is his honor at stake. And she has chosen to say that he is too old, and injured, to do what he says he can do. This would be a case of two wrongs I think. It's an interesting thought and I'm going to have to take some time to process this. Lol

I always cry during this movie, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one.

Rewatching the part I missed, and just wanted to say I had never even thought about the meaning behind the posture that the animators gave Mulan's dad. Gah! I love how thoughtful this movie is with its character design and animation!

I feel so validated right now by Jonno! When I was a kid watching this, I remember trying to explain to my older siblings why I loved the part when the music kicks in and you see Mulan’s wet feet and then the following sequence. They latched on to the wet feet part and ridiculed me constantly about it 😂 But the scene still gives me chills!

Never even heard of this film but I look forward to watching your review.

Another wonderful drop! Thank you both

Thank you so much. I love this movie and your take as well

Thanks Patrons! You’re the reason I get to leave right now to go work on Ashes to Ashes! But seriously, I’ve gotta go talk to Loren, our producer, and I need to work on outlining the script. Need a 1st draft by the end of next week!

It was so nice to see supportive parents (and alive parents) showing up in this phase of Disney.

Those gifts are also apologizing for not being a boy for Imperial China.

That last scene. Now I’m just plain crying.

The acceptance 😭😭 its so gorgeous!

This scene gets me every time mulan das reminds me of my grandfather

🥺🥺🥺

One of my favorite bits of animated performance EVER. He doesn’t even LOOK at the “tokens of honor”.

I even cried a couple times when I heard that line during the old VHS trailer 😂

That last scene with her dad always gets me

Mushu is Mulan’s guardian/companion, Crickee is Mushu’s sidekick, Little Brother helps Mulan with her chores, and if we didn’t have Khan, we wouldn’t have gotten “dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow.” All of these sidekicks played a role and were absolutely necessary, Alan!

This scene always made me cry. He just loves her and he's so glad she's safe 🥹

The horns are so powerful in this.

Lmao true

My favorite scene

Hahahaha lord of the rings got this from mulan 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Chinese girl, us immigrant born in 1981, was quite happy the first Chinese Disney Princess could kick butt

BEAUTIFUL

I LOVE this scene

NOOOOOO how dare you include freaking Little Foot you monsters… 😂

No NO no Land before time is instatears HOW DARE

Yes Alan!! That’s completely natural to be overcome with emotion!

I’m the SAME way. Any strong emotion. 😭

The scene IS one of the best in the film. Especially from a visual standpoint

Awesome, stylized explosions.

I cry at all the things too Alan, I feel you 😂

Fan fighting is a Kung Fu technique in real life? I never knew this!

He was always one of my fave Villains. He feels like a genuinely scary, "I WILL kill you" guy

Love how she comes into her own and accepts herself by the end.

Honestly? Squad goals.

I remember my father telling me the story of Fa Mulan when I was little, but he learned the tragic version...

I loved that it was her OWN ingenuity. That it came from HER, her own mind, her own being. That she was a necessary component just as she was. … like, why did they literally remove that in the remake by crediting it to some power? What…?

Ooh, I love the line “comparison is the thief of joy”

Again with the neurodivergence representation! Divergent thinking and creative problem solving for the win.

Preach Alan preach!

I cant count how many times I have sung that song at convention dances

I didn’t know about the CG bit. Cool!

Haha…Jono saying how thicc and then Alan with the time of day irony! That’s why I’m here!! (And that song)

I once karaoke’d this song. Lol the humor being im a 5-nothing woman. xD

Mmm, round pecs

I was waiting for the thirst to kick in 😂 Jono we all notice.

K can I say Jackie Chan does a great version of this song I love it so much

Donny’s unedited Riding Nerdy Weird Al dance video is one of the best things I have ever seen. He has no chill in the best way.

Omg Donny Osmond singing it. Thank you for including that. I giggled. I always think of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat first when I hear his name. Alas.

Donny is a legend, btw. Such a great guy, and SUPER funny.

I think my favorite scene from this movie is when mushu brushes his teeth and says “don’t look at me I ain’t bitting no more butts” 😂😂😂😂

Being dragged down by that discipline and strength, yo.

One of the best Disney songs of all time about to start 💪

There are never too many cute animal sidekicks!

I know I am super biased with the neurodivergence stuff, but I appreciate her character so much as a potential representation of female ADHD. In the beginning it’s framed as a negative because it makes her different, but her impulsiveness, intensity, and refusal to fall in line with gender roles are absolutely strengths.

Ayyee, it's the first drop I've made it to! Maybe I SHOULD be thankful I had to be at an 8:30 meeting this morning 😂

Cute animal sidekicks for the win!

No lie when i gave myself an undercut I heard that music in my head and it was wonderful!

I always had a bit of a problem with the dad calling Mulan a late bloomer. To me I didn’t see Mulan as a late bloomer, she just never wanted to bloom into what her family/society expected

Khan!

I loved this scene so much as a Child!

Always thought this music was badass. That Synth.

It’s crazy the things you mention that I didn’t notice in the animation but is SO true in conveying both things about the characters that you can’t exactly say out loud, but also reflects body language in the real world

I love the absolute chaos of the farm 😂

Oh my gosh, I’m just gonna take this opportunity to say how much I love y’all. Cinema Therapy team, you’ve done so much for me 🥰🥰🥰

I love the supportive grandmas in Mulan and Moana. It pushes back on the idea that older people are inherently the problem.

So frustrating, it could have been AMAZING! Also, a friend of mine played Ping (Jimmy Wong. True baller.) Stinks when your friends are in bummer movies.

Im curious if/how they will address the drag/trans aspect of it that a lot of people have found connections with. Especially with the song "Reflections"

I have one of the mulan snow globes from when it came out in 98 crazy I was 6 years old when this movie came out

I love grandma’s reaction to the chaos in the matchmaker’s house

YES. The live action remake was bad. THANK YOU.

I wonder if they’ll include the straight to dvd sequel I absolutely loved

😆

Easily one of the best Disney songs.

Good morning everyone

Forget my meeting….they’re the background noise. This is more important :P

Calling it now: There is a whole segment about how "be a man" is a call for healthy masculinity, no matter of sex.

Jono’s on vacation with his kids.

Omg cant wait this is the first time my schedule has libed up for a live viewing

I’m here! I made it!

I remember seeing this in theaters with my grandma and my sister. Lea Salonga singing Reflection will forever be stuck in my memory, and is still one of my favorite songs. Looking forward to this episode. 💙💙

Too many animal sidekicks? What an odd thing to say…

Can’t wait!

MULAN!??!? :D

Yes!!

Alright! 5 days to watch both adaptations!

What’s your favorite song from the soundtrack?

Omg SO EXCITED

I watched this movie just yesterday. I'm so excited.

I can't WAIT for this episode!!

Hell yeah!