Dec
28
2009
Hua Mulan (2009) Review
Author: Introspect
One word, “Love!” I absolutely loved the movie. It was probably just, “ok” to some people, but for me it was Auhhhmazing! Maybe its because of my bias and love for Zhao Wei? Maybe. I’m so glad she was picked to portray Hua Mulan. She did an Auhhhmazing job. Ever since her first Drama I was addicted to this chick. I loved her as Sun Shang Xiang in Red Cliff. How is it that One of my favorite Actress gets picked to portray two of my favorite historical women? I mean of course the existence of Mulan is kind of iffy, but I believe she existed.
This movie has to be one of my favorite movie of this year. The soundtrack not to mention is phenomenal. Stephanie Sun never cease to amaze me with her voice. The performance is amazing also. Zhao Wei and Chen Kun had so much chemistry for two people who weren’t suppose to show it. The ending was so hard for me to watch, but at the same time I understood why they made the decision they did. One problem I had with the movie though is that why didn’t Mulan’s character attempt to hide her identity more? She wasn’t manly at all! Gawww dammit she was just like a woman to me. Zhao Wei is great at playing the tomboy roles. I adored her in Red Cliff and Red Cliff 2! In fact thats one of the only reasons I even anticipated the movie. Well I love the Romance of the Three Kingdom story, but once I found out Zhao Wei was portraying Sun Shang Xiang good heaven I was ecstatic! I love Sun Shang Xiang =]! The graphic and quality was absolutely amazing. Gosh watching the movie made me feel like I was on the battlefield myself. The plot could have been a little more dense though. I love the movie I love the movie I love the movie! That’s all I have to say lol. I’ve rewatched it so many times now. The quotes from the movie are all too ;[. I wrote a full synopsis on the movie so go ahead and read if you aren't afraid of being spoiled.
Now I totally can't wait until 14 Blades (Donnie Yen & Wu Chun! will be in this also!!!!!) and Asian Games Movie!
Character Review
Vicky Zhao Wei as Mulan: The only real complaint is why wasn't she more tomboyish? She didn't disguise her voice or anything. She seem like a girl through and through. I have deeper thoughts as to why she wasn't. Maybe we were suppose to see her as a woman to be reminded what Mulan was actually doing? What I mean is like maybe We were suppose to remember she's a woman thats why they left her so womanly. A woman on the battlefield killing.. I love how every time I see her she has amazing chemistry with the leading man. When I saw her in the drama treasure venture I hoped and prayed that her and Nicky Wu would really hook up lol.
Chen Kun as Wentai/Toba Hong: Honestly this is one of few of his on screen projects that I've seen and I have to say I absolutely loved him in this movie. His performance was great in my opinion anyways others may have other opintions. I liked how I fell into his character. Mulan wasn't the only one falling for Wentai. I was too and the weird thing is we barely see him onscreen in the movie!
Jaycee Chan as Fei XiaoHu: Jackie Chan's son really? Yes. His acting has improved quite a bit. The sad thing is unlike his father he doesn't have such a comedy look to him. He is more the type for the loyal best friend. The sincere poor sap. Maybe over time his acting will make him more diverse. Sometimes people can surprise you just because they look a certain way doesn't mean they don't fit into other roles. Example my lovely Ariel Lin. So many people doubted her as Hong Rong in Legend of the Condor Hero 2008 and she prevailed with a big slap to everyone's face. She was one of the best Hong Rong out of many. Back to Jaycee, I like him honestly. I think he'll be able to break free from, "Jackie Chan's Son" stamped on his forehead. I wouldn't doubt that he will be able to establish his own mark in the acting world.
If you haven't seen it then <3 Go see it!
Synopsis: [Don't Read if You Don't Want To Be Spoiled] – Major Spoiler Alert!