Mulan 2 (2004) Movie Review: A Sequel That Struggles to Live Up to Its Legacy
Released in 2004, Mulan 2 is the direct-to-video sequel to Disney’s 1998 animated classic Mulan. Directed by Darrell Rooney and Lynne Southerland, the film picks up after the events of the first movie, continuing the story of Mulan (voiced by Ming-Na Wen) and her journey from an independent warrior to a woman facing new challenges in love, duty, and friendship. While the original Mulan is celebrated for its strong themes of empowerment and memorable characters, Mulan 2 struggles to recapture the magic, feeling more like a lighthearted, family-friendly adventure than a meaningful continuation of Mulan’s tale.
Plot Summary: A Journey of Duty and Love
Mulan 2 begins with Mulan and General Shang (voiced by BD Wong) as they prepare for marriage. Having saved China from the Huns in the previous film, Mulan is now a national hero, but her life is about to take another turn. The Emperor (voiced by Pat Morita) assigns Mulan and Shang a crucial mission: they must escort three princesses—Mei, Su, and Ting-Ting—to an arranged marriage in a distant kingdom. These marriages are essential for solidifying an alliance that will protect China from Mongol invaders.
As Mulan, Shang, and their three trusty companions—Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po—embark on the journey, they are joined by Mushu (voiced by Mark Moseley, replacing Eddie Murphy), who is worried about losing his status as Mulan’s guardian once she marries Shang. Throughout the journey, Mulan must grapple with questions of duty and personal freedom, especially when she realizes that the three princesses are in love with Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po, and do not want to marry for political purposes.
The film ultimately explores Mulan’s belief that true love and personal choice should take precedence over duty, which puts her at odds with Shang, who is more focused on the importance of their mission and their duty to China.
Themes: Duty, Love, and Female Empowerment
While Mulan 2 touches on some of the same themes that made the original so beloved—duty, honor, and empowerment—it lacks the depth and emotional weight of its predecessor. The original Mulan was a groundbreaking film in terms of its portrayal of a female protagonist who defied societal expectations to protect her family and country. In contrast, Mulan 2 shifts its focus to romantic relationships and the tension between following one’s heart and fulfilling one’s duty.
Mulan’s advocacy for the princesses to follow their hearts and marry for love is a noble sentiment, but it oversimplifies the difficult choices between personal happiness and responsibility that the original Mulan navigated so deftly. The film portrays love as the ultimate goal, while in the first film, Mulan’s motivations were far more complex—rooted in protecting her father and proving her worth in a patriarchal society.
While the message of personal freedom is positive, the film lacks the nuance to fully explore the sacrifices and responsibilities that come with duty, especially in the context of political alliances and leadership.
Characters: Lacking the Depth of the Original
Mulan herself remains a strong and likable character, but her journey in this sequel is not as compelling as it was in the first film. In Mulan, she broke gender norms, proved her bravery, and learned the importance of inner strength. In Mulan 2, her character is largely reduced to navigating romantic relationships and advocating for the princesses to marry for love, which feels like a step down from her heroic role in the first film.
General Shang, who was a stoic and disciplined leader in the original, is given more screen time in the sequel, but his character arc revolves mostly around his relationship with Mulan. The conflict between his sense of duty and Mulan’s belief in personal choice serves as a central plot point, but it feels underdeveloped, and his character loses some of the authority and complexity he had in the first film.
Mushu, the fan-favorite dragon from the original movie, is a key comedic figure once again, but his role in Mulan 2 feels more forced and less essential to the story. Without Eddie Murphy’s iconic voice acting, Mushu lacks the same energy, and his subplot about trying to sabotage Mulan and Shang’s relationship so he can retain his guardian status feels like a distraction from the main plot.
The new characters, the three princesses—Mei, Su, and Ting-Ting—are sweet and fun, but they are not particularly memorable. Their romances with Yao, Ling, and Chien-Po are lighthearted and provide some humorous moments, but they lack emotional depth.
Animation and Music: A Step Down in Quality
As a direct-to-video release, Mulan 2 suffers from the common issue of lower production values compared to theatrical Disney films. While the animation is decent, it does not match the richness, detail, or artistic flair of the original. The backgrounds and character designs feel less polished, and the action sequences lack the intensity and visual creativity of Mulan’s iconic battle scenes.
The music in Mulan 2 is also a noticeable downgrade. While the original film had memorable songs like “Reflection” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You,” the sequel’s soundtrack is largely forgettable. Songs like “Like Other Girls” and “Lesson Number One” are cute but lack the emotional punch or timeless appeal of the original’s musical numbers.
Reception and Legacy: A Disappointing Follow-Up
Mulan 2 received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with many critics and fans expressing disappointment in its inability to capture the depth and magic of the original. The film’s reliance on lighthearted romance and its weaker animation and musical elements left it feeling like a step down from the first movie, which had been praised for its groundbreaking depiction of a strong female lead and its compelling story.
While Mulan 2 does have its moments of charm and humor, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity to further develop Mulan’s character and explore more meaningful themes of identity, sacrifice, and heroism. As a result, the film is often viewed as a forgettable sequel that pales in comparison to the original.
Where to Watch Mulan 2 Online
As of 2024, Mulan 2 is available for streaming and digital rental on several platforms:
1. Disney+: Available for streaming with a subscription.
2. Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
3. Apple TV/iTunes: Available for rent or purchase.
4. Google Play Movies & YouTube: Available for rental or purchase in HD.
5. Vudu: Offers both rental and purchase options.
Conclusion
Mulan 2 (2004) is a well-intentioned but ultimately underwhelming sequel to a beloved Disney classic. While it offers some lighthearted entertainment and features familiar characters, it lacks the emotional depth, strong narrative, and cultural significance of the original Mulan. For fans of the first film, Mulan 2 may provide a nostalgic revisit to Mulan’s world, but it falls short of leaving a lasting impression.
