Mulan Review

Educational value: In addition to positive lessons about teamwork and friendship, kids will learn a bit about Chinese culture (albeit a Disneyfied version).

Messages: Although Mulan disobeys her father, she does it to help and protect him. She also deceives her friends, but also for reasons that she thinks are right at the time. Ultimately, the movie's messages are about the importance of working hard and working together, being honest, and trying your hardest.

Role models: Mulan is a brave, resourceful female role model. While pretending to be a man she displays crude and stereotypical male traits, but it's bravado and is played for humor. Some of the male characters have old-fashioned ideas about what females are capable of, but they learn the error of their assumptions in the end.

Violence and scariness: Mulan joins the Chinese army during wartime. She learns to fight with weapons. The Huns destroy Chinese villages and kill people (not shown). Some of the battle scenes are scary and intense.

Sexy stuff: Some flirting.

Language: Not an issue

Consumerism: Mulan is a Disney Princess, whose brand reaches far and wide. Expect to see Princess branding on consumer merchandise, food products, etc. as well as in books, websites, and other media.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: One character smokes a long cigarette.