CHARACTER ARCHETYPE - FILM REVIEW

This review will explore the Hero’s Journey Archetypes in Disney’s film Mulan. The film talks about a girl, Mulan, who took her father’s place in the Chinese military for the upcoming war. Even though she is “unqualified to serve”, she impersonates a man, and trains with other recruits. Accompanied by her dragon, Mushu, she helps her people to win the Huns and falls in love with her captain.

The Hero is the protagonist herself, Fa Mulan who goes to a journey disguised as a man to prevent her injured father from putting his life in danger.

The Shadow in the film is Shan Yu, the general of the Huns. He's the opposite of Mulan, as the reason he goes to war is to show his strength, whereas Mulan wants to both protect her father and bring honour to her family.

The Herald is China’s Emperor, who announced the war and issued the men in his country take part in it.

The Threshold Guardian is again Fa Mulan. By disguising herself as a man and going to train with the other war recruits, she ends up causing a big fight at her very first first day.

Mushu, the dragon, is the Trickster, as he is a character who wants to have fun and enjoy life to its fullest. He messes around a lot, sometimes bringing trouble unintentionally. It also seems like he doesn't really know what is dangerous and what is not, as he brings trouble to Mulan and at the same time tries to prevent her from doing dangerous things.

Mulan’s father, Fa Zhou, as well as captain Li Shang are the Mentors. Mulan’s father, being a soldier in the past, has taught her how important honouring your family is. Li Shang is the one who trains Mulan, along with the other war recruits.

The Allies are the recruits Mulan got closer to while training. They are Ling, Chien-Po and Yao, who stand by Mulan’s side even after her secret is revealed.

Two women have the Mother role in the film. Mulan’s mother and grandmother. They support her with anything she wants to do and when she fails to pass the test as a bride, they are the first ones to comfort her.

The Father can be considered Li Shang’s father, General Li. Mulan works hard to get his respect throughout the war preparation and even goes to the lengths of saving his life.

The Child is again, Mushu. In the beginning of the film, Mushu is running chores for Mulan's family ancestors and he isn’t free, even if he does as he pleases. He does whatever he can to impress them and fails every time.

The Maiden is again Mulan. She has no idea of war and also fails as a bride, but later on she brings honour to her family by developing her character.

The Shapeshifter is Chi-Fu, the Emperor’s counsel. He prides himself in being in the position he is, bragging about being the Emperor's left hand and, to gain more of his trust, he tries to make Li Shang fail as a captain.