Mulan (2020): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
Mulan is a 2020 action drama directed by Niki Caro, starring Yifei Liu, Tzi Ma and Rosalind Chao. It runs 1 hour 55 minutes and earned $70 million worldwide on a $200 million budget. It won 2 awards from 14 nominations, among them 3 Oscar nominations. Critics gave it 72% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10.
What Is Mulan About?
The premise of Mulan without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
In ancient China, a courageous young woman disguises herself as a man to take her injured father's place in the Imperial Army. Assuming the identity of Hua Jun, she faces rigorous training and perilous battles, demonstrating remarkable skill and bravery. Along her journey, Mulan confronts personal struggles, discovers her inner strength, and earns the respect of her fellow soldiers and her nation, ultimately striving to protect her family's honor.
Mulan Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- remake
- china
- warrior
- assassin
- woman dresses as a man
- martial arts
- northern wei dynasty
- ancient china
- disney live action remake of animated film
- gender disguise
- action heroine
- reference to genghis khan
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- showdown
- witch
- soldier
- tough girl
- hero
- emperor
- disguise
- training
- rescue
- honesty
- secret
- feminism
- snow adventure
- heroine
- character name in title
- title spoken by character
- chinese woman
- chinese teenager
- violence
- title directed by female
- based on legend
- eagle
- girl dresses as a boy
- female warrior
- swordswoman
- hun
- fireworks
- no opening credits
- hand to hand combat
- sword fight
- sword duel
- battle
- combat
- catfight
- bow and arrow
- love interest
- disarming someone
- phoenix
Mulan Cast & Characters
Yifei Liu leads the cast, with Tzi Ma as Zhou and Rosalind Chao as Li. Directed by Niki Caro; 18 actors are credited in all.
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Director Niki Caro
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Yifei Liu -
Tzi Ma as Zhou -
Rosalind Chao as Li -
Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan
Also Starring in Mulan
· 14 more- Jet Li Emperor
- Li Gong
- Donnie Yen Commander Tung
- Jimmy Wong Ling
- Doua Moua Po
- Yoson An Honghui
- Ron Yuan Sergeant Qiang
- Roger Yuan
- Nelson Lee Chancellor
- Utkarsh Ambudkar
- Xana Tang Xiu
- Chum Ehelepola
- Jun Yu Cricket
- Pei-pei Cheng
More from Niki Caro
More films directed by Niki Caro, best-rated first: Whale Rider, North Country, McFarland USA and The Zookeeper's Wife.
Mulan Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Mulan 72% on Rotten Tomatoes and 66 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 50/100, strongest in art & craft (65) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).
Mulan Echo Score Breakdown
Mixed reception for the live-action Mulan highlights a film that excels in visual scale and production design but falters in emotional depth and narrative cohesion. Reviews commend the ambitious set pieces and polished technical artistry while critiquing the wooden lead performance and cultural superficiality. The non-musical approach and action sequences earn praise, yet tonal inconsistencies and underdeveloped characters diminish impact. Ultimately, the adaptation is noted for impressive craft overshadowed by uneven storytelling and limited resonance, yielding a moderately unbalanced experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 65
In terms of Art & Craft, the film’s production design and scale earn consistent praise. Critics and users highlight vivid set design, precise editing, and polished battle choreography that contribute to a compelling visual framework. Some negative feedback notes occasional reliance on artificial visual effects and a plastic-feeling representation of China. Overall, the technical artistry impresses despite sporadic lapses in authenticity.
- Character & Emotion 45
When it comes to Character & Emotion, responses are mixed, with several critics describing the lead performance as wooden and noting a lack of distinctive personality. Some observers commend Liu’s portrayal for its quiet determination and moments of emotional sincerity. However, uneven character development and limited depth reduce the film’s emotional resonance. Overall, the character work is uneven, offering occasional insight without sustained engagement.
- Story & Flow 50
In terms of Story & Flow, the narrative exhibits inconsistencies that undermine coherence. Critics point to cultural superficiality and jarring tonal shifts between serious themes and residual Disney humor. Some viewers appreciate the thematic focus on empowerment and a measured pacing that maintains engagement. However, the plot feels fragmented, with underdeveloped motivations and a lack of originality that dilute narrative impact.
- Sensory Experience 60
When it comes to Sensory Experience, the film delivers an impressive but uneven audiovisual presentation. The non-musical score and dynamic sound design enhance battle sequences and dramatic moments, yet the absence of the original’s songs leaves a tonal gap. Visually, striking production values and cohesive color palettes create immersive settings. However, occasional CGI shortcuts disrupt the overall sensory cohesion.
- Rewatch Factor 40
In terms of rewatch factor, the film offers limited lasting appeal despite some standout sequences. Action set pieces and dramatic set pieces provide memorable moments, but narrative unevenness and muted emotional depth diminish replay value. While themes of empowerment may resonate on subsequent viewings, the lack of charm and character nuance makes the adaptation less compelling for repeated engagement.
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IMDb 5.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 72% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 46%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 66 Metascore
User score 2.9
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 69% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 2.3 /5
211 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.7 /5
See on Movie Insider
Mulan Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in Mulan from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In the backdrop of Imperial China, we follow the journey of the spirited Hua Mulan, portrayed by Yifei Liu. Mulan is no ordinary girl; she is brimming with adventure and vigor, much to the dismay of her parents, Tzi Ma and Rosalind Chao, who hope to find her a suitable husband one day. Although she longs to bring honor to her family, Mulan’s independent streak shines through with her skill in martial arts, a talent unrecognized for girls in her society.
From a young age, Mulan proves her capabilities when she deftly captures a chicken that has strayed onto the roof. Her adeptness earns her scorn from the community, who believe her actions may taint her family’s honor. Despite societal expectations, she is determined to forge her own path.
Full summary
The whole story of Mulan, scene by scene, with the ending explained
Mulan Box Office & Budget
Mulan grossed $70 million worldwide on a $200 million budget, 35% of what it cost.
Worldwide gross
$70M
35% of its budget back
- International
- $70M
- Budget
- $200M
Mulan Awards & Nominations
Mulan won 2 awards from 14 nominations, among them 3 Oscar nominations. Its biggest night was the Saturn Awards 2021, with 2 wins from 6 nominations.
2 wins14 nominations7 ceremonies
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Saturn Awards 2021 2 wins · 6 nominations- Won Best Action / Adventure Film Release
- Won Best Film Costume Design
- Nominated Best Actress in a Film
- Nominated Best Film Director – Niki Caro
- Nominated Best Film Writing
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Critics' Choice 2021 2 nominations- Nominated Best Costume Design
- Nominated Best Visual Effects
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Oscars 2021 2 nominations- Nominated Costume Design
- Nominated Visual Effects
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Actor Awards (SAG) 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
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Artios Awards 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Big Budget – Drama
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BAFTA 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Best Special Visual Effects
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Oscars 1999 1 nomination- Nominated Music (Original Musical or Comedy Score)
Mulan Trailers & Videos
4 videos: 2 trailers, 1 teaser and 1 behind-the-scenes video.
- Trailer Final Trailer
- Teaser Coming Sept. 4
- Behind the Scenes Featurette
How Well Do You Know Mulan?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What prompts Mulan to disguise herself as a man and join the army?
Mulan Also Known As
19 alternative titles, including “花木蘭” and “វីរៈនារីមូឡាន”.
- Also known as
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- 花木蘭
- វីរៈនារីមូឡាន
- Мулан [Mulan]
- มู่หลาน
- 木蘭
- Matchless Mulan
- 花木蘭(2020)
- 花木兰.2020
- Мулан
- Μουλάν
- Mulán
- 뮬란
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- 花木兰
- מולאן
- ムーラン
- Hoa Mộc Lan
- 花木蘭 2020
- مولان
- Mulana, მულანი
Seen Mulan?
Movies Like Mulan
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Mulan the Heroine, Mulan Joins the Army and Mulan: Princess Warrior.
Mulan FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of Mulan, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Mulan?
Mulan runs 1 hour 55 minutes (115 minutes).
When was Mulan released?
Mulan was released on September 4, 2020.
Who directed Mulan?
Mulan was directed by Niki Caro.
More films by Niki Caro Who is in the cast of Mulan?
Mulan stars Yifei Liu, Tzi Ma as Zhou and Rosalind Chao as Li, among 18 credited actors.
How much did Mulan make at the box office?
Mulan grossed $70 million worldwide on a budget of $200 million.
How is Mulan rated?
Mulan has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 72% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic and 69% on TMDB.
What awards did Mulan win?
Mulan won 2 awards from 14 nominations, including Best Action / Adventure Film Release at the Saturn Awards 2021.
Does Mulan have a post-credit scene?
No. Mulan has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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