Mulan

Like its eponymous heroine, Mulan strives to break from tradition while still honoring its family.

The slick and stylish remake admirably takes a different approach than its predecessors in the recent parade of Disney live-action adaptations of the studio’s animated classics by straying further from the 1998 original.

That’s a worthwhile endeavor, but the transformation of a lighthearted coming-of-age story into a darker battle epic generally fails to take the material in a compelling new direction while subtly streamlining cultural specifics for mainstream consumption.

The story takes place in China many centuries ago, when the title character (Yifei Liu) has the physical gifts of a great warrior. Yet her gender renders her ineligible to serve on the Imperial Army, even with the country on the brink of war.

When the emperor (Jet Li) decrees that a man from each clan must serve, Mulan’s ailing father (Tzi Ma) is forced to volunteer. Wanting to break free from rigid patriarchal customs, Mulan disguises herself as a man in order to infiltrate the army and save her father.

On the front lines, Mulan realizes she must prove herself to earn the trust of her commander (Donnie Yen) before her secret is revealed.

This version of Mulan deviates from the kid-friendly tone of its source material by jettisoning the musical numbers and the romantic subplot. It also replaces the wisecracking dragon sidekick with a soaring phoenix whose presence brings with it some obvious metaphors.

The thinly sketched if well-intentioned tale of female empowerment spotlights a tough-minded character who’s resilient and courageous—a worthy role model for girls from any cultural background.

Plus, Liu’s spirited portrayal generates sympathy for Mulan’s perilous mission and her ethical dilemma. Still, the androgynous scheme is less convincing in live-action form, particularly when compared to the vivid intensity of the battle scenes.

As directed by Kiwi filmmaker Niki Caro (Whale Rider), the film is highlighted by pristine production values, including gorgeous cinematography and a dazzling array of visual effects.

As a war movie, it’s oversimplified and predictable if occasionally chilling. However, the intimate character-driven sequences resonate more powerfully in reflecting Mulan’s journey to acceptance and self-discovery.

The film amps up the violent swordplay and combat action — along with the requisite slow motion for gimmicky emphasis — yet lacks the narrative depth and dramatic urgency to match its visual splendor.

Rated PG-13, 115 minutes.