As a New Year film, *Mulan* was expected to be worth watching due to the classic story and the participation of well-known actors Zhao Wei and Chen Kun. Before its release, there were multiple rounds of hype surrounding the film. Rumors such as Zhao Wei's marriage, her steamy bath scene with Chen Kun, and her open discussion of "bedroom dreams" left people speechless. What was all this for? For box office success, of course!
However, several phenomena reflected in the movie have caused concern, leading to mixed reactions from audiences, especially regarding Zhao Wei and Chen Kun's acting and the screenplay content.
1. **False Patriotic Duty, True Pursuit of Love:**
*Mulan* can be seen as both an epic masterpiece and a romance film. In the movie, Zhao Wei portrays Mulan who encounters Wen Tai, a love cheat. He pretends to die during battle, claiming it is for his lover to truly grow stronger. Wen Tai's deceitful nature is fully revealed at the end of the film: Mulan renounces her honors to return home and fulfill filial duties, while Wen Tai betrays the Rouran princess who traveled far to pursue him. Wen Tai first laments, "It's easy for me to give up my life, but too hard to let go of my true love." Mulan urges him to prioritize the state and marry the Rouran princess. Yet, he quickly turns around and tells Mulan, "Forget me." The rapid shift is astonishing. Although this is directed by the filmmaker, does Zhao Wei's portrayal overly emphasize the romance?
2. **The Bath Scene Between Zhao Wei and Chen Kun Risks Audience Fatigue:**
Some viewers commented that "Whenever Zhao Wei and Chen Kun lock eyes affectionately, it reminds them of last year's movie *Painted Skin*, leading to some aesthetic fatigue..." This seems out of place given the solemn and heavy atmosphere of the film. If the intention is to portray Mulan as a "heroine," then excessive romantic or sensual scenes only detract from the quality of the film. Director Ma Chucheng's decision to have an ancient woman behave like modern celebrities, readily stripping down for a wrestling scene with Chen Kun, seems somewhat forced.
3. **Zhao Wei's Acting Again Faces Audience Doubt:**
Zhao Wei's performances in *Painted Skin* and *Red Cliff* were questioned by many viewers, even being labeled as a "box office poison." Indeed, looking at Zhao Wei's features—her large face, big eyes, rigid facial expressions, and overly modern speech—she may not be the best fit for period dramas. Similar to actress Shu Qi, whose worldly charm might make her unsuitable for ancient roles. Regarding Zhao Wei's acting, though she has improved over time, her performance in *Mulan* can only be described as mediocre. Without the support of Chen Kun's performance and the grand war scenes, *Mulan* might have faced a "disaster."
4. **Allegations That *Mulan* Distorts the Original Story:**
After watching *Mulan*, one notices Zhao Wei's transformation in the film: from a lady before joining the army to a mature woman after military service, culminating in her becoming a "desirous woman." This reflects the changing trends within the entertainment industry. Such portrayals may momentarily satisfy the audience visually, but they leave a bitter taste afterward. The story of Mulan disguising herself as a man to serve in her father's stead is renowned worldwide, including in the U.S. How would foreigners perceive this adaptation? In fact, this is another modification and subversion of the classic tale.
In summary, although *Mulan* surpassed 100 million yuan at the box office, Zhao Wei's performance was highly anticipated. However, no amount of awards compares to public opinion. Ultimately, how the movie fares will depend on the audience's judgment once they step into the cinema. This article merely serves as a preliminary prediction and evaluation.