Mulan and I are Stuck in the 2020 War By Eponymous
I
n the movie “Mulan”, the protagonist Mulan is fighting her father’s battle. But now she’s fighting something else. This year has been rough for Mulan. Due to the Hong Kong riots and Coronavirus outbreak, the movie was not able to premier in China. Just like how Mulan faced controversy for entering the war as a female, the actress portraying Mulan is facing her own heat. Taking the side of mainland China during the Hong Kong riots, audiences worldwide were jarred by her comment: “I support the Hong Kong police. You can all attack me now. What a shame for Hong Kong.” This is a reference to the Hong Kong police using violence towards the protestors, thus #BoycottMulan came about. What’s even more coincidental is that Liu Yifei is from Wuhan, where the virus had come about from. Her statement has been: “It’s really heavy for me to even think about it. People are doing the right thing; they are being careful for themselves and others. I’m so touched actually to see how they haven’t been out for weeks. I’m really hoping for a miracle and that this will just be over soon. (Trumbore)” And we all do. Personally I wish I could have seen this film with my friends. With a $200 million budget and a beautiful Disney company logo behind this project, there were bound to be spectacular sights on the big screen. Songs like “Reflection” and “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” helped me get through my angsty teenage high school years. But that doesn’t mean that these songs do not still follow me today in time. Due to the coronavirus, my father has lost his job. Although I have been aware this would happen this year, I did not expect it to come so soon. My father is a strong man, just as Mulan’s father was a general. Now that his chapter as making a living as a photographer may be coming to an end, I wonder if it is time for me to step into shoes that I am uncomfortable with to bring honor to my whole family. I want to fight my father’s battle quietly
8
ASIAN OUTLOOK
- helping my father make a resume to enter the work force once again for the first time in 30 years as I discover my own strengths behind the scenes. The war we are fighting is for survival in the 21st century and as the economy is worsening, constantly working seems to be my main mindset right now. I wish I could play Animal Crossing or watch “Crash Landing on You”, but now I can’t find any excuse to have down time. I am thankful to have genuine friends who support me as well as keep me entertained on this arduous journey like Mushu does for Mulan. And where is my Shang? They are found everywhere. They are my mentors and the people I find difficult to get along with. They are those who help me improve and stretch out a hand when I least expect. So I do not know about you, but although this movie is not directed by an Asian, the main actress has caused much controversy, and of course Mushu is missing, I will be watching this movie. I want to sit and appreciate their renditions of the original songs, sing along to the iconic “Reflection” and share this viewing experience with my father. As cheesy as this sounds, I will bring honor to this family, Ba Ba.
