It’s a quality that is demonized in women and celebrated in men. But that’s OK – unlike her animated counterpart, this Mulan is already a skilled fighter, a natural master of chi, the energy connecting all living things. A training montage scored by an instrumental version of “Reflection,” the hit song from the original film, is an ultimately underwhelming nod to the 90s movie. There is no Mushu, Shang, or sassy grandma.

The lack of shot-for-shot fidelity to the animated classic will inevitably disappoint some viewers. Disney’s live-action remake stumbles in spots but holds true to that legacy of empowerment. In 1998, the animated film “Mulan” offered a generation of young girls a new kind of role model, one who defied gender norms and expectations. It’s thrilling to watch, and an impressive accomplishment for director Niki Caro. Characters run sideways along walls, flip head-over-heals on horseback, and dodge arrows à la “The Matrix,” with all the dramatic, slow-motion shots you’d expect from a classic martial arts movie. In battle, cannons and sword fights play second fiddle to beautifully choreographed martial arts. Every costume, set, and even prop is beautifully crafted, transporting viewers into a highly saturated version of sixth-century China. Shot in New Zealand, it is full of rich colors and textures from start to finish. This becomes the film’s guiding mantra, as Mulan tries to embody these values in a society that makes no room for a female warrior. If discovered, she faces the death penalty. She steals his armor and sword, which in this telling has three words inscribed on the blade: loyal, brave, and true. The story will be familiar to fans: When her weakened father, Hua Zhou (played by Tzi Ma), is called to serve in a second war, Mulan (Liu Yifei) disguises herself as a man and joins the imperial army in his place. With so much riding on its success, “Mulan” dared to be different, honoring not one but two source materials – the beloved 1998 animated film and the Chinese folk song “Ballad of Mulan” – and creating an entertaining movie that stands on its own.

After months in limbo, the live-action “Mulan” claims its place as the best Disney remake to date.

Loyal brave true mulan sword words