About “Mulan” in a few words:

The 1998 Disney film “Mulan” is a captivating tale of bravery, love, and identity. Set in ancient China, it tells the story of Mulan, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her ailing father’s place in the army. Along her journey, she encounters challenges, discovers her inner strength, and learns the true meaning of honor. Accompanied by her dragon sidekick, Mushu, and a group of endearing soldiers, Mulan fights to save her country and find her place in the world.

Meet the characters from Mulan

Mulan

Mulan is the heart-and-spark of the story — smart, stubborn, and somehow both practical and wildly idealistic. She’s the kind of person who will break every rule if it means protecting someone, but also she’ll fuss over a family dinner like it’s a strategic mission. Her courage feels effortless in battle and awkward in courtship, which is honestly the best part. She reinvents herself more than once and keeps surprising people (and herself) with how resourceful and stubborn she can be. Also, she definitely has a secret collection of tiny trinkets — hairpins, pressed flowers, the occasional spoon — and sometimes she hums when she’s thinking, which might be true or I just made that up.

Shang

Shang is all discipline and duty with this quietly fierce kindness simmering underneath. He’s a born leader, slightly rigid, but the kind who’ll learn to laugh at his own marching routine eventually (and then get embarrassed about laughing). There’s a softness to him — practical, stubbornly responsible, awkwardly proud — and also he likes books? or maybe tea, can’t remember, but something calming. He struggles with expectations and keeps surprising people by choosing honor over glory, which is actually heroic and also painfully relatable. Sometimes I imagine him sketching tactics on the back of letters while humming a lullaby, which is a little silly but also adorable.

Mushu

Mushu is the noisy, overconfident tiny dragon who tries to be a guardian angel but often feels more like a freelance chaos consultant. He’s loud, funny, compassionate in a grubby, semi-selfish way, and will celebrate victories with fireworks and bad jokes. He insists he’s ancient and wise but keeps getting the details wrong, which is why you can’t help but love him. He has a habit of popping up at very wrong times and then somehow saving the day (probably with a ridiculous plan), which is his whole thing. Also, he hoards honor badges and might sleep on a pile of slightly suspicious lint — tiny contradiction, huge heart.

The Emperor

The Emperor is this calm, almost mythical presence — dignified, quiet, and somehow carrying the weight of an entire kingdom like it’s a shawl. He’s wise and warm in a way that doesn’t need fireworks; one look from him settles people, which is maybe a little spooky but in a good way. There’s an eccentric touch too — like he probably keeps a drawer of clever little trinkets and smiles at things no one else notices. He’s less about action and more about the long view, and when he does intervene it’s with a simple, devastatingly effective gesture that makes you go “ohhh.”

Cri-Kee

Cri-Kee is that tiny, improbably lucky cricket who somehow becomes everyone’s talisman and part-time mood-lifter. He’s mostly chirps and expressive antennae, but his presence changes the room even if he’s just hopping around in someone’s sleeve. He’s supposed to be lucky, yes, but he’s also accident-prone and might hop into a soup bowl at a crucial moment, which is both adorable and hazardous. He doesn’t say much but he’s the kind of silent sidekick that you swear is judging you and cheering you on at the same time.