Mulan 1998 and 2020: A Structural Analysis of Difference

Abstract

Movie analysis is common in literary research, especially in comparative research of the same films that have different versions, film adaptations from novels, and remakes. People tend to criticize the original versus the remake, compare their differences and similarities, and decide which is better. With the film industry growing and expanding by generation, remakes still make it to the top movies for reasons that people tend to criticize the original versus the remake, compare their differences and similarities, and decide which is better. Disney animated films were among the films that could readily be adapted into a live-action remake. Thus, this paper aims to investigate the differences between two Disney films: Bancroft and Cook’s Mulan of 1998 and Caro’s Mulan of 2020. Specifically, it delves into plot, characters, and cinematography. The method used in gathering the data is qualitative, in particular, discourse analysis. Data is gathered through extraction of important details of both movies’ differences from the plots, characterization of the characters, and cinematography. The gathered data is supported by the Variation Theory of Comparative Literature of Cao Shunquing and Formalism Theory by Victor Shklovsky. After a thorough study, the researchers gathered findings of both films’ differences. Such are found in the plot; how Mulan started, the climax, and how the films ended. Findings showed that characters were replaced, removed, and new characters were also added. Since animation is entirely different to real-life, findings showed that the shot angles, sounds, and costumes have techniques in cinematography. Based on the gathered findings, the researchers have concluded that Bancroft and Cook and Caro’s 1998 and 2020’s movies have differences. Furthermore, this paper recommends that the Plot is analyzed using Three Act Structure to determine the differences between Mulan 1998 and Mulan 2020; Characters are examined using Social Cognitive Theory to demonstrate the comparison of the character and its characterization; Film theory is used to examine cinematography and delve into micro-elements of film.