6 Phrases From the Movie Mulan

4 minutes

The Chinese proverbs behind the movie Mulan are extremely useful for teaching values to children and adults.

Reviewed and approved by the psychologist Elena Sanz Martín.

Written by Maria del Mar Garcia Martin

Last update: 27 December, 2022

aSometimes, the lessons from Disney movies are most fruitful for a child’s development. For this reason, we want to present you with the 6 best phrases from the movie Mulan, which are decisive for the plot of the film and for the learning of growing children.

The values that are manifested in them have marked a before and after in the current feminist vision. Do you want us to tell you what they are and what they represent? Keep reading!

Eastern wisdom in the movie Mulan

Chinese proverbs are recognized throughout the world. Along these lines, the 6 phrases from the film Mulan that we’ve chosen also have this quality. In fact, Mulan is the protagonist of a well-known oriental legend.

According to an article published by the Cuban Journal of Comprehensive General Medicine, the ancestors set the standards of behavior and life lessons through simple sentences, loaded with teachings. Do you want to know what’s hidden behind them?

1. “The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.”

This phrase is enunciated by the father of the protagonist near the end of the film and his teaching alludes to the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. In addition, it encourages us not to give up despite the negatives that arise along the way. The things we achieve with effort are the best.

If you think about it, the truth is that every reward takes effort. In the film, Mulan manages to stand up to tradition, which considered the role of women in wars to be secondary. She enlists in the war and is victorious.

2. “No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it“

This is a wise statement from the Emperor while being attacked by his enemies, the Huns.

It refers to the fact that pride and dignity can keep a person standing, despite difficulties. For this reason, problems can blow with force, but they won’t be able to destabilize those who are well off in life.

3. “One man may be the difference between victory and defeat”, one of the 6 most motivating phrases from the movie Mulan

Even ants are important in the cycle of nature. And, in the same way, in large projects or battles, having the support of each individual is necessary.

Regardless of any differences, people who trust you and who believe in the power of friendship will prevail in your life and make you stronger.

See: The Importance of Friendship in Adolescence

4. “The Chi pervades the universe and all living things. We are all born with it. But only the most true will connect deeply to his chi and become a great warrior. Tranquil as a forest, but one fire within.“

According to Chinese philosophy, chi is the energy that flows continuously through nature. Popular beliefs affirm that human beings can control and use this energy, through various strategies. For example, by increasing it, accumulating it, or distributing it throughout the body.

Chi takes on a special role in the film because Mulan’s father doesn’t let her release it, due to his traditional vision. However, Mulan opposes marriage and chooses to fight because she believes in herself.

5. “You went to save your father’s life. Who knew you’d end up shaming him and disgracing your ancestors and losing all your friends. You know, you just gotta … You gotta learn to let these things go.”

Mushu, the red dragon that accompanies Mulan, acts as her guardian and protector. For this reason, he invites her to leave the past behind and focus on the present, despite circumstances that are difficult to overcome. Without a doubt, it’s a lesson that we all must learn in order to advance in life.

6. “The greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter.“

A father reading a story to his daughter.

What better way to end the movie than with a phrase like this? What else could Mulan’s father say when his own daughter brought him Shan-Yu’s sword and the emperor’s emblem, right?

Well, the lesson is that parental support is essential when it comes to achieving dreams. And here, this lesson becomes palpable.

Also read: I Am Proud Of My Child, And Always Will Be

Learn values with these 6 phrases from the movie Mulan

Critics have pointed out the importance of Mulan’s film for having been part of the breakdown of the oppression of women. Thanks to the actions and statements of the protagonists, Mulan brings a new vision of the feminine gender, which wasn’t well accepted at that time.

“Women must be obedient to men and look feminine. They also have to fulfill their obligations at home. However, Mulan was different. As a Chinese girl, she is not depicted in the film as the feminine child that society expected her to be. She can do masculine things that are generally associated with men. “
– Rahmatika, Tika Ayu –

Mulan has become a feminist icon, being the first warrior princess who chose to challenge the traditions imposed by men and enlist in the army.

Watching this movie as a family with your little ones in the house will help you instill in them important values about self-confidence and courage.