Mulan makes it happen not through big drama, but through little decisions and bravery and self-awareness.
MulandirectorNiki Caro(Whale Rider) confirms Lius strength was both emotional and physical.
I wanted to see the shoulders of a soldier.
Yifei Liu shot for Disney’s MULAN CR: Chen Man/Disney.Credit: Chen Man/Disney
On such hallowed ground, a new star more befitting our globalized era is being born.
She apologizes for her nerves, her casual jeans, and sneakers belying her guardedness.
Her smile blooms when the conversation turns to her grueling audition and the intense three months of physical preparationMulanrequired.
© 2019 Disney
That mentality won Caro over too.
What you see of [Yifei] fighting on the ground is purely her.
She’s not on wires.
Film Frame./© 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc.
We haven’t switched her out with a stunt performer.
There are no tricks.
It’s just cinema and extraordinary performance in every way.
As long as they gave me the chance, I wanted to try it, Liu says.
She never complained, she never stopped, she woman-ed up.
The capacity to woman up is what the star hopes female audiences take to heart from Mulan.
But the only person that this movie could not have been made without is Yifei.
[Shes] the most valuable player of the season, the century.
Even if she would never acknowledge it within herself not unlike the hero she’s bringing back to life.
Mulanis available for a premium price on Disney+ beginning Sept. 4.
