Mulan Boycotts

Disney’s reimagined, live action Mulan, starring American-Chinese actress Liu Yifei, has finally been released. The film is now available to stream for $29.99 on Disney+, but some members will not be watching because of the controversies surrounding it.

“I support the Hong Kong police. You can all attack me now. What a shame for Hong Kong,” Yifei  said in a recent post on Weibo. This has infuriated fans who identify so strongly with the character that she is portraying. The hashtag #BoycottMulan has since gone viral on Twitter.

Thailand has been witnessing several protests as civilians demand for reform of the monarchy. Many protests in Hong Kong have expressed support for the movement happening in Thailand, and this has caused the Hong Kong police to get involved, relying on violence to calm impassioned citizens. Activists in Thailand and Taiwan are also standing with those wanting to ban the live-action Mulan. 

“This film is released today. But because Disney kowtows to Beijing, and because Liu Yifei openly and proudly endorses police brutality in Hong Kong, I urge everyone who believes in human rights to #BoycottMulan,” Tweeted prominent Hong Kong Activist Joshua Wong.

The classic 1990’s animated Mulan is identified as someone who fights for the oppressed, not against them. It has been argued that the woman playing that role should align with the intended beliefs of the character, but not everyone agrees with this proclamation.

“I don’t think that her political beliefs should have anything to do with her performance,” said Cadence Roy, 12. “If you want to watch the movie, watch it. If you don’t, then don’t,”

The film, despite controversies, is currently playing in theatres, and will be available to stream on Disney+ without an additional fee sometime in December.