NEWSFEED.ID, Tangsel — When I first watched Mulan (1998), I saw it as nothing more than a fun animated film. Years later, watching it again feels different. The story suddenly raises a quiet but uncomfortable question: why did a young woman need to disguise herself as a man just to prove her worth?
Set against a patriarchal society inspired by ancient China, Mulan presents a world where women are expected to be graceful, obedient, and primarily valued for their readiness for marriage. From the very beginning, Mulan struggles to meet these
expectations. Her failure before the matchmaker is not shown as a lack of ability or effort, but as a clear disconnect between who she is and what society defines as a “proper woman.” This moment reflects a reality many women recognize: being judged not for intelligence, capability, or character, but for how well they perform socially constructed ideals of femininity.
Viewed through a feminist lens, Mulan’s struggle represents resistance to structural gender inequality. The feminism portrayed in the film does not seek to reject culture outright, but rather to question traditions that limit women’s choices and silence their potential. Mulan’s actions are not driven by selfish ambition; instead, they are rooted in love, responsibility, and moral duty. Her decision to disguise herself as a man and take her father’s place in the army becomes a quiet yet powerful challenge to a system that excludes women from public and national responsibility.
Cross-dressing in Mulan functions as more than a narrative device to move the plot forward. It highlights how gender roles are socially constructed rather than biologically fixed. Throughout the film, Mulan proves her competence not by perfectly imitating masculinity, but through intelligence, adaptability, and courage. Her achievements expose the illusion that leadership, strength, and strategic thinking are qualities naturally reserved for men. In this way, the film aligns with feminist arguments that gender should never determine one’s value or access to opportunity.
Women empowerment in Mulan is also portrayed as a gradual and deeply personal process rather than instant heroism. Mulan does not immediately succeed in the military; she struggles, makes mistakes, doubts herself, and nearly gives up.
These moments make her journey feel authentic and relatable. The song “Reflection” captures her internal conflict between meeting external expectations and staying true to herself, emphasizing that empowerment begins with self- awareness and self-acceptance, not external approval.
Interestingly, the film also offers a critique of traditional masculinity. Male characters, particularly Shang, are shown grappling with leadership, emotional expression, and responsibility. This suggests that patriarchy restricts men as well as women. When Shang ultimately acknowledges Mulan’s contribution, it marks a shift toward valuing competence and integrity over gender. This recognition is not framed as pity or exception, but as respect earned through action.
The film’s climax, in which Mulan saves both the Emperor and the nation, reinforces its central message: worth is defined by courage and integrity, not gender. Significantly, Mulan is not rewarded with political power or elevated status. Instead, she returns home with her identity affirmed and her dignity restored. This ending suggests that empowerment does not always mean dominance or authority, but the freedom to choose one’s path and to be recognized for who one truly is.
In today’s context, Mulan (1998) remains highly relevant. Many women continue to face false choices between conforming to idealized femininity and pursuing their genuine potential. Mulan rejects this binary, showing that strength and womanhood are not opposites. Her story resonates because it reflects everyday struggles rather than presenting empowerment as something distant or extraordinary.
As a work of popular culture, Mulan communicates feminist values without reducing them to rigid slogans. Instead of instructing audiences what to think, it invites reflection. Through narrative, emotional conflict, and character development, the film becomes a cultural text that speaks subtly yet powerfully about women’s agency and resistance.
Feminist theory helps clarify Mulan’s journey. Simone de Beauvoir argues that “one is not born, but rather becomes, a woman,” meaning femininity is shaped by social expectations, not biology (de Beauvoir, 1949). This idea appears clearly in Mulan, where womanhood is defined by obedience and marriage. Mulan’s resistance to these roles shows how limiting such expectations are and reinforces the feminist view that women’s abilities should not be confined by gender norms.
From a women empowerment perspective, Mulan reflects bell hooks’ idea that empowerment is about self-growth rather than power over others (hooks, 2000). Mulan becomes strong not by gaining authority, but by trusting herself, acting with courage, and embracing who she truly is.
Ultimately, Mulan reminds us that women empowerment begins with courage, the courage to question unfair expectations, to step beyond prescribed roles, and to trust that women’s voices matter. It is a simple message, perhaps, but one that continues to resonate across generations.
Written by Siti Satriah
Universitas Pamulang
