Music and the Fictive Dream- Reflection From Mulan
Reflection is a song written and produced by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel for Disney's Mulan, 1998. The singer, Lea Salonga, is not only the voice actor for Mulan but also voiced Jasmine's songs in Disney's Aladdin, 1992. Mulan is one of Disney's Most successful animated movies grossing over 304 million dollars. The story of Mulan comes from an ancient Chinese poem called the Ballad of Mulan, which is set in the Northern Wei Dynasty, between 386 to 534 AD.
As for the song itself, Reflection follows Mulan's struggle about how she cannot seem to fit into a mold her parents have already set out for her. Its lyricism is one of the highlights of the song for example: "Why is my Reflection someone I don't know?" and "When will my reflection show, who I am inside." really paints a picture of Mulan's struggle with accepting herself as who she is. Reflections outstanding social commentary shows the "reflection" of society's tendency to force people to be someone they are not, even to the point of ripping apart any shred of independence they had.
In conclusion, "Reflection" from Disney's Mulan stands as a timeless piece that not only captivates audiences with its amazing composition but also dives deep into the profound theme of self-discovery and societal expectations. The song, skillfully performed by Lea Salonga, serves as an amazing reflection of Mulan's internal struggle, mirroring the universal human experience of grappling with one's identity and societal pressures. As Mulan questions, "Why is my reflection someone I don't know?" and contemplates when her true self will be revealed, the lyrics resonate with anyone who has faced the challenge of staying true to themselves in a world that often demands conformity.
Works Cited:
Reflection (song) (2023) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reflection_(song)
I enjoyed reading your blog post about "Reflection" from Disney's Mulan, Lincoln. It's fascinating to learn about the background and history of the song and its deep connection to the movie's central theme.
ReplyDeleteMy wife is a massive fan of Mulan and has even gone to great lengths to experience it, including traveling to New York to see it on Broadway. She absolutely loves this song, and it's clear that "Reflection" holds a special place in her heart.
I've seen that "Reflection" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that beautifully captures Mulan's inner struggle. The lyrics you highlighted, such as "Why is my Reflection someone I don't know?" and "When will my reflection show who I am inside," really convey the profound emotional turmoil she experiences as she grapples with societal expectations and her identity. It's impressive how a Disney animated film can address such complex and relatable themes.
I can understand why my wife loves this song and the movie so much, especially considering her dedication to it. The fact that Mulan is based on an ancient Chinese poem adds an extra layer of cultural richness to the story, making it even more compelling.
As someone who has watched the movie alongside my wife, I can appreciate her enthusiasm for "Reflection" and the overall narrative of Mulan. The film has left a significant impact on her and our shared experiences as a couple.
"Reflection" is a song that resonates with my wife's love for the story and the character of Mulan, and it's beautiful that we both have enjoyed the film together. The song's powerful message of self-discovery and defying societal expectations likely holds a special place in her heart, and it's something I can connect with, having seen the movie alongside her.
My wife's passion for Mulan and her journey of self-discovery through the song "Reflection" is a testament to this Disney classic's enduring appeal and emotional depth. It's a beautiful example of how art and music can profoundly impact our lives and relationships.
Mulan is an excellent film because it uses music in various ways to enhance the overall experience! I still get "LETS GET DOWN TO BUISNESS" stuck in my head All. The. Time.
ReplyDeleteI don't appreciate Disney's latest take on "Mulan." It would be a good film if it weren't titled Mulan.
Great choice and read!
That is a helluva song. It severely demonstrates the dichotomy of what someone may be and what is expected of them. From my layman’s familiarity with Chinese history and culture, theirs was a strict and rigid system, nearly caste but not quite. It was very difficult for anyone to become rich who wasn’t born that way, girls purposes were predetermined even worse then male children. The song really is a cry for personal freedom.
ReplyDeleteLooking back, I kinda wish Mulan had occurred to me, but I probably would have picked “Let’s Get Down to Business” and would have examined the preconceived role of a man. I do agree that a male should have certain qualities to be considered a “man,” and just as strongly I believe that under my definition there are many women out there that are much more “manly” than I am. And under my own conception, I have very feminine characteristics. I sew, when any of my children need a clothing or blankie patched they come to me. I don’t embroider, I see no use for it. I hand sew leather, fur, small patch work, but I can also use a sewing machine, and I am a capable cook and grocery shopper. I’m terribly empathetic, and severely conscientious. I give a damn about people, despite a dislike of people because they don’t pick up their litter, don’t put their cart back, and fail to signal turns and lane changes. People suck, but I still let them merge most of the time, and holy crap do I appreciate when I’m trying to enter the roadway during Fairbanks’ version of rush hour/bumper to bumper traffic and someone hangs back to let me into the street. I wave at that kind bastard every time. Maybe I’m a fogey, maybe being able to sew, cook, snowplow, hunt, fish and trap, rebuild a carburetor with just channel locks, mix baby formula and change a diaper are just part of what I consider being an adult. I’ve hunted with a woman who could outweld, outfight, outwork, and outshoot me, and I didn’t respect her less for a lack of womanliness or excess of manliness, I just appreciated the hell out of her.
My favorite part of the movie is when Shan Yu recognizes her as "the soldier from the mountains." He didn't question for a second how he could have been defeated by a girl, he simply recognized his foe and attacked. Like Han when he saw Vader at the table, sometimes you just have to act. For being a villainous Mongol at least Shan You wasn't a sexist right? Isn't it strange how the barbarian warmongering villain is on board with women's equality where the pure and right and mighty Chinese Empire is about subjugation by class and gender? Whereas a Mongol nobody of the same time could becoming ruler by their accomplishments.
I love the story of Hua Mulan! Less crazy the way Disney portrayed it, but still love the song reflection. Would have been neat to hear the song, and hear perhaps a cover or two of the song. Still great choice.
ReplyDeleteMulan is in my top five favorite classic Disney movies. The song stuck with me and everyone else around me. I feel like the song had many layers of relatability, you mentioned some of them. When I listen to the song, I always imagined it being about the pressure and confusion behind finding who you are, not just accepting it. Like a plea for help in giving a safe space to flourish, which was something I felt while watching it.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your blog, it brought up emotions and memories I hadn't had in a while.