Joan chose to fight and lead an army to defeat the English based on God's word. She had also told the truth and faced the obstacles head on about her being a female in a man's world. Joan accomplished her goals to be rewarded by burning on a stake and made into a martyr and saint. Joan's actions were of a more religious manner than Disney's Mulan.
In the film, Mulan fought in order to protect her father and had defeated the invading Huns in the process. Instead of stating and making known that she was a woman wishing to be in the military, Mulan put herself in danger by lying and secretly portraying herself as a man. It is a Disney film so the ending has to be a happy one. Mulan was rewarded for her bravery and for her accomplishments as a soldier.
The time period portrayed in Mulan was of one that was stern about the woman's role in society and if anyone tested the boundaries, there would have been severe consequences. Aside from the constant lying, Mulan encourages young girls to step outside of gender roles if it will benefit everyone in the end and to put the family's need first. Also a message that resonated in Mulan was the importance of honor. Joan's story is less known by younger views, aside from in Frozen, but would be an ideal story to teach young girls to be themselves; don't fear speaking beliefs, not using the excuse that they can't do something because they are girls, etc. Maybe leave the burning at a stake and heresy charges for the older kids though...
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| Joan was always with men. In the Messenger, the issue of her being touched was mentioned and immediately regretted by the men who thought such things. |
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| Mulan awkwardly bathing with men, attempting to hide her femininity. |
http://www.stephanecompoint.com/pict_md_dnBdYHFnYWU1Ojo@NDooYH53YGJicCs4bXtgaTNnbG5WT0QMVEdcREpfS0wDGhYbFkJESkYIBQcNAQ0VS15K.jpg
http://www.disgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/mulan-bathe.jpg
Source:
Rivette, Jacques. Joan the Maid (1994)
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting comparison! Joan and Mulan actually do have much in common. While I agree that some of the older themes in Joan's story could be reserved for older audiences, I think the story of Joan could make a wonderful addition to Disney's movies. Do you see Mulan's inspiration to join the military and fight the Huns as more of a nationalistic pursuit or did she act for the sole benefit of her family? This could potentially add an interesting contrast point between Joan and Mulan!
Rachel
Rachel-
ReplyDeleteI think that Mulan initially acted for the benefit of her family, but her motivations changed as the movie progressed. At the beginning of the movie, Mulan straight tells her father that he shouldn't fight no matter that the Emperor is requesting it. However, near the end of the movie, she is given the opportunity to go home, but she doesn't take it because she sees the Huns and realizes that her country is in danger. So, to some extent, Joan and Mulan are both motivated by nationalism. Also, I absolutely love the idea of Joan's story being the next Disney movie. I think we're on to something here.
Kelly
I had not ever thought of a Disney Joan of Arc film either--so thank you for this idea! Joan's story has many of the elements--and I can see it inspiring young girls, though modern films might not.
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