Mulan vs. Raya and the Last Dragon

Attribute	Mulan	Raya and the Last Dragon
Release Year	1998	2021
Setting	China	Fantasy world of Kumandra
Protagonist	Mulan	Raya
Story	Adaptation of Chinese legend	Original story inspired by Southeast Asian cultures
Genre	Animated musical	Animated fantasy adventure

Background

Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon are two Disney animated films that feature strong female protagonists on epic journeys. Mulan, released in 1998, tells the story of a young Chinese woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father's place in the army. Raya and the Last Dragon, released in 2021, follows Raya, a warrior princess on a quest to find the last dragon and save her kingdom from an ancient evil.

Character Development

In Mulan, the titular character undergoes significant growth throughout the film. She starts as a clumsy and insecure young woman who struggles to fit into the traditional role society expects of her. Through her experiences in the army, Mulan learns to embrace her true self and discovers her inner strength and courage. On the other hand, Raya in Raya and the Last Dragon is already a skilled warrior at the beginning of the film. Her journey is more about learning to trust others and work together to achieve a common goal.

Setting

Mulan is set in ancient China during the Han dynasty, a time of war and conflict. The film showcases the beautiful landscapes of China and incorporates elements of Chinese culture and mythology. In contrast, Raya and the Last Dragon takes place in the fictional land of Kumandra, inspired by Southeast Asian cultures. The film features lush forests, bustling marketplaces, and intricate temples that bring the world of Kumandra to life.

Themes

Both Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon explore themes of bravery, loyalty, and the importance of family. Mulan's journey is about breaking free from societal expectations and finding her own path, while Raya's story emphasizes the power of unity and trust in overcoming adversity. Both films also touch on the idea of forgiveness and redemption, as the characters face challenges and learn from their mistakes.

Supporting Characters

In Mulan, the protagonist is accompanied by a group of fellow soldiers who initially underestimate her but come to respect her skills and bravery. These characters provide comic relief and support for Mulan on her journey. In Raya and the Last Dragon, Raya is joined by a colorful cast of characters, including a con baby and a warrior named Tong. Each character brings their own unique skills and perspectives to the group, helping Raya in her quest.

Animation Style

Mulan features traditional hand-drawn animation, giving the film a classic and timeless feel. The animation captures the beauty of Chinese landscapes and architecture, as well as the fluidity of Mulan's martial arts movements. On the other hand, Raya and the Last Dragon utilizes cutting-edge computer animation to create a visually stunning world full of vibrant colors and intricate details. The film's animation brings the fantastical elements of Kumandra to life in a way that is both realistic and magical.

Conclusion

While Mulan and Raya and the Last Dragon share some similarities as Disney animated films with strong female leads, they also have distinct differences in terms of character development, setting, themes, supporting characters, and animation style. Both films offer valuable lessons about courage, unity, and the power of self-discovery, making them beloved by audiences of all ages.