Jan de Bont is taking on the director’s chair for an adaptation of the Ballad of Mulan, and they have found their star. Zhang Ziyi!
Jan de Bont (Speed, Twister) will direct an English-language live-action telling of Mulan, the story about the young female warrior named Hua Mulan who joins an all-male army. Chinese superstar Zhang Ziyi will portray the title heroine first mentioned in a 6th century poem titled “The Ballad of Mulan” which was popularized around the world by Disney’s musical telling of the ancient story.
I find Zhang Ziyi to be utterly captivating. Aside from her heavenly visage, she has a presence that magically portrays vulnerability and strength all at the same time. This is a perfect combination for the story of a woman who risks death to defend her family’s honour.
No doubt this will get compared to Disney’s Mulan, however this is not a Disney production and the creative license Disney took with the legend will likely differ from this portrayal.
I can’t wait for this.
