Disney and Religion: How Mulan and Aladdin Differ in the Portrayals of Non-Western Religions by Ada Tadmor
Disney and Religion: how Mulan and Aladdin differ in the portrayals of non-Western religions by Ada Tadmor
Since the 1937 release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first ever animated feature film, the Walt Disney Company has led the motion picture industry in the field of animation. While these films generally pivot on tales of adventure, love, friendship, family, or coming of age, religion and spirituality, oftentimes of non-Western origins, are omnipresent in numerous Disney narratives. 1998’s Mulan, and 1992’s Aladdin are no exception to this. Both films introduce non-Christian religions and forms of spirituality in a highly integrated and pervasive manner.
Set in ancient China, Mulan is the retelling of a Chinese folktale regarding a young woman named Fa Mulan who struggles to construct her identity amidst the confines of a highly traditional family and culture. When the Huns from Mongolia invade China, one man from every family is called to serve in the Imperial Army. Fearful that her father, still wounded from prior battle, would not survive another wartime, Mulan poses as a man to take his place in military service. With the help of the dragon Mushu, a once sacred guardian inadvertently sent by Mulan’s ancestors to bring her home, Mulan ultimately not only saves the life of her father but all of China as well. Though mostly a heroine’s tale of bravery and perseverance, Mulan is entwined with references towards religion and spirituality.
Notwithstanding that a particular religion is never identified in Mulan, the film is littered with many of the traditions, practices, and values of East Asian religions. One such ubiquitous religious theme in the movie involves recurring prayer to, and mention of, the Fa family’s great ancestors. The ancestors themselves even come to life, taking on a mystical ghost-like appearance to discuss how best to guide Mulan in her quest. Within the first eight minutes of the film viewers see Mulan, her father, and her
Since the 1937 release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first ever animated feature film, the Walt Disney Company has led the motion picture industry in the field of animation. While these films generally pivot on tales of adventure, love, friendship, family, or coming of age, religion and spirituality, oftentimes of non-Western origins, are omnipresent in numerous Disney narratives. 1998’s Mulan, and 1992’s Aladdin are no exception to this. Both films introduce non-Christian religions and forms of spirituality in a highly integrated and pervasive manner.
Set in ancient China, Mulan is the retelling of a Chinese folktale regarding a young woman named Fa Mulan who struggles to construct her identity amidst the confines of a highly traditional family and culture. When the Huns from Mongolia invade China, one man from every family is called to serve in the Imperial Army. Fearful that her father, still wounded from prior battle, would not survive another wartime, Mulan poses as a man to take his place in military service. With the help of the dragon Mushu, a once sacred guardian inadvertently sent by Mulan’s ancestors to bring her home, Mulan ultimately not only saves the life of her father but all of China as well. Though mostly a heroine’s tale of bravery and perseverance, Mulan is entwined with references towards religion and spirituality.
Notwithstanding that a particular religion is never identified in Mulan, the film is littered with many of the traditions, practices, and values of East Asian religions. One such ubiquitous religious theme in the movie involves recurring prayer to, and mention of, the Fa family’s great ancestors. The ancestors themselves even come to life, taking on a mystical ghost-like appearance to discuss how best to guide Mulan in her quest. Within the first eight minutes of the film viewers see Mulan, her father, and her