Mulan
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A true social misfit, Mulan possesses all the qualities traditional Chinese women are encouraged not to have. As a tomboy, she is a fiercely independent individual who is not afraid to speak her mind. Nevertheless, she is forced to hide who she truly is to appease her family, so much so the extent that she is unable to tell what her true reflection is. When her frail father is recruited into the Imperial Army, Mulan goes the extra mile to ensure his safety. Determined to prove to herself that she is someone worthwhile, she joins the army herself under the guise of Ping, however, she has to rely on Sora, Donald, Goofy and her family guardian, Mushu, as she attempts to embrace her masculine side. Her insecurities about herself shows in her combat style, but after much training, she even gains Captain Li Shang's respect. She shows innovation and intelligence as befits a true warrior when she uses a cannon to trigger an avalanche, thereby burying Shan Yu and his army under snow. She saves Shang from death, a heroic act which works in her favor when he decides to spare her life even after Mushu accidentally exposes her true identity, although she is banished from the army. Rejection does not deter Mulan however. Upon discovering that Shan Yu is alive, she heads to the Imperial City to warn the Emperor despite distrust and scorn from Shang, and successfully defeats Shan Yu alongside Sora, Donald and Goofy. Regardless of her gender, Mulan is deemed China's greatest warrior, and is granted the sword of Shan Yu to show the world what she has done for the country. Mulan has come a long way from the confused girl who is unsure of her own identity, but she is not ready to return to her repressive lifestyle just yet. Instead, she begins investigating the rumor of a hooded man lurking around in the mountains, and has been trailing him for quite some time when she is reunited with Sora and his friends. Together, they defeat the Storm Rider Heartless from destroying the Imperial City. Mulan has once again proven that she is more than the dainty blossom everyone expects her to be, and as reward for her bravery, the Emperor appoints her as his own personal bodyguard alongside Shang. Honor is restored to her family at last. |
