Mulan and Li Shang: Foil Characters Done Right
The 1988 version of Mulan erased gender barriers by drawing parallels and contrasts between Mulan and Li Shang.
Comparison is one of humanity’s strongest tools because it can help us make decisions and bolster our stances. That’s why artists (whether it be writers, film directors, or song writers) often use “foil characters.” Foil characters help to contrast the defining qualities of the protagonist in order to advance the message, for instance, the stark difference between Frollo’s arrogance and Quasimodo’s shyness in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Foil characters may also share some aspects to further amplify the fundamental distinction between them. For example, Peter Parker (Spider-Man) and Doctor Octopus (Doc Ock) share the same brilliance and each are gifted with supernatural abilities caused by radioactive lab accidents. However, while Doc Ock is characterized by his recklessness and immoral behavior, Peter Parker is appeals to ethos by default. Although this technique is widely used, one of most profound and effective applications can be found in the 1988 Disney version of Mulan. In fact, its subtle practices of comparison are largely responsible for its success.
Oftentimes, we equate foil characters with villains, in this case, the Huns. Despite their prevalence in the film, the Huns are solely utilized to strengthen the central conflict by bolstering the stakes. The audience is never explained their ulterior motives for taking over China, nor are we given a chance to glimpse into their perspective.
At the heart of the film, Mulan (the title protagonist) tries to do what is best for her family. At the beginning of the film, Mulan tries her best to bring honor to her family by impressing the matchmaker. When she messes up at the traditional methods, Mulan takes her disabled father’s place in warfare, thus, saving his life. Because Mulan feels alienated by her inability to perform the so-called “duty of a daughter,” her resolve to take on a seemingly masculine task has only been strengthened. Mulan’s character arc revolves around the freedom to adopt the aspects of gender roles that match her values.
On the other hand, as a skilled warrior and intelligent tactician, Li Shang has brought honor to his family’s name in the traditional manner by fitting the typical model of masculinity. Since he is benefitted by the current gender roles, Li Shang has never sought to challenge them, at least, during his time on-screen. In fact, he even adopts sexist tropes as he sings “Did they send me daughters when I asked for sons?” in the musical number, I’ll Make a Man Out of You. When Li Shang is, for the first time, exposed to a woman who is capable of taking on the roles of a man, he spares her from execution, citing her bravery in saving his own life earlier. As Mulan travels back to the army in order to warn them of the Huns’ incoming attack, Li Shang disregards her warning, still processing the hiatus in the natural laws of gender roles. As the movie approaches the final battle scene, Li Shang starts to trust Mulan, regardless of her gender. Like Mulan, Li Shang begins to question the strict gender barriers of well-defined masculinity and femininity after realizing that it is possible for a woman to defy these norms.
This film has been so resonant in the minds of countless generations because it allows Li Shang and Mulan to co-exist, without promoting one as more “righteous.” The issue with many of the modern “girl power” indoctrinating films is that it explains that women can either abide blindly by the laws of the patriarchy or they can deviate from the social norms as an exception to the well-established gender rules. In reality, both women and men are given the choice to find their own values and passions. However, society has created a handbook of arbitrary notions that relate some values and passions towards masculinity, while reserving others as more feminine. Li Shang is better at typically “masculine stuff,” like physical endurance and commandeering. However, while Mulan embraces some aspects of femininity, she is a natural-born leader and tactician like Li Shang. Both are respectable. The issue of gender inequality is addressing the barriers that make it more difficult for Mulan to succeed. This does not condemn Li Shang’s ability to succeed in the current norms. Li Shang, as a foil character, and Mulan, as a protagonist, both help to advance the plot and offer the audience a crucial life lesson.
