Angela Hobson 4-2 Milestone Two Cultural Norms and Values in Film
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4-2 Milestone Two: Cultural Norms and Values in Film
Angela Hobson
Southern New Hampshire University
November 17, 2023
ATH 111
The film Mulan showcases a variety of cultures and subcultures. The primary culture
portrayed is that of ancient China, where men are expected to go to war for their country while
women ought to secure honor by marrying and bearing children. This message resonates during
the matchmaker scene at the movie's start when they sing, "You'll bring honor to us all."
Another moment occurs with Mulan's father proudly accepting his call-up despite being gravely
ill but determinedly standing up for his nation. One additional subculture shown in this picture
was Huns, even though it occupied Chinese lands. It existed as a smaller nomadic community
capable of prompting terror on anyone sighted through bared sharp teeth and haunting yellow
eyes, designed aggressively threatening demeanor instead of executing all imperial scouts
encountered. Huns clarified their existence throughout attacking the Great Wall, revealing
strength by intimidating people present there.
The primary representation of Mulan's culture is that of Imperial China, as depicted in
the film through various facets such as ancient customs, values, and beliefs. The practice of
praying to ancestors for divine wisdom and good luck features prominently throughout the
movie, which stems from ancestral prayer traditions rooted in reciprocal relationships between
living descendants and their departed relatives who can bestow wealth upon them (Cartwright,
2017). In one instance where Mulan prayed fervently to her ancestor for guidance while
training at camp, she was rewarded with Mushu, a protective guide sent by her lineage spirit.
There are other cultural references evident primarily within traditional Chinese dress codes
adorned by characters, including how they apply makeup techniques following designs
formerly common during Tang Dynasty reigns seen in preparation scenes like when readying
herself ahead, meeting with matchmakers, or going out on journeys across vast wartime
landscapes alike, thereby underscoring its entrenchment into this production worldview
holistically presented eyes watching audiences everywhere it screened led! The Huns, who
belong to a subculture, attacked the Great Wall of China in an effort to conquer it. They gained
notoriety as fierce and unbeatable savages, according to History.com Editors (2018). The film
depicts them as antagonists.
Ancient Chinese culture and that of the Huns share a cultural similarity in their shared
sense of pride among group members, especially those who hold higher positions. Each society
valued protecting their nation, as exhibited in the film when they engaged each other in war to
achieve this goal.
The way in which the ancient Chinese inhabitants of Mulan's village and the Huns were
depicted is what set them apart. The former were portrayed as dignified, reverent, and adherent
to age-old practices, while the latter came across as barbaric and merciless. Further
distinguishing factors could be found in their respective methods of war: while a more
conventional military system was employed by the disciplined Chinese army, wherein they
attacked en masse from a single line, attacks carried out by Huns unfolded through
unpredictable hit-and-run maneuvers meant to exploit strategic advantages via surprising
opponents with shock tactics.
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Reference
Cartwright, M. (2017, October 17).
Ancestor Worship in Ancient China.
World History
Encyclopedia.
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1132/ancestor-worship-in-ancient-
china/
History.Com Editors. (2023, June 23). Huns.
https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-
china/huns
Bancroft, T., & Cook, B. (1998). Mulan. Buena Vista Pictures.