New Legend of Mulan

Walt Disney Pictures are constantly on the lookout for fresh story ideas with unique locales and rich characters. After "Beauty and Beast" and "The Lion King," Disney's feature animation development team have shifted their attention to the Orient, choosing a Chinese traditional story as the theme of their 36th great animation feature.

The story concerns the adventures of a brave young woman called Mulan. Trying to prevent her ailing father -- too old to be a soldier but too honorable not to be one -- from being killed in battle, Mulan disguises herself as a man and secretly takes her father's place in the imperial army being gathered to resist the invasion by the villainous Hun leader, Shan-Yu. Accompanied by her feisty, fire breathing "wannabe" guardian dragon, Mushu, and her good-luck cricket Cri-Kee, Mulan trains to be a brave and disciplined warrior and ultimately learns some profound lessons about courage, honor and love.

"Mulan" combines the best of the two worlds, embodying the simplicity of the Orient and the humor of the West. Acclaimed actresses and actors including Ming-Na Wen (The Joy Luck Club), B.D. Wong, and Eddie Murphy take on the lead speaking roles; in the Chinese version, Xuqing, Jackie Chan and Chen Peisi will be heard as Mulan, General Li and Mushu.