by Conan Simmons – September 5, 2020 – 3:11 am
As ‘Mulan’ is released in theaters in China this weekend pro-democracy protesters are calling for a boycott against the film.
Liu Yifei who stars as the title character is at the center of this controversy. Last August as Hong Kong was more than two months into violent protests, Yifei posted on Weibo, the most popular social media platform in China, a statement supporting the police.
“I support the Hong Kong police. You can all attack me now. What a shame for Hong Kong.”
Police had already been using live ammunition to suppress the pro-democracy movement as they marched against a national security law that allows for Chinese authorities to make arrests in Hong Kong and extradite to the mainland. Offences that could be included are promoting democracy, criticizing the government and any perceived disrespect to the Chinese flag. The police suppression of the pro-democracy movement was more violent than the current situation in the United States.
Now the Milk Tea Alliance, a pro-democracy activist group situated throughout Asia, is calling for a global boycott of the new Disney film.
Disney has yet to formally address the concerns of this pro-democracy group but star Liu Yifei did do some damage control during multiple interviews back in February just prior to what was then going to be the film’s theatrical release in the U.S. In interviews with both the Hollywood Reporter and Entertainment Weekly when pressed on the subject Yifei responded with: “It’s obviously a very complicated situation, and I’m not an expert. I hope this all gets resolved soon.”
Disney does have a history of appeasing China’s film board. In 1997 the original animated ‘Mulan’ was denied release until Disney apologized profusely for the Martin Scorsese directed pro-Tibet film ‘Kundun’. Once China deemed Disney had apologized sufficiently the animated film was granted release in 1998. Even now with this live action remake Disney opted not to include a love interest after the film board in China told them to cut it out.
‘Mulan’ is currently available to stream on Disney+ for $30 on top of the monthly subscription fee. It will be available without the extra charge on the streamer starting December 4.
The live action remake of the animated film is directed by Niki Caro and stars Liu Yifei, Li Gong, Jet Li and Donnie Yen.