Back in 1998, a 16-year-old and completely unknown Christina Aguilera recorded the song 'Reflection' for Disney animation Mulan. It would come to embody the inspirational tone of the movie, and set Aguilera on course towards an astonishingly successful recording career.
Now, 22 years later, Aguilera returns to the realm of her earlier triumph, recording a brand new song for the 2020 Disney remake of Mulan. The song is called 'Loyal Brave True' and, like its predecessor, is a rousing anthem of liberation and empowerment. Adorned with intoxicating dashes of Far Eastern colour by composer and producer Harry Gregson Williams (who takes over from the first film's Jerry Goldsmith), it may well have you singing into the mirror all over again.
Aguilera said, "The film Mulan and the song ‘Reflection’ coincided with getting me my first record deal. It’s amazing to come back to such an incredible movie that’s full of power and meaning, and that meaning holds the test of time: staying true to yourself, being who you are, and teaching how to be fearless. My new song, ‘Loyal Brave True,’ represents the fine balance between vulnerability and strength."
And in other exciting news, Aguilera has recorded a brand new version of 'Reflection', originally written by David Zippel and Matthew Wilder, for the remake. Disney plans to release a music video for that particular track later in March.
Directed by Niki Caro (Whale Rider), the new iteration of Mulan stars Liu Yifei as the title character. When her father is unable to serve in the Chinese army, Mulan defies convention and takes his place to emerge as a fierce warrior. She will need all her strength to battle the forces of evil witch Xian Lang (Gong Li) and her fearsome henchman Bori Khan (Jason Scott Lee). The film also stars Donnie Yen and Jet Li.
Aguilera's input will no doubt put the fears of nostalgics to rest. It had been widely reported that the new version of Mulan would ditch many aspects of the original, and indeed the new movie isn't a musical, but a 'wuxia' martial arts movie, shot on a huge budget of $230 million. Just don't go expecting to see dragon sidekick Mushu, originally voiced by Eddie Murphy.
Mulan is set for release on the 24th of July. Excited? Let us know @Cineworld.
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