Mulan continued a growing trend at Disney of creating well-rounded female characters concerned with bigger things than finding a prince.
Mulan came out in a weird period for Disney Animation.
It’s not prime Disney Renaissance (from The Little Mermaid to The Lion King) but it’s leagues better than most of the films that would soon come after thanks to its music, themes, and funny side characters.
Mulan’s struggle to protect her father by taking his place in a war was a far cry from some of Disney’s more popular princesses.