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The Next Mulan? These 5 ancient Chinese women could become Disney’s new heroines

STORYDan Williams
Liu Yifei plays the heroine in the Disney live-action film, Mulan. Photo: Disney
Liu Yifei plays the heroine in the Disney live-action film, Mulan. Photo: Disney
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Braving invaders and battling social injustice, these historical Chinese women are revered and impressive enough to be box office smashes

Anticipation continues to build for the live-action remake of Mulan, which will be coming to theatres in March 2020. And although Hua Mulan’s warrior heroics have earned her a deserved place on the big screen, she isn’t the only ancient Chinese heroine who inspires us. These five tough ladies also deserve their moment in the spotlight as a Disney star:

Mu Guiying

A 19th century mural painting at the Long Corridor of Summer Palace, Beijing, depicting Mu Guiying with a medicine man. Photo: Wikipedia
A 19th century mural painting at the Long Corridor of Summer Palace, Beijing, depicting Mu Guiying with a medicine man. Photo: Wikipedia
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What’s her story? Known for her extraordinary martial arts skills, this Northern Song dynasty warrior has been featured in the opera and novel Legend of Warriors of Yang Family. During her life, there was constant warfare at the Chinese border. After her soldier husband died in battle, Mu Guiying held back her tears and led the other widows of the kingdom in a war against the border attackers.

Why we love her: She dedicated herself to inspiring other women. A film adaptation of her life would be an inspirational tale of female power, even in the face of grief.

Fan Lihua

TVB actress Jessica Hsuan portrays Fan Lihua in the TV series Lady Fan. Photo: TVB
TVB actress Jessica Hsuan portrays Fan Lihua in the TV series Lady Fan. Photo: TVB

What’s her story? When Fan Lihua married a soldier from another kingdom, she had to put up with plenty of prejudice and disrespect because the kingdom she came from was less respected. Could her strong personality help her win the affections of her husband’s family and unite the two kingdoms in peace?

Why we love her: Raised by her father and brothers, Fan Lihua developed an outspoken, brutally honest personality that helped her stand out during the patriarchal Tang dynasty. This makes her the perfect type of protagonist for a film about a strong woman!

Tang Sai’er