Do Mulan And Shang Kiss? Animated Vs Live-Action

Mulan and Shang’s relationship has been a topic of interest for Disney fans for years. The animated and live-action versions of Mulan have sparked debates and discussions about the nature of their relationship.

In this article, we will explore if Mulan and Shang kiss? We will compare the animated and live-action versions of the story and delve into the details of their interactions. Without giving away any spoilers, we will provide an in-depth analysis of this intriguing topic.

Mulan and Shang’s Relationship

Mulan and Shang’s relationship is a complicated one. In the animated version, Li Shang is both a fellow soldier and Mulan’s commander, which adds layers to their interactions. Shang helps train Mulan and eventually grows to respect her as a soldier.

In the live-action version, Li Shang is split into two characters: Commander Tung and Cheng Honghui. Commander Tung serves as a father figure to Mulan while Cheng Honghui is a fellow soldier who initially bullies Mulan but eventually grows to respect her. The nature of their relationship differs from the animated version and has sparked discussions among fans.

The Animated Version: A Closer Look

In this section, we delve deeper into their relationship dynamics and explore the widely discussed topic of whether or not Mulan and Shang share a kiss in the animated film.

Mulan and Shang’s relationship is built upon a foundation of mutual respect and admiration. As Mulan proves her worth as a soldier and strategist, Shang starts to appreciate her tenacity, courage, and intelligence. Their connection grows stronger throughout the film, and it becomes evident that they care deeply for one another.

While the film does not explicitly depict a romantic relationship between Mulan and Shang, there are subtle undertones that hint at a blossoming romance. The characters share several meaningful glances, and their mutual admiration is evident in their interactions. They also engage in playful banter, which showcases their strong chemistry.

Despite the clear romantic tension between Mulan and Shang, they never actually share a kiss in the animated version. This is a deliberate choice by the filmmakers, who chose to focus on Mulan’s journey of self-discovery and her role as a warrior. The absence of a kiss emphasizes that the story is more about Mulan’s personal growth and empowerment than about her romantic relationship with Shang.

This decision has been praised by many fans, as it allows the film to concentrate on Mulan’s courage, resourcefulness, and determination. The fact that Mulan and Shang do not kiss also sets the animated version apart from many other Disney films, where the protagonists often share a climactic romantic moment.

The Live-Action Version: A Comparison

In this section, we examine the relationship between Mulan and her love interest in the live-action film and explore the presence or absence of a kiss between them.

In the live-action adaptation, Mulan’s romantic interest is not Li Shang, but a fellow soldier named Chen Honghui. Honghui is a new character created specifically for the live-action version, and he serves as both Mulan’s friend and rival in the army. Like the animated film, their relationship is built on respect, camaraderie, and a growing admiration for one another’s skills and courage.

The live-action film retains the subtle romantic tension present in the animated version, with Mulan and Honghui sharing meaningful glances and engaging in playful, competitive banter. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that there is a strong connection between the two characters, with Honghui eventually discovering Mulan’s true identity.

Similar to the animated version, the live-action Mulan does not feature a kiss between the lead characters. This decision aligns with the overarching theme of both films, emphasizing Mulan’s journey of self-discovery, her growth as a warrior, and her fight for her family’s honor. By omitting a kiss between Mulan and Honghui, the filmmakers maintain the focus on Mulan’s personal development and strength.

The choice to forgo a kiss in the live-action adaptation has been met with mixed reactions. While some appreciate the consistency with the animated version and the emphasis on Mulan’s empowerment, others have expressed disappointment at the lack of a more explicit romantic subplot.

The Kiss: Did it Happen?

While the original animated Mulan (1998), or the 2020 live-action movie, did not feature a kiss between Mulan and Li Shang, fans of the couple can find solace in the 2004 direct-to-video sequel, Mulan II. In this follow-up film, the relationship between Mulan and Shang takes center stage as they embark on a new adventure together.

Mulan II picks up one month after the events of the first film, with Mulan and Shang now engaged and preparing to marry. Throughout the sequel, the couple faces various challenges that test their love and commitment to each other.

In Mulan II, fans finally get to witness a kiss between Mulan and Shang. The romantic moment serves as a culmination of the love story that began in the original animated film. The kiss occurs towards the end of the movie, after the couple has overcome multiple obstacles and solidified their bond. This scene provides the romantic payoff that many fans had been eagerly anticipating since the original animated film.