In Disney’s 1998 animated film Mulan, Mulan disguises herself as a man to join the army.
When the Emperor’s conscription order reaches the Fa household, Mulan’s father is the family’s only eligible man. He is already physically weakened, so Mulan takes his place without telling him. She assumes the male identity “Ping” and enters the army camp under that name.
The disguise allows the film to explore questions of duty, family loyalty, gender expectations, and personal identity. Mulan initially struggles with military training, but her intelligence and determination help her succeed. Her actions eventually save the imperial army and the Emperor.
The animated film presents Mulan as the central hero, while the underlying legend is older and has many versions. In the traditional ballad, the heroine also serves in the army while presenting herself as male, but details differ from Disney’s adaptation.