Red dragon emblem on a black background.
On top of a mountain ridge, the shadowy figure of Shan Yu sits on his horse, a falcon perched on his shoulder. His troops are lined up just behind the ridge. At a wave of his hand, there is a yell and the troops spill over the mountainside. The falcon soars overhead as Shan Yu and his men charge.
OFFSCREEN MAN'S VOICE: We’re under attack!
The white-bearded Emperor addresses an offscreen soldier.
EMPEROR: Send your troops to protect my people!
A general on his horse prepares to ride off. Captain Li Shang can be seen in the background. Soldiers ride into the village. At the Fa house, Mulan peek over a wall down at the scene below. An official named Chi Fu and several soldiers on horseback are before the Fa house.
CHI FU: By order of the Emperor, one man from every family must serve in the Imperial Army.
Mulan’s father, Fa Zhou, hands his cane to her mother, Fa Li. Fa Zhou limps over to a soldier and accepts a draft notice (a scroll). As soon as he takes it, Mulan calls out and he turns in surprise.
MULAN: Father, you can’t go!
Mulan runs forward and looks pleadingly toward Chi Fu.
FA ZHOU: Mulan!
MULAN [to Chi Fu]: Please, sir, my father has already fought for his--
CHI FU [sharply]: Silence!
FA ZHOU [firmly]: It is an honor to protect my country and my family.
Mulan is quietly pulled back by her Grandmother Fa.
That night, Mulan sits huddled at the base of a large dragon statue. It is raining. From a light in the window, the silouettes of Fa Zhou and Fa Li can be seen. Mulan lifts her head. Fa Zhou blows out a candle. Close up on Mulan’s face. Barefoot, she pads into the house, dripping wet. She goes to the family shrine. She then goes to her parents’ bedroom. On her father’s bedside table is the draft notice.
EMPEROR [voice over]: I’ve heard a great deal about you, Mulan.
Mulan picks up the scroll and puts her hair comb in its place. She looks at her sleeping parents before she exits.
EMPEROR [voice over]: You took your father’s armor...
Mulan opens a closet, revealing an army uniform. She puts it on. Mulan takes her father’s sword and cuts off her long hair.
EMPEROR [voice over]: ...ran away from home...
The horse, Khan, reacts as the stable door is thrown open. Mulan, dressed as a boy, stands at the doorway. She rides Khan out of the stable.
EMPEROR [voice over]: ...impersonated a soldier...
Mulan ties up her hair. A soldier stands on a barren, windswept mountain. Mulan unsheaths her father’s sword, her reflection in the blade.
EMPEROR [voice over]: ...endangered the lives of thousands of men...
The Huns charge over the mountainside. Suddenly we see them half buried in the snow, with Shan Yu roaring in outrage and frustration. Shang is running for his life from an avalanche when Mulan, riding Khan, comes up to him and gives him her hand.
EMPEROR [voice over]: ...and destroyed my palace.
A match is lit and rockets are set off, exploding by the palace. A flash of a sword, and Mulan, looking like a boy, sheaths her weapon.
EMPEROR [voice over]: But soon the world will know the great things you have done.
The Emperor appears and descends the steps of his palace. He approaches a group of men--Chi Fu, Shang, and the "Gang of Three." Chi Fu backs away. Shang, Yao, Ling, and Chien Po bow their heads and step aside, revealing a small girl. Mulan gazes up at the Emperor. The crowd bows before her. The red dragon emblem and "MULAN" in gold letters come together on a black background.
EMPEROR [voice over]: Mulan.
MULAN [voice over]: Father.
Fa Zhou gently pulls back Mulan’s hair and tucks a comb into it.
FA ZHOU: The greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter.
Mulan smiles at him. Blackout.