'MULAN'
Rated PG-13 for sequences of violence.
What it's about: The story of an ancient warrior, a young girl who takes her father's place in the Chinese army.
The kid attractor factor: Familiarity with the Disney film from 1998.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Family above all, plus loyalty, bravery and most importantly, truth to oneself and others.
Violence: This is a martial arts film and there are battle sequences, and killing with weapons, but there's very little blood and gore.
Language: None.
Sex: A bathing scene but no nudity.
Drugs: None.
Parents' advisory: This is an exciting adventure film with a great message for kids and families. Too scary for the youngest kids, however, as it does include battle sequences and violence.
Some suggestions for further streaming, including more Mulan films and more family-friendly wuxia:
Of course, watch the 1998 Disney animated feature "Mulan," on Disney+ or $2.99 digital rental. Many of the 11 other "Mulan" films are available on YouTube in some form, from the 1939 film "Mulan Joins the Army" to the 1998 animated feature "The Secret of Mulan."
If your kid develops an interest in martial arts movies or wuxia, be sure to introduce the genre to them with Ang Lee's Oscar-winning 2000 film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," available on CBS All Access or IMDb TV with ads, or Zhang Yimou's 2002 visual feast "Hero," available on Max Go or $2.99 digital rental. Both are rated PG-13, but a fine gateway for kids to the spectacular genre.
