Apart from the film being a live-action of the Mulan legend, the director Ma Jingle takes a more realistic and gritty approach than the animated Disney adaptation Mulan. He intended for the story to be more faithful to the legend through exploring the main character and her relationships. The direction is primarily focused on the character development of the protagonist as she oscillates between quitting and persevering in combat. Unlike the previous adaptation, the director makes the character flawed hence real and amiable. Contrary to other historical Chinese films in the same vein, the director does not fixate on the battles but balances out the different facets of the narrative.
Directors Ma evens out the film by craftily merging the historical and cultural aspects, with meticulous action, romance, and drama. Thus, creating a truthful adaptation of the ancient legend while giving depth to the characters and their relationships. It is also realistic in the sense of its emotional rawness since the director focuses on the complexity and the accompanying mistakes involved in perseverance and heroism. Furthermore, while the film is gritty in nature as it is a grim story, it also incorporates light comic relief in various scenes. On cinematography, the director chose a color grading that offers a melancholic response that is appealing. Henceforth, intends to kindle a spectrum of emotions that gives a transcendent experience to the audience.
