MULAN: AN EAST SIDE STORY (2020)

There needs to be more crossover between the musicals/music videos and action genres. When dancing is involved, they both require a tremendous control of blocking, perspective, camerawork, physicality, editing, and more to create something truly spectacular. There have been those who have done both like Jon Chu, Stanley Donen, and a few others—not to mention the many Hong Kong action stars who came through Peking opera academy training (like Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan). And arguably Edgar Wright, who combined them with SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE UNIVERSE, which he saw as a natural fit. To paraphrase the filmmaker: people start singing in musicals when the are overcome with emotion; similarly, people start fighting in action movies when their emotions take the wheel.

Not only should there be greater crossover in talent in the production of the works in the two genres, but there should be more hybrids. There’ve been a few here and there: SCOTT PILGRIM, HARD WAY: THE ACTION MUSICAL, parts of OUR ROBOCOP REMAKE, STREETS OF FIRE, even WEST SIDE STORY to a certain degree. But it seems like a great way to synthesize the choreography needed to dazzle the eye, define characters, and move the narrative forward all through hyperrealistic moments of kinetic movement.

“I’ll Make A Thug Out Of You” is a 2020 musical number that would’ve worked in MULAN: AN EAST SIDE STORY, a retelling of the Mulan legend from director Joseph Le and Team Red Pro. In this version, the story takes place amidst contemporary gang wars and finds Mulan (Jackie Kim) having to train to be worthy of her comrades. Under the tutelage (and singing) of Lefty (Leroy Nguyen), she defies the odds and finds her inner strength to persevere. It’s a great take on the “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You” sequence from Disney’s MULAN (1998) with some strong moments of comedy, impressive stunt work, and an infectious amount of fun with dancing and lyrics.

Enjoy and be sure to check out all the new work that Team Red Pro is putting out.

Thanks to Michael Scott for the heads up!