Mulan Joins the Army (1939 film)

Mulan Joins the Army is a 1939 Chinese historical war film. It is one of several film adaptations of the Hua Mulan legend, which have included two silent versions Hua Mulan Joins the Army 1927 by Tianyi Film Company, and a less successful Mulan Joins the Army 1928 produced by Minxin. The story was also the basis for the 1998 Disney animated film, Mulan.

Hua Mulan, the heroine, is a young maiden who lives with her elderly father during the Northern Wei dynasty. When China is invaded by evil nomads, her father is called into service by the Emperor. In a scene of filial piety, Mulan dons her fathers old armor and takes his place in the army.During training, the feminine Mulan is teased and harassed by other draftees whom she promptly beats one by one to the ground. Admonishing them to unite together instead of harassing one another, she reminds them that the true enemy are the nomads invading their country. Also during training, she meets Liu Yuandu who becomes her loyal friend. The two feel a natural attraction, even if Liu is unsure why believing Mulan to be a man. These scenes therefore provide some comic relief and romantic intrigue. ........

Source: Wikipedia