First shot of animation: A watercolor landscape paints itself behind the opening title, which resolves into the Great Wall.

About 50 entries in, and we reach the first action movie. Plenty of action and adventure scenes previously, but Mulan revolves around battle and combat and soldier life to deliver its plot and develop character. Even with Eddie Murphy and the bro trio it’s the least silly film in years.

Lots has been said about the motif of reflections as truth, but almost as consistent is shadows representing deception. First major example: Mulan’s dad collapsing is shown in his shadow cast on the wall while he tries to pretend he can still go to war, and Mulan hides around the corner.

Why is the pivotal scene a synth beat? Did a New Wave band score the moment she cuts her hair? And they love that one “buh-GAWWWk” sound effect, it’s in here half a dozen times.

Effects animation is gorgeous, special recognition for the big avalanche and every instance of smoke.

But if this is a series about tracing trends in feature animation, nothing is more significant here than the dance party ending. hooray.