#maleficient 2

Bear in mind I haven’t actually seen the film in its entirety— only watched/read summaries of it.

The film plays out Chen Honghui (based on Li Shang’s character from the animated version) to be Mulan’s love interest in the film. But, like with the live-action/CG versions of the Maleficent films, I feel they provided an even better love interest here. Xianniang, the witch who sided with a somewhat sympathetic Bori Khan (who fights mainly to avenge his father), felt like a much better fit.

Forgetting that they were on different sides in the movie, the two both desired to be treated as equals to men; though, Xianniang fought out of respect for Khan, while Mulan fought for a sense of honor. You could say Xianniang fought to bring honor to Khan, who was the first to treat her like an equal. Xianniang also seemed to have deep respect for Mulan, as I’m pretty sure a witch like her would have no problem killing Mulan. Xianniang also seemed to be trying to push Mulan to be greater, supporting her as the titular female experiences all of it. And, eventually, toward the end, Xianniang even takes an arrow meant to kill Mulan, sacrificing her life for Mulan’s— mirroring the “death” of Maleficent in Maleficent 2. Not as impactful as the scene from Maleficent 2, though.

So, while she spends vastly less time with Xianniang than Honghui, I feel that Xianniang would’ve been a better love-interest. Both are powerful women looking to be treated as equals as they fight for a sense of honor. Xianniang supported Mulan for being a female warrior, pushed her to be better, and was willing to die to save her. So, possibly unpopular, but I ship it.

Maleficient: Mistress of Evil - ★★★★★