20 reasons we still love the magic of Mulan 20 years later

16. “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”

I don’t care where I am, how old I am, or even how ridiculous I look. If I hear the song “I’ll make a man out of you,” I am in full Disney karaoke mode, and nothing can stop me. And we’re sure a lot of other people feel that way, too. The song is so amazing! It’s has got to be one of the best parts of the entire movie. The energy behind the song is intense and is enough to get anyone pumped.

Li Shang is determined to make these men into real soldiers no matter how hard he has to push them. This is also the moment Mulan realizes she can do this. Mulan is basically broken by the training and almost leaves. But she has the determination and the “strength of a coursing river,” so she climbs the pole and retrieves the arrow that no one could get.

While the lyrics to the song could be interpreted as misogynistic, the movie shows the real irony of the song. They sing “be a man,” but Mulan is able to do what all the other men could not: get the arrow. So, you really don’t have to be a man after all.

One of my favorite lines is “Tranquil as a forest but a fire within. Once you find your center you are sure to win.” This speaks volumes to me and always has. It shows once you harness your passion, you can do anything regardless of who you are.