10 Best Animated Film Musical Numbers
1. Ill Make a Man Out of You Mulan (Disney) http://youtu.be/ZSS5dEeMX64 We all know Disneys traditional enforcement of atypical gender roles: any female lead must ultimately desire a Prince Charming, a man who can save them from their lives, can take them where they long to go. But somewhere down the line (arguably beginning with elements of Princess Jasmine), the women in Disney ceased to be princesses and became warriors. I surely dont have to point out the sweet forces of irony at play in this number. Inequality means, to me at least, that one group recognises certain biological or psychological differences in the other group and chooses to treat them with less respect as a result. While there are unquestionable differences between men and women (as any standard comedian will tell you); equality is recognising those differences as an opportunity to work together interdependently to produce better results than either group could achieve alone. This number sees Mulan struggling in a mans world. She essentially attempts to become a man, to use the tools of men to complete her training but to no avail. She is perceived as weak and in many ways, her ignorance of her own strength makes her weak. Its not until she taps into her own great inner strength and ingenuity at the climax of this number, using strength and honour to elevate herself above her prescribed gender role, that she is recognised as an equal. And if you can sit through the final chorus of Be a Man without feeling a sudden urge to join the army then youre probably dead inside. Top spot is always a tough one. With so many incredible animated musical numbers out there, youre always going to alienate someone. But Ill Make a Man Out of You, for me personally, is one of the most epic, forward-thinking and empowering numbers in the history of the genre. Well, wasnt that a royal fanfare? Have I ordered something wrong, or even missed your favourite number entirely? Do tell!