In the China of long ago, a woman could do honour for her family in one way--by marrying well and having a fine son to carry on the family line. For Mulan, a slightly clumsy tom-boy, it doesn't look like she'll ever be able to bring the honour to her family that she so desperately desires. When word reaches the village where Mulan lives that the Huns have crossed the Chinese border, a man from each family is conscripted into the army. As Mulan has no brothers, her aging father says that it is he who must go to war--even if it means he will surely die. Seeing no other options, Mulan takes the conscription notice, dresses herself as a man and rides out in the dead of night to join the Chinese army in her father's place. It is a dangerous proposition because if she is found out she will be killed for treason. Nonetheless, Mulan is determined to save her father's life and bring honour to her family--or die trying.