Save the Cat rankings

Mulan script analysis

Mulan script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Mulan’s story begins with a brutal Hun attack, setting her father’s honor on the line. Struggling to fit societal expectations, she decides to take her ailing father’s place in the army. With Mushu’s help she endures training, warns of invasion, and ultimately devises a daring plan to save the Emperor. She is honored for her bravery and returns home reconciled with family.

80 Save the Cat fit score 78% analysis confidence / 14 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

70%

The film opens with the Huns attacking the Great Wall, establishing immediate stakes and the world in peril.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 3 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Mulan’s father appeals to the ancestors for honor, foreshadowing the story’s theme of honor versus expectation.

Honorable ancestors, please help Mulan impress the matchmaker today.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 1-3 / Page 1 / 10% target

75%

We see the Hun invasion threat, the Emperor’s conscription order, and Mulan’s family pressures as she prepares for the matchmaker.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / Page 1 / 12% target

80%

Mulan’s disastrous meeting with the matchmaker shatters her hopes, forcing her to question her role.

5

Debate

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 20% target

80%

While singing about her reflection, Mulan wrestles with shame and honor before resolving to take her father’s place.

6

Break into Two

Scene 6 / Page 1 / 25% target

80%

Mulan decides to disguise herself and join the army, moving from her old world into the new military realm.

7

B Story

Scene 7 / Page 1 / 30% target

75%

Mushu arrives to guide Mulan, providing the emotional B-story of mentorship and finding inner strength.

I am the guardian of lost souls. I am the powerful, the pleasurable, the indestructible Mushu!
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 8-9 / Page 1 / 40% target

80%

Training montages show Mulan struggling, bonding with fellow recruits, and proving herself under Shang’s command.

9

Midpoint

Scene 10 / Page 1 / 50% target

80%

Mulan’s warning is ignored and the Emperor is captured in an ambush—her greatest success turns to crisis.

Sir, the Emperor's in danger!
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 11 / Page 1 / 65% target

75%

Mulan leads Shang and the troops to plan the palace infiltration, with danger mounting around every turn.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 12 / Page 1 / 75% target

75%

Shan-Yu threatens the Emperor directly, representing the darkest moment where their plan could fail.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 12 / Page 1 / 80% target

70%

Mulan and the soldiers pause amid the chaos, reflecting on the stakes and fearing all is lost.

13

Break into Three

Scene 13 / Page 1 / 85% target

70%

Inspired by the Emperor’s gratitude, Mulan finds new resolve to end the threat once and for all.

I've heard a great deal about you, Fa Mulan. You stole your father's armor, ran away from home,...
14

Finale

Scenes 13-14 / Page 1 / 95% target

80%

Mulan executes the final rescue and battle strategy, culminating in Shan-Yu’s defeat and her vindication.

15

Final Image

Scene 14 / Page 1 / 99% target

80%

Mulan’s return home and reunion with her father and Shang mirror the opening but show her earned honor.

The greatest gift and honor, is having you for a daughter.