Disney’s new live-action movie Mulan is facing boycott calls in several Asian nations as well as in the United States. Those calling for a boycott note that the film’s star – Chinese-born American actress Liu Yifei – voiced support for the police during last year’s protests in Hong Kong, a move that supporters of a boycott claim was undemocratic and thus should be condemned. Calls for the movie to be avoided have been made in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Taiwan.
Social media users are divided on the issue. While some netizens have contended that the actress made an inappropriate remark and agreed to boycott the film…
We are so sad to see that a great movie is destroyed by a #PoliceBrutality supporting actress #BoycottMulan
— Husky Lover (@saveHKnow) September 5, 2020
I knew nothing about this and was quite looking forward to this film. I will now be boycotting it entirely. #HumanRights #BoycottMulan
— Angela Condon (@IrishCondon79) September 5, 2020
…others opposed the meaure and noted that one should not judge movies by actors' political views.
— UL (@SpeedDemon0511) September 5, 2020
If I was to judge every film based on the actors political views or moral compass I'd be boycotting every single film🙄
— Britt (@desert_grrl) September 5, 2020
Some users said that the people calling for a boycott were being counterproductive.
Calling for boycotting is the greatest advert. People never learn.
— Oshi (@Oshiartist) September 5, 2020
Still others clashed swords over the film itself.
Beautiful movie! I’m watching again!
— JAMES L (@JIM12251) September 5, 2020
The movie is meh overall, doesn’t compared to the original. The first hour is very boring 😭😭😭😭😭
— Antonia (@acconajo) September 5, 2020
In 2019, protests erupted in Hong Kong over a law that allowed the extradition of people to mainland China, something that opponents of the legislation have said may be detrimental to democracy in the autonomous region. During the rallies, demonstrators repeatedly clashed with police and over time, the clashes became violent. Government critics accused law enforcement of using excessive force against the protesters.
