by Xinhua writer Gao Shan
LOS ANGELES, March 7 (Xinhua) -- American singer and songwriter Christina Aguilera released a new song on Friday recorded for Disney's upcoming China-based female hero, live-action movie "Mulan."
The five-time Grammy Award winner has recorded two songs for the Disney remake, including the new original song "Loyal Brave True" and her own remake of "Reflection," which she recorded for Disney's 1998 animated film of the same name.
"Hi Fighters! I have two songs, #LoyalBraveTrue, and a new reimagined version of #Reflection on Disney's new live action film Mulan, out March 27th," Aguilera wrote on her Facebook page.
"#Mulan and Reflection have been such a special part of my life and this film is a beautiful continuation of this legacy," she continued.
"#LoyalBraveTrue single is out now! Hope you love it as much as I do," the singer noted.
She added in a press statement, "The film Mulan and the song 'Reflection' coincided with getting me my first record deal. It's amazing to come back to such an incredible movie that's full of power and meaning, and that meaning holds the test of time: staying true to yourself, being who you are, and teaching how to be fearless."
"My new song, 'Loyal Brave True,' represents the fine balance between vulnerability and strength," she explained.
"Mulan," which cost 200 million U.S. dollars to make, is Disney's first live-action remake of animated classics to be given a PG-13 rating in the United States. It is set to hit U.S. theaters on March 27.
The live action adaptation of Disney's 1998 animated film, based on the legend of an ancient Chinese heroine, Hua Mulan, is directed by Niki Caro and stars Liu Yifei, in the title role.
Mulan, according to the folk legend, lived during a tumultuous era of Chinese history more than 1,400 years ago. She disguised herself as a man to serve in the army to fight for her country in place of her aged father.
"Loyal Brave True" was written by Jamie Hartman, Harry Gregson-Williams, Rosi Golan and Billy Crabtree, and produced by Jamie Hartman. Aguilera recorded the new song in both English and Spanish.
"War is not freedom/ Over my shoulder/ I see a clear view," Aguilera sings in the opening verse, and continues, "All for my family/ reason I'm breathing/ Everything to lose."
"Should I ask myself in the water/ What a warrior would do/ Tell me underneath my armor/ Am I loyal, brave, and true?" she sings.
The song was written from the perspective of Mulan as she conceals her true gender and identity and journeys from a young girl to a true warrior. The three virtues - loyal, brave, and true - are engraved on Mulan's sword and serve as a constant reminder of what she has been hiding from the world.
Soon after it was posted on Aguilera's Facebook, the song went viral within hours with thousands of likes and shares.
"I'm excited to see this movie. Your beautiful new song on the official soundtrack is wonderful," commented Facebook user Kathleen Carter.
"Such a beautiful song! I really loved it and can't stop listening! " wrote another Facebook user Jair Oliveira.
"Musically, the song was conceived to be a direct extension of the film's score," commented composer Gregson-Williams in a Disney press release. "Utilizing Mulan's theme and evolving from there to grow in scope and strength, thus mirroring Mulan's own story. The lyrics reflect how she questions her own integrity and her place in the world until she finds the courage to be true to herself as a daughter, a warrior and a woman."
Gregson-Williams pointed out that "Niki always wanted this to be an emotional tale... and for the music and the story to be told from the point of view of Mulan."
He said, "If ever I was confused or unsure about what I should be doing, I'd look into Mulan's eyes on the screen and see what it was that was going through her mind. So, the score is really driven from her point of view, as is the film. Her emotional arc and her journey is what the music tracks."
