“Their” honor, yes you got that right. It’s not only our favorite Disney princess who’s celebrating her 18 years, but also the whole cast of the Walt Disney classic Mulan. 

Released on June 19, 1998 in most theaters worldwide, Mulan has continued to inspire the minds of young girls for 18 years — teaching them that being a princess does not only mean wearing ball gowns and glass slippers, but also being tough and fighting for your country’s honor. Now, that’s more like a modern definition of a woman.

In honor of the debutante, here are 18 unforgettable thoughts  I had (that may or may not make sense) while watching the film:

1. Watching Mulan was like a crash course in applying makeup

2. And being emotional in the rain.

3. I questioned who I am inside (a.k.a. be true to  yourself)

As a kid, I didn’t know what this meant but I loved singing it… while imagining yourself walking by a pond or some sort.

4. Family. Honor. Honor your family. Keep your family’s honor.

Go, girl. Make your momma (and papa) proud!

5. Matchmaker = dating sites.

Only made classier, I guess? Plus too much requirements. Sheesh.

6. Dragons have a mustache? I want a pet dragon.

Forget about Daenerys’ dragons for a while. Mushu ushered in the era of the tough dragons!

7. I learned what a “conscience” was… because Mushu said he’s one.

8. Having a short hair isn’t that bad.

Contrary to popular opinion that girls with hair as long as Rapunzel’s are a stunner, Mulan shows us that having a shorter trim does not make you less of a girl.

9. Girls can have guy friends.

Best friends to be exact. Enough of the gender borders.

10. Li Shang is gorgeous… and strong… and admirable.

More of a “hunk”, actually. But I totally shipped Mulan and Shang’s pairing so I don’t want him for myself. Haha!

11. If a guy can do it, a girl can too!

Thus my strong belief in “girl power”.

12. I have never appreciated a guy song this much in my whole life.

Remember Be a Man? As swift as the coursing river… mysterious as the dark side of the moooon

13. Height and weight does not matter.

Doesn’t matter if  you’re a Chien-Po, a Yao, or a Ling if you’re determined to do something. What you’re capable to do does not depend on your physical appearance. You might fail at first but that doesn’t mean you’re a loser for life.

14. What use is a cage that can’t lock a cricket in?

Still don’t know why that cage was made like that in the first place. But this is a film for kids so I’m fine with that. Were you not bothered?

15. Where can I get a fan that can block a sword?

Pretty sure you remember the scene where our unlikely heroes battled it out with the Huns using ribbons and fans. It looks like a weapon from a Japanse anime.

16. There’s totally no problem with cross dressing.

Especially when you need to save an empire!

17. Bad guys gotta die in children’s movies too.

18. Society needs some fixing when it comes to issues about women.

Yup. Up until now.