Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

I’m finally back! After a long break caused by COVID-19, I went back to the movie theater. I feel this is finally the perfect time to write another review. I’m sorry I’ve kept you waiting. On October 2nd, 2021, I watched Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the newest Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie. Starring Simu Liu, Awkwafina, and Meng’er Zhang, it was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and is rated PG-13. It also takes place in both America and China in the modern day.

Shang-Chi was born as the son of the Ten Rings’ leader in China, but has fled to America to live out his life in peace. When his past finally catches up with him, he attempts to find his sister Xialing in China to make sure she is safe. Unfortunately, they cross paths with their father, Wenwu. He finds out what his father’s plan is and must stop him before many lives are lost. Can Shang take on his father? Will he ever accept who he was born to be?

With Marvel Studios constantly producing one great movie after the other, I wasn’t really worried about the quality level of this movie. My assumptions were correct, as this was indeed another great movie. One of the advantages to this movie is its appreciation of Asian culture. We see it throughout this movie, being very respectful and not stereotypical. It also helps that the movie is full of very talented Asian actors, who I will talk about now.

The lead role of Shang-Chi is played by Simu Liu, who is able to pull off two things with the character. The first is that he is able to create a likable character. He gains sympathy from the audience, while also showing the conflict within. The second is the physicality that comes with his fight scenes. The audience will be impressed with his fighting skills. Awkwafina does a good job portraying his friend Katy and being supportive for the protagonist. Meng’er Zhang succeeds playing Xialing as a tough character who has been hardened by her life. Of all the actors though, I think the most impact was done by Tony Leung’s amazing performance as Wenwu. The guy is very impressive whenever he’s on screen. As the leader of an evil organization, he intimidates everyone around him, including his children. Where the high-quality level of this performance really lies, is in how his character turns out to be remarkably complex. He ends up not just being a one-dimension villain, but one of the most interesting to date in the MCU. The role even manages to fix the mistakes they made with the Mandarin back in 2013 with Iron Man 3.

The impact of the on-screen fights is substantial. As with many other MCU movies, the fight scenes are awesome to watch, as well as having a unique way of choreographing them. The effects work to the film’s advantage, looking realistic while still being superhuman. The visuals also work for the film, with one particular set of objects used during fights being one of the franchise’s strongest images.

If I did have to be critical about something, it would be a few confusing elements involved in the plot. With that said though, the plot is actually engaging. You want to know what happens next and are just involved with the events as these characters are. This is an origin story unlike many you find in superhero movies.

Overall, this is probably one of the better MCU movies. While Black Panther did a great job showcasing Black talent, this movie does the same for Asian actors. It is this Asian representation, great performances, fast moving fight scenes, and story that help to make it a strong movie. I hope I can write more reviews like this currently.