Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a 2021 superhero film that serves as an origin story for Marvel’s new hero.
It’s crazy that we’re now in Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After the release of Black Widow, we finally have the latest installment titled Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, it stars Simu Liu in the titular role, and it also features other insanely talented actors such as Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh, Fala Chen and Meng’er Zhang. This is Marvel Studios’ first film with an Asian lead protagonist, but also with an Asian director and mostly Asian cast. It’s important to continue telling diverse stories with these characters, which is exactly what makes the MCU so special and unique.
After the events of Avengers: Endgame, we follow our hero Shang-Chi (Liu) who is forced to face his past and confront the Ten Rings organization led by his father Wenwu/The Mandarin (Leung). Together with his sister Xialing (Zhang) and best friend Katy (Awkwafina), he will do whatever it takes to stop their evil plans and learn more of his identity. It’s a very compelling origin story for Shang-Chi, and he’s certainly going to be a fan favorite going forward.
Liu brings a lot of fun personality and charisma to his role. He has amazing combat skills, while still being a remarkably relatable person. After starring in the hit CBC sitcom Kim’s Convenience, he’s definitely on the right path to becoming a superstar. Everyone else also does a great job, particularly Awkwafina and Zhang. As the main antagonist, Leung is easily one of the best parts of the entire movie. This time around, he plays the definitive Mandarin, instead of the impostor previously portrayed by Ben Kingsley in Iron Man 3. There’s a lot of emotional depth to his character, and he’s undeniably one of the best MCU villains next to Thanos, Killmonger and Loki. You don’t condone his actions, but you do understand where he’s coming from. That’s what makes him so memorable and menacing.
What’s important to mention is that the director makes sure to properly showcase the beauty of Asian cultures throughout. It actually feels fresh for a Marvel film to see something we haven’t seen before in previous installments. It’s incredible to see this level of Asian representation in regards to its cast, action sequences and setting. The fight choreography and stunt work are both top-notch, which brings you to that golden era of classic martial arts flicks from the past. Whenever Shang-Chi goes up against his enemies, it’s quite entertaining. The way the filmmakers combine the aesthetics and narrative with one another is absolutely breathtaking. Admittedly, the storytelling is a little predictable at times, but it’s not really something that will compromise your overall experience.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is easily one of the best installments from Marvel Studios, and it’s exciting to see what they’ll do next with this character. There’s a lot to love about this film. Even if you’re not a Marvel fan, it’s still absolutely worth checking out, especially if you have always wanted to see something new with this universe. It’s a spectacular movie that showcases amazing Asian talent on screen.