Whereas most comic book films are made with the sole purpose of entertaining audiences, there comes the rare few which carry the distinctive honor of being barrier-breaking films for both gender and cultural representation which Marvel's Shang Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings proudly carries. Although Black Panther represented a landmark for African-Americans in regards to exploring the origins of a black superhero while enriching black culture. Shang-Chi gives Asian representation that's wrapped around a solid origin story emerging from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Based on the popular Marvel comic, Shang-Chi's centers around Martial-arts master Shang Chi (Simu Liu) confronting the past he thought he left behind when he becomes drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. Shang Chi's plot bears a similar formulaic structure to Ryan Coogler's Black Panther with both stories repeating the same narrative regarding its main characters assuming their rightful titles with each films third act containing an epic climactic battle, which brings all of its key characters into play. Shang-Chi's story isn't one that's groundbreaking, but it makes the best use of familiar plot and characters beats without feeling like a generic Marvel film. The film admirably succeeds in breaking new cultural ground for the MCU without losing any of the thrilling action, witty humor, and heart that continuously makes the universe thrive with audiences. Shang-Chi succeeds in delivering a new kind of hero that's not only likable, but reinforces the studios commitment in pushing for diversity.
The performances from Chi's cast are terrific with its talented cast putting in stellar work that largely contributes to the believability of the MCU's story to audiences. Simu Liu excels as Shang, delivering a performance that makes audiences connect with his character on a human level. Awkwafina makes for a terrific sidekick as Chi's longtime friend Katy with the two sharing surprising buddy chemistry together. Tony Leung Chei-wai gives a scene-stealing performance as Chi's father Mandarin. Wai's role is powerful with him carrying both a strong physical and emotional presence, that steadily heats up throughout the course of the story. Meng'er Zhang also enormously impresses as Chi's biological sister Xialing with Zhang playing her character as being a tougher version of Scarlett Johansson's Natasha with her character bound to become an audience favorite. Fala Chen does well as Leiko Wu, though her character doesn't leave an impact on the film like Wai and Zhang's does due to them having more screentime. The rest of the cast contribute to bringing a sense of excitement and fun to the story with Michelle Yeoh leaving a noteworthy presence as Chi and Xialing's tough aunt Ying Nan, along with Benedict Wong in a hilarious performance as master of the Mystic Arts Wong. Ben Kingsley's reprises his role as Trevor Slattery, the goofy actor who pretended to be the Mandarin in Iron Man 3 with the character operating as being more of a court jester this time around. As a whole, Shang-Chi's cast play their roles to perfection with everyone giving the film the right amount of sincerity in its storytelling.
As for directing, Destin Daniel Cretton presents the right balance of superhero action and comedy. He makes the film visually breathtaking to watch with both its set and costume design giving off vibrant colors, that are enhanced by its stunning cinematography. The latter is most cleverly used in distinguishing between the cities and beautiful Ta Lo location with the Ten Rings headquarters being presented as darkly grim. The films pacing is rapid, making it fly by for its two hour length with action sequences that feel brisk. The score is carefully used in not only enhancing the emotional core of the story, but also emphasizing the main characters cultural heritage. The films action sequences are well-executed and brilliantly choreographed from the style of fighting with the Ten Rings members to Chi's mother and her community throwing down. Despite Shang-Chi being a martial arts driven story, the film doesn't heavily lean on those elements to make it engaging, and uses the action as a tool to assist in its storytelling with both the plot and character development placed front and center. As far as directing goes, Cretton deserves credit for keeping things well-balanced while understanding what audiences desire to see in a Marvel flick.
The script for Shang-Chi utilizes key subplots and character arcs from past Marvel flicks (Black Panther and Thor) with certain aspects of its scriptwriting feeling generic despite boasting a new plot. The films power comes from watching Chi reconnect with his estranged family with that aspect of the script letting the audience connect with the main character despite Mandarin's subplot walking a similar beat to Kilmonger's from Black Panther. The film delivers the trademark witty humor that generally accompanies Marvel-based films with the buddy relationship between Chi and Katy brilliantly meeting that requirement, along with funny bits from both Trevor and Wong's character. The films main theme is identity conflict with Chi only becoming fully powerful upon embracing his past. Although the writers attempt to sugarcoat its padding of the story by using formulas from other Marvel works, the films eagerness in being a barrier-breaker for Asian superheros is honorable. The story isn't innovative but it's handled well enough to where the audience supports the character of Shang along with enjoying the colorful side characters accompanying him on his quest.
While it can be said that the story-structure may feel a bit familiar to audiences, Shang-Chi succeeds in giving audiences an effects-driven extravaganza that leans heavily on Asian cultural themes regarding family that generate characters whom the audience can find themselves becoming connected to. The film takes familiar MCU themes such as loss, father issues, and learning to own one's power and apply them effectively in bringing another solid origin story to the screen. Like Black Panther and Captain Marvel before it, Shang-Chi eloquently demonstrates that representation matters and gives Marvel fans an experience that serves as empowering while staying true to the basic fundamentals of storytelling within the genre.
Final Verdict: For comic book fans, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings Is A Must See.
Images courtesy of Disney
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