Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Starring: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang
Studio Production: Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Release Date: September 3, 2021
Available: exclusively in theatres
Spectacular martial arts, powerful CGI effects, and meaningful messages about loyalty and friendship are all to be expected at Marvel’s newly released Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. With big shoes to fill following the wrap up of the Avengers series, Shang-Chi did not disappoint at the box office. Even with no prior knowledge on the character Shang-Chi, there is no doubt that the energy and anticipation of the Shang-Chi storyline have the potential to carry the Marvel franchise and keep the fans satisfied, post Avengers. The movie itself begins as Shang-Chi, a seemingly normal guy is visited by his past, being pulled back into family matters he once tried to escape. With the help of his best friend and some unlikely allies, he unlocks his inner strength to confront his father (the previous Marvel villain: the Mandarin). They all soon realise the power of the Ten Rings, owned by Shang-Chi’s father, is much more than the legend entails. This action-filled hero story stays true to Marvel’s reputation for emphasizing the relationship between sacrifice and victory. Without knowing much about the storyline previous to seeing the movie, watching it was still an enjoyable and entertaining experience. The character Shang-Chi first debuted in 1973 in the comic “Special Marvel Edition” No. 15, published by Marvel Comics. The character was created by Jim Starlin and Steve Englehar. Shang-Chi eventually starred in his own comic series until the early 1980’s. The movie rendition was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, best known for directing movies like The Glass Castle (2017) and Just Mercy (2019). The lead role, Shang-Chi himself, is played by Simu Liu. While he has been active in his career since 2011, this is Liu’s first large leading role. The lead supporting character of the film is played by actress and rapper Awkwafina. She has starred in movies such as Oceans Eight (2018), Crazy Rich Asians (2018), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2019), and is set to be cast in the 2022 live action The Little Mermaid. The cast of Shang-Chi also includes Ben Kingsley and Florian Munteanu both as other supporting characters. With a combination of well known actors and new faces in the industry, the casting for Shang-Chi created an overall very successful chemistry between the characters, and it was shown on screen. One of the most impactful aspects of this movie was the basis of Chinese cultural heritage and recognition it brought to the Marvel Universe, adding to the diversity of the Marvel heroes. This contrast to the usual American based hero was refreshing and the respectful energy around Chinese culture was enlightening. Along with the great cultural aspects, there were many great messages to take away from the film including, loyalty to the family you choose, the irrelevance of material value in the grand scheme of things, and how there is often a deeper meaning to life. One of the only downfalls to the film is that it has a 2 hour and 13 minute running time, so it does take a while. Staying true to the Marvel Universe, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a well-rounded movie with a great balance of action, comedy and meaningful underlying messages, making it well worth the time and money to see it in theatres.
Carter Corps News 