Jodi Everett
Reporter
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is the latest film from Marvel Studios, packing a walloping punch at box offices with a $90 million opening weekend. Because of the pandemic, the theater industry has taken a hit with fewer people going to see movies in theaters, and many preferring to rent or watch movies from the comfort and safety of their own home. However, Shang-Chi’s opening weekend is not only a tale of re-establishing the box office, but a well-deserved win for Marvel’s first Asian-led superhero film.
The film is a triumph within itself, from the direction to the pacing, to Simu Liu’s incredible performance. Shang-Chi is the story of family and identity. Liu’s titular character is the son of Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai), a warlord with the gift of immortality from the ten rings he bears on his arms, and Ying Li (Fala Chen), the guardian of the multiversal dimension of Ta Lo. With the passing of his mother, Shang-Chi is raised to be an assassin under his father’s iron grasp. After 13 years of avoiding his past, Shang-Chi is thrown back into the world of his father’s organization with his best friend, Katy (Awkwafina), and his younger sister, Xialing (Meng’er Zhang).
Under the direction of Destin Daniel Cretton, the film’s central narrative of family and identity is beautifully done, guiding the viewer through an impactful look into the dynamics of Shang-Chi and his family. Cretton allows viewers to question parts of their own identities throughout the film, while still allowing viewers to accept their faults and the faults of their families. While the story’s pacing may feel a little slow, this gives the viewer breathing room between scenes to fully immerse themselves in the movie. Tony Leung Chiu-Wai steals the show as the film’s antagonist and creates a suave, sympathetic villain. Meng’er Zhang is another castmate who brilliantly shines in the movie, delivering a powerful performance of a woman stuck living in the shadows of the men in her life. As the lead of the film, Simu Liu brings the heart and soul to the movie. He is at his best within the performance, creating a charismatic, compassionate, and well-rounded character, who you cannot help but root for. Liu and Awkwafina create a light-hearted comedic duo, with good pacing and chemistry.
One of the biggest standouts in the movie is its visuals. From the intricately designed lair of Wenwu, to the stunning land of Ta Lo, Marvel has created a spectacular world that viewers can envelop themselves into. Furthermore, the fight sequences are beautifully choreographed and add a bit of realism to Marvel’s typical overpowered hero fights.
In conclusion, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is a breath of fresh air within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The story is excellently directed and fully embraces itself within its familial roots, a common theme within Marvel’s Phase Four. Shang-Chi is a testament to Marvel’s ability to tie in wonderful stories to a universe larger than itself.