Review: ‘Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings’
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is finally here. Starring Simu Liu, Awkafina and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, it’s the newest movie from Marvel Studios. It also makes history with the first Asian-American led cast on the big screen.
Due to the pandemic, this is the second out of four movies from Marvel Studios this year. Unlike characters such as Captain America or Spider-Man, Shang-Chi isn’t as recognisable.
However, you shouldn’t let that stop you from seeing it. After watching the movie, you’ll want to know everything about him.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is about family and heritage. The basic story seems to be about son versus father. Yet, as the story progresses it becomes more complicated for the characters and nothing is what it seems.
That is the brilliance of the movie. When you think you know what’s happening, it leads you elsewhere and forces you to feel for characters you don’t want to. This comes down to not only the script, or the director, but also the cast.
Simu Liu shines as Shang-Chi, and it won’t surprise me if he’s a big part of the MCU’s future. He’s able to effortlessly switch between comedy and dramatic with one look. Simu’s portrayal of Shang is up there with Robert Downey Jr and Margot Robbie. He isn’t just playing the character.
He is Shang-Chi.
I look forward to seeing more of him in the MCU, and outside of it. This movie can only bring big things for him.
Our villain, Xu Wenwu, is expertly portrayed by Tony Leung Chiu-wai. This is an adaptation of the Mandarian from the comics. MCU fans will remember the Mandarian from Iron Man 3, and there might be something special connecting them.
Tony’s version of Xu Wenwu is masterful. He is a man who believes in conquering but his love for his wife trumps all. While he is a very evil person, you can’t help but feel bad for him. In the past, I’ve argued not every villain needs a tragic arc, but this is an exception to the rule.
Even though Xu Wenwu talks a lot, it’s Tony Leung’s face that tells the story. He conveys everything you need to know with one look, and that is why he’s one of my favourite MCU villains.
If I went through every cast member, I’d be here all day. Therefore, I’ll say this is a rare film where there isn’t a weak link. Awkwafina, Michelle Yeong and Meng’er Zhang are only scraping the barrel of the brilliance of the cast, including some fun cameos.
As for the rest of the movie, the most important aspect was the fighting. As a master of martial arts, Shang-Chi needs to look good on camera, and have no fear. The fighting is some of, if not the best, in the MCU. There are at least three set pieces that are incredible, and bring new life in a franchise that’s been going for over 10 years.
I can’t stress enough how incredible the fighting is. My favourite happens near the beginning and it’s between Xu Wenwu and the protector Ta Lo, Li.
Even though it goes without saying, staying until the end of the movie is wholly recommended. You won’t want to miss any of the credit scenes.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is playing in theatres now.
