Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

 

6/10

 Starring

Simu Liu

Awkwafina

Meng'er Zhang

Fala Chen

Michelle Yeoh

 

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton

 

Marvel has been experimenting a lot with phase four, the post-Infinity Saga era of their cinematic universe. We’re meeting new, lesser-known characters while also getting more character development for those who’ve never really had enough time in the spotlight.

Shang-Chi is the 25th movie in the MCU, and one thing to appreciate is the diversity Marvel is bringing into its world of characters. This movie has a total Asian setting, a predominantly Asian cast, and no white guy swooping in to save the day. Even cooler, it’s directed by an Asian filmmaker.

For anyone planning to see this movie, here’s a heads-up: this isn’t one of those grand, masterful epics. The story is great and engaging enough to keep you watching, but it doesn’t hit the same comedic highs we’ve come to expect from Marvel. Why? Well, we’re already used to their style, so the funny lines and comedic moments don’t land as hard as they used to.

The movie starts off like a mediocre Asian action film. It begins with greed and evil, then suddenly shifts into romance before dropping us into the present day, leaving us to piece things together. About fifteen minutes in, though, get ready for some cool, Jackie Chan-style fight choreography. From that point on, the Marvel magic kicks in. Of course, there are flashbacks and soliloquies along the way to help fill in the gaps.

Here’s the basic plot: about a thousand years ago, Wenwu discovered the powerful Ten Rings, which granted him immortality and immense power. Driven by greed, he created the Ten Rings organization, which has been secretly shaping the modern world as we know it.

In 1996, Wenwu sought the magical forest of Ta Lo to obtain its mystical power. However, his quest was thwarted by Li, a guardian of Ta Lo. The two fell in love, and Wenwu gave up his power-hungry ways to become a husband and father. Sadly, Li’s death brought back the old Wenwu, and he trained his son, Shang-Chi, to become the best fighter he could be.

Fast forward to the present day, Shang-Chi, now going by the name “Shawn,” works as a valet with his best friend Katy. One day, they’re attacked by the Ten Rings, and Katy witnesses Shang-Chi’s incredible fighting skills for the first time. The Ten Rings are after a pendant given to Shang-Chi by his mother, Li, and they also want the one held by his sister, Xialing.

After surviving the attack, Shang-Chi and Katy set out to find Xialing and protect her from the Ten Rings. It turns out that Shang-Chi and Xialing haven’t spoken in years, and there’s a lot of unresolved tension between them.

Wenwu, their father, wants the pendants to find his way back to Ta Lo, where he believes a gate is keeping him from reuniting with Li. The siblings, along with Katy, must band together to stop Wenwu before he unleashes destruction on the world.

Shang-Chi is now available to stream on Disney+.