Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Movie Review

Released: 3rd September 2021

Length: 132 Minutes

Certificate: 12A

Director: Destin Daniel Cretton

Starring: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Tony Leung, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong and Michelle Yeoh

Phase four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has gotten off to a slow start. As it moves into underrepresented comics and characters, keeping audiences hooked in is easier said than done. Standing in contrast to underwhelming entries, Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings is a solid debut.

Shang (Simu Liu) is a seemingly ordinary youth living in San Francisco. He’s adopted a western name and works an unremarkable valet job at a hotel. When enhanced mercenaries attack, Shang realises his past is catching up with him. With his best friend Katy (Awkwafina) in tow, he returns to China to rediscover his heritage, connect with family and put an end to an ancient threat. Shang’s story is told through a combination of past and present; the latter reveals the power his parents possessed and the decisions that led to his American emigration. The present involves the typical MCU formula; fast-moving action scenes broken up by more thoughtful moments. You’ll notice how the film shifts between western and Chinese tones, blending in very well with the character’s goals. What weaves the two together is the titular ten rings themselves; the powerful weapons have been wielded by Shang’s father for thousands of years and drive things forward. The story proceeds at a brisk pace with no unnecessary sub-plots bogging things down; in the early-going there is a fight scene in Macau that feels inconsequential; it’s well lit and shot, but the way it transitions into the narrative centrepiece could have been smarter.

Our leading man is portrayed well from start to finish. Despite his more isolated upbringing, Shang maintains a moral code while relying on those close to him. His sense of growth and forward progression isn’t as pronounced as other superhero stories, but you’ll still be well invested in the journey. Quirky sidekicks that crack jokes have been a frequent fixture in this series, but Awkwafina’s MCU debut is relatively balanced. As she’s introduced to a world beyond our own, Katy finds her own sense of responsibility and leaps into action. Shang’s father Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung) is also well done; the decisions he made and the attachment to his wife brings him into conflict with the protaganist. The weakest member of the cast is Meng'er Zhang as Shang’s sister Xu Xialing. The film portrays her as a major part of the family unit, but she needed more screen-time to interact with her brother and father. The action scenes give Xialing plenty of opportunities to show off her battle prowess but the emotive connections were somewhat lacking. The unexpected return of a throwaway character doesn’t amount to much besides connecting to the other films. Other cast members are placed later in the running time and they rely on simpler, more serious characteristics. Unlike other productions from the same studio, Shang-Chi isn’t devoid of charisma; the two sides achieve a steady equilibrium.

Much like Doctor Strange before it, Legend of the Ten Rings is based in a mystical realm, but this time it’s flanked by older Chinese culture. The streets of Macau glisten in the early going but once we transfer to the countryside, the visuals get even better. Elaborate wall murals, seamless movements of air and water and a liberal use of kung-fu permeate the proceedings. At several points I was reminded of older classics like Crouching Tiger: Hidden Dragon; these elements are placed alongside the extravagant action we’ve come to expect from the franchise. The super-charged weapons on display do much to heighten the intensity while the martial arts drastically up the speed and athleticism of the fights. The film’s third act is the most dazzling in both sights and spectacle; gorgeous shots of a mythical Chinese landscape give way to stunning wildlife and a climatic battle with humans and monsters clashing together. Shang-Chi’s greatest visual strength is its kinetic movement; much like the philosophies of yore, everything flows together with precision and finesse. The soundtrack, fittingly enough, has a heavy use of woodwind of instrument, absorbing us in more naturalistic locations.

Despite the lesser-known status of its hero, Shang-Chi is a surprisingly enjoyable entry in the long-running series. Some supporting characters may be weak, but the film is laced with a heart that’s been missing from Marvel’s recent efforts. Through a set of strong action scenes, detailed cultural leanings and capable lead performances, it rises above its overlooked status. If you’re looking for something different from the MCU, I wouldn’t let this one pass you by.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars (Good)