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

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

Dir. Destin Daniel Cretton 

 

Marvel's new Kung-Fu adventure packs a punch. 

 

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Shang-Chi. A Marvel Comics character even the ardent fans may not know. When Disney unveiled its plans for the 4th phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, many people were surprised at some of the titles getting standalone movies. There seems to be a push to create stories based on the lesser-knowns. Now that the Iron Mans, the Thors and the Hulks seem to be signing off, it’s an ambitious but well-minded tactic to introduce fans to a new generation that don’t carry quite so much pop-culture baggage. 

 

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings proves that this risk pays off from a story and audience perspective, while the box office success is yet to be assessed during a very turbulent time for cinema revenue. 

 

What a breath of fresh air; to go into a Marvel film with no expectations. Not knowing which character famously died in a comic in 1974 and which one famously turns evil and becomes the 17th Hobgoblin in the Ultimate Mega-Universe crossover. Shang-Chi is much more refreshing. It’s a self-contained hero's journey story. Shang is your 2021 Luke Skywalker, Marty McFly and Frodo all rolled into one. The seemingly Everyman, who has a secret strength within and a destiny that will change his World. 

 

I actively enjoyed this new, youthful take on a very familiar formula. It’s Marvel's strongest solo effort since the record breaking Black Panther. Director Destin Daniel Cretton offers up an energetic, hip tone that contrasts and combines perfectly with the more mystical, asian mythology of the Kung Fu classics. 

 

The narrative structure of the film is both easy-to-follow and interesting, with the use of non-linear flashback keeping certain character moments and revelations all coming into play at the right moments. The pacing may be a surprise for some who are used to the non-stop quip and thwack action of the usual MCU. Shang-Chi isn’t afraid to take a breather for the sake of character development, and that’s not always a given in modern superhero movies. It’s the sort of thing you don’t realise how much you’ve missed. Characters having a quiet moment. 

 

Where Shang-Chi really shines is in its action set pieces. Some of the coolest and most energetic fighting scenes in the genre. The choreography is authentic and pulsating, and the combination of martial arts moves and blockbuster Marvel special effects makes for a unique and exciting experience. It takes the dance-like choreography of The Matrix, with the energy and speed of John Wick and inserts both into the lighthearted and entertaining World of Marvel. 

 

This new chapter in the Marvel Universe sets up a big new toy box. Another beautiful new facet of the ever expanding Marvel arsenal. There’s a lot of World-building to do, and lots of new cultures, creatures and elements to establish, yet the film does so with relative ease. Some exposition-heavy scenes for some elements, whereas other things are just handed to the audience visually without explanation. Both work well- a careful mix. 

 

The visuals of this film overall are a real treat, with attractive colour grading, cgi enhanced visuals and beautiful landscapes. There’s art created in most frames. The use of Asian mythology, concepts and beings, is simultaneously satisfying and respectful for those who know it, and intriguingly exciting for those who don’t. 

 

The characters are all new. All the main characters are well 

-written, well performed and well rounded. Simu Liu's first Hollywood lead role is a relatable but conflicted action hero, many would be mistaken for thinking he’d been doing projects this big all his life. He’s a natural. 

Awkwafina, at risk of simply being the quippy friend, is surprisingly more layered than that. She has heart, she has motive, and she knows when to quip and when not to quip. It was particularly relieving when emotional beats weren’t always interrupted with humour as has often been the case in recent Marvel efforts. Tony Leung in particular shines as one of Marvel's best solo movie villains. Wenwu is no mere mad, magical boss fight; he’s a deeply personal and driven character. Morally conflicted, intense and yet with an underlying layer of humanity and sadness.  

 

Overall, Marvel's Shang-Chi is a real fun surprise. A lesser known property that’s refreshing and exciting. It establishes a juicy new World for Marvel, and  hits the landing with its tone and style. Some less than convincing effects late in the film are forgiven when you consider the film was completed amidst a global pandemic. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel by any means, but it still feels like a step in new territory thanks to its style and culture. Unlike the recent Black Widow, Shang-Chi is much more daring and different, and it feels like the real opening to Marvel's Phase 4. 

 

 

8/10

 

Review by Elliott Thomas Griffiths