The Dragon Within!!!!!! Marvel's First Asian-Led Film Is Strong Introduction of MCU's New Blood!!!!
Review By Brandon Porter
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| The legend of the master of Kung fu begins here. |
Story Description
For generations, the shadow organization known as the ten rings has been responsible for deadly atrocities that have thrown the world into chaos. Whether it’s the kidnapping of Tony Stark or bring countries into submission.,The Ten Rings is a threat not to be taken lightly. Led by the ruthless Wenwu (Tony Leung), the ten rings growth in power is incumbent on the organization finding a worthy successor if Wenwu steps down. However, the only one eligible for the honor is Wenwu’s estranged son Shang-Chi (Simu Liu). After years of having a front-row seat to his father’s destructive methods and enduring his cruel training, Shang-Chi fled to the west coast looking to escape his old life and forge a new one on his terms. But when Wenwu comes to bring his son home, Shang-Chi must decide who he stands with as he faces the father who made him and the life he’s been desperate to escape. Will he succumb to the destiny that’s been chosen for him or will he rise up and forge one of his own?
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| Shang-Chi, Katy, and Xialing arrive at Wenwu's estate. |
Film Review
As the 25th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the studios' first film with a predominately Asian cast, Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings is a significant movie in the heroverse given its the first cinematic MCU entry in several years to introduce a new hero and the first big-budget film to have an Asian male lead. With so much riding on the shoulders of all involved, Shang-Chi still aimed to be an epic entry into the MCU and a cultural touchstone for the Asian community much like Black Panther was for the Black community. After witnessing the film in full, Shang-Chi's introduction into the MCU is a visual feast and an emotionally rich origin. Marvel has always made an effort to expand the universe with new characters that always bring new things to the table. Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings is no exception. It has a combination of the street-level narrative while also having its own mythical identity as a compliment. All while telling a story that is well structured and invests in the journey of its characters. Speaking of which, several standouts come to mind but let's start with Simu Liu in his MCU debut.
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| Rage in da cage. |
Liu is truly on his way to becoming one of the bright young stars in the MCU much like Tom Holland, Chris Evans, and the late Chadwick Boseman before him. His performance is the glue that holds the movie together. He is able to balance witty humor with emotional vulnerability so well all while his physical performance carries the action from scene to scene. It's such a joy to find a leading man that can keep the audience engaged in the fun moments and the ones that require more emotional pull. Excited to see where Liu's character goes in the later stages of the Marvel heroverse. Awkwafina continues to be a comedic force in a very entertaining supporting role. One of her biggest strengths is her ability to play off of others. Her role as Katy is no different. She and Liu's comedic banter conjure some of the film's best moments. That isn't to say she isn't capable of being a leading lady and carrying the film. But her ability to be a comedic lightning rod that can excel both on her own and with an ensemble is something I admire and love. Tony Leung and Meng'er Zhang do great as Wenwu and Xialing respectively. Leung plays an antagonist that is at his core a tyrant but his rise as a family man and descent back into violence is something I haven't really seen in many MCU villains. It makes his character complex and tragic in a way especially when you consider his willingness to change and be better. Zhang steals the show as Shang-Chi's little sister Xialing. She exudes strength and is hands down one of the standouts of the film. Her connection to Shang-Chi creates a sibling clash that is rocky at first steadily progresses toward redemption and forgiveness by the story's end. Others like Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, and Benedict Wong round out a solid cast of characters that all bring something to the table. Some more so than others but still impactful nonetheless.
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| Two sides to the same coin. |
But we can't talk about this film without mentioning the action which is pure poetry in motion for a good portion of the film. Some of the early set pieces are fast-paced and beautifully shot and choreographed. Each sequence ranges from aggressive and frenetic to regal and elegant. The diverse nature of the fights gives this film an identity unlike its MCU predecessors making it standout. It relies on CG toward the end but at this point, it's standard to expect that and it doesn't rob the film of anything. The movie still maintains a solid flow leaving plenty of room for character development making the 3rd act engaging even with a lot of elements at play. Overall, Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings joins the ranks of some of the MCU's most memorable origin movies. Its action, heart, and characters carry the weight from start to finish and its impact will be felt long after the credits roll. Despite its predecessor's already established pedigree both on the big screen and small screen, The MCU's newest hero has made his presence felt and is poised to have a bright future in the heroverse amongst larger than life brethren.
Rating and Final Thoughts
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| A visually stunning display of action coupled with awesome characters and strong narrative nuanced make the MCU's latest hero's opening journey one to remember. |
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| Kick open the doors for the new kid in town |
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