Over Labor Day, the Marvel Cinematic Universe introduced audiences to Shang-Chi: the first Asian American superhero on the silver screen. Portrayed by Simu Liu, the film follows Shang-Chi on his journey as he reconnects with his past, uncovering secrets about his family.
On opening weekend, the movie brought in a total of over 75 million dollars, according to Box Office Mojo. With its dominating critics’ Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%, the film pulled in fans for a spectacular superhero experience. Following these outstanding reviews, Marvel enthusiasts quickly agreed and added their reviews, giving the film a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. A smashing success, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” brings much optimism to the upcoming Phase Four of the MCU.
The film follows the tumultuous relationship between Shang-Chi and his father, Xu Wenwu. As the storyline cuts between the past and present, the viewers are exposed to the harrowing upbringing of Shang-Chi and Wenwu’s villainous motivations. The theme of family lies at the heart of this film, focusing not only on the relationship between father and son, but also between siblings. Shang-Chi’s relationship with his sister, Xialing, played by Meng’er Zhang, functions as an important storyline throughout the movie.
The audience follows this mystical, adventure-packed flick with an atmosphere of hope and admiration for the characters. The chemistry between Simu and Awkwawina, best known for her roles in “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Ocean’s Eight,” completes the film with comedy and a great relationship to build in future films. Together, they steal the show and bring smiles to the audiences’ faces.
The action sequences and computer-generated imagery, or CGI, establish a fantastic cinematic experience for fans. Simu details on social media the serious training in strengthening of his muscles and agility for the kung fu fight sequences. “Movement, speed and explosiveness were paramount; we couldn’t just build muscle for sake of bulk,” he reported on Instagram.
After viewing the film on opening day, here are a few spoiler-free highlights. I was delighted by the balance between seriousness and lighthearted humor throughout the film. The action was spectacular and Simu Liu presented a powerful hero to the Marvel stage. The post-credit scenes were amazing and will leave you asking a million questions about the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.