'Shang-Chi And The Legend of The Ten Rings': A Review

Simi Liu as Shang-Chi

By Darlene Donloe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has a new superhero and his name is Shang-Chi.

 The best way to watch 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings' is without any preconceived notions about what a Marvel Studios superhero film should be or look like.

 Don’t expect what you’re used to seeing in other Marvel films – because this will exceed your expectations.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings, now in theaters, is a history-making blockbuster in that it is Marvel Studios’ first Asian American-led superhero film.

This film doesn’t disappoint. It centers on a trained assassin trying to live an ordinary life as a valet driver in San Francisco.

One day while he and his friend and co-worker, Katy, (Awkwafina) are riding the bus, some thugs sent by his father - step to him wanting the pendant around his neck – given to him by his mother, who is now deceased. When he refuses a first-class, knockdown, drag-out fight ensues on the bus – with Shang Chi (Simu Liu), who is going by the name Shaun – delivering a good old-fashioned ass-whippin.

Shang-Chi, who has been hiding from his ruthless father ever since he was a kid, must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. It turns out that Shang-Chi is actually the son of the Mandarin (Hong Kong legend Tony Leung), an immortal warlord. The Mandarin, who is known as Wenwu, tries to convince his family that he has grown a soul since the murder of his wife – and wants desperately to reunite with his kids who ran from him as children.

To find out just what is going on, Shang-Chi, accompanied by Katy, takes off for Macau to find his sister played by Meng’er Zhang.  He has a letter from her asking him to come. It turns out she didn’t send the letter, is running a fight club, and is actually the baddest ass of the bunch. She’s not too happy to see her brother, who she thinks abandoned her when they were children.

With this movie, you can believe the hype. The story, the acting, direction, scenery, spectacular visuals, and special effects and martial arts choreography make this an A+ film, rivaling any previous Marvel Studios offerings.  The flying dragons are regal and impressive. 

This film offers much more than just an Asian influence. Its importance is far-reaching, particularly when you talk about breaking new cultural ground. It proves there is enough superhero space for all cultures and that audiences are sophisticated enough to not let someone’s ethnicity prevent them from enjoying a first-rate superhero film in the theaters. 

While it offers up a different superhero flavor, it does mix in some familiar tried and true Marvel formulas.

Shang-Chi offers up a breath of fresh air. Former stuntman Liu is a wonder to watch and not bad on the eyes. His first fight scene on a city bus is movie magic. Watching his fight scenes is like watching a master class in dance. It’s truly poetry in motion.

Veteran performer Tony Leung, who plays Shang-Chi’s father lends credibility to this film. His acting, intention, and action-packed fight scenes are what have come to be expected from legends.

Liu is a joy to watch and Awkwafina brings the funny with classic comedic timing. The chemistry between the two ROCKS!

Meng’er Zhang, who plays Shang-Chi’s sister, Xialing, is also spectacular. 

Kudos to the fight coordinator Andy Cheng, who kept the fight scenes moving, tight, and spectacular as he showcased the mastery of martial arts. 

Kudos to this all-around origin story, which is worth the price of admission. This is a great way to end the summer movie season while simultaneously kicking off the fall film season. 

To all involved in Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, welcome to the circus!

Shang-Chi, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Michelle Yeoh, and Fala Chen, Benedict Wong, Florian Munteanu, Meng’er Zhang, Dallas Liu, Ronny Chieng, and Zach Cherry.

Rated PG-13, Fantasy/Action, 2h 13m

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (oh, yeah) and E (excellent), 'Shang-Chi, And The Legend of The Ten Rings' gets an E (excellent).