By Lily Angel
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” broke the Labor Day weekend box office record earning $90 million on its opening weekend. With extraordinary visuals and choreography, “Shang-Chi” certainly earned its keep in Marvel’s Phase Four. The real draw, however, is its portrayal of a strong Asian superhero that defies stereotypes.
“Shang-Chi” is about a martial arts master Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) who finds himself trapped in the mystifying organization of the Ten Rings, facing the past he believed he had left behind.
One of the biggest draws for audiences will undoubtedly be the visual effects which were more impressive than many previous Marvel films. Vivid colors, enchanting creatures, and stunning magical elements took the superhero flick to a whole new level.
The incredible fight choreography brought in elements of martial arts we haven’t seen before. While many fight movies often give the appearance of being wooden and staged, Shang-Chi’s fight sequences flow in an effortless way that shows power, skill, and precision. Don’t believe me? Just watch the bus scene. Audiences are sure to find their breath taken away by the fast paced movement of Liu’s character on a runaway bus.
While you may come for the fight scenes, you are going to want to stay for the brilliant portrayal of an Asian characters in cinema. Historically, the AAPI community has been underrepresented in film. Worse than that, leading roles that should have gone to them are often whitewashed. Recent examples of this act include, “Dragonball Evolution” and “The Last Airbender.” Similarly, even Marvel faced its fair share of criticism when casting Doctor Strange’s The Ancient One, an Asian character in the comics with Tilda Swinton.
Shang-Chi fights this trend by celebrating and honoring the Asian community and in a record-breaking blockbuster film. So clearly audiences appreciate the move.
Marvel phase 4 has been keeping audiences happy. Starting off with the Disney+ series “WandaVision” and continuing with “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”. Marvel has shown that the magical aspect of the MCU will only grow from here.
From charming visuals to divine choreography Marvel Studio’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is truly wonderful.
Don’t forget to stay for the after-credits scenes!
The Plaid Press 