Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021) is a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Simu Liu as the titular character, Shang-Chi. The movie introduces a new superhero into the MCU and blends martial arts action with the fantastical elements of the MCU, setting it apart from previous films in the franchise. The film explores themes of identity, family, legacy, and self-discovery, while delivering a thrilling, visually stunning action adventure.

Plot Summary:

The film follows Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), a young man who has spent most of his life in San Francisco, living under the alias Shaun and working as a valet driver. However, his peaceful life is turned upside down when he’s attacked by the Ten Rings, a secretive and powerful criminal organization. They are searching for a mysterious pendant that Shang-Chi possesses, a relic from his past.

Shang-Chi’s past, however, is far from ordinary. He is the son of the Mandarin (Tony Leung), the ruthless leader of the Ten Rings, a legendary figure with supernatural power granted by the Ten Rings themselves. Shang-Chi was trained from a young age by his father to be an elite assassin, but after years of violence, he fled from his father’s influence to live a normal life. Now, the Ten Rings have come after him, forcing him to confront his past and his estranged relationship with his father.

To protect himself and those he loves, Shang-Chi is forced to confront his father’s empire. As the film progresses, he embarks on a journey that takes him to Ta Lo, a mystical village that holds the key to understanding the true power of the Ten Rings and his own heritage. Along the way, Shang-Chi is joined by his friend Katy (Awkwafina), who provides comic relief and emotional support, as well as his sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), who has her own complicated history with their father.

The plot delves into the tension between Shang-Chi’s desire to forge his own path and the legacy of his father, who seeks to use the Ten Rings’ power to conquer and control the world. As father and son clash, the film builds to an epic showdown that explores themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the consequences of unchecked power.

Key Themes:

1. Identity and Legacy: One of the central themes of the film is Shang-Chi’s struggle with his identity. Raised as an assassin by his father, he eventually rejects that life in favor of something simpler, but is constantly pulled back into the world of violence. The film explores how one’s legacy—particularly the legacy of a parent—can shape who they become and the difficult journey of forging one’s own path.
2. Family and Forgiveness: The dynamic between Shang-Chi and his father, Wenwu, is a central emotional core of the movie. Wenwu is a complex antagonist, and the film portrays the deep bond and tension between father and son. It also highlights the sibling relationship between Shang-Chi and his sister Xialing, who has been affected by her father’s neglect and abandonment.
3. Power and Responsibility: The Ten Rings, which grant immense power, are central to the film’s plot, with both Shang-Chi and Wenwu having a complicated relationship with them. The story explores how power, especially when unearned or unchecked, can corrupt and destroy. Shang-Chi must decide how to handle his father’s legacy and the potential misuse of such power.
4. Self-Discovery: As the protagonist, Shang-Chi is on a journey of self-discovery. He is forced to confront his fears, doubts, and unresolved emotional baggage, learning to reconcile with his past and use his abilities for a higher purpose. This theme of growth and understanding oneself is a central part of his evolution as a hero.

Key Characters:

• Shang-Chi / Shaun (Simu Liu): The protagonist of the film, Shang-Chi is a martial artist with a mysterious past. While he initially wants to leave behind his violent history, he is pulled back into the conflict when his father and the Ten Rings come after him. As he learns to accept his heritage and confronts his father’s legacy, Shang-Chi grows into a powerful and self-aware hero.
• Wenwu (Tony Leung): The main antagonist of the film, Wenwu is Shang-Chi’s father and the leader of the Ten Rings organization. He is a centuries-old figure who has amassed great power through the use of the Ten Rings, an artifact that grants immortality and vast strength. Wenwu’s tragic backstory and his complicated relationship with Shang-Chi are key to understanding his motivations.
• Katy (Awkwafina): Shang-Chi’s best friend and confidante, Katy provides comic relief and emotional support throughout the film. While she doesn’t initially have martial arts skills, Katy becomes an important ally to Shang-Chi as she helps him on his journey, and her character’s growth adds depth to the story.
• Xialing (Meng’er Zhang): Shang-Chi’s sister, who has been estranged from both her father and brother. Xialing is a skilled fighter who harbors her own resentments and traumas related to her upbringing. As the story unfolds, Xialing’s character evolves, and her relationship with Shang-Chi becomes central to the film’s emotional arc.
• Trevor Slattery (Ben Kingsley): A returning character from Iron Man 3, Trevor is a former actor who once impersonated the Mandarin. In this film, he plays a comedic role, serving as an unexpected ally to Shang-Chi and Katy. His inclusion adds humor and provides a link to the wider MCU.
• The Dweller-in-Darkness (voiced by Tony Leung Chiu-Wai): The dark entity that emerges in the third act of the film. It is connected to Wenwu’s motivations and the mysterious power that he seeks to control in Ta Lo. The Dweller-in-Darkness represents the corrupted use of power and serves as a climactic threat that Shang-Chi and his allies must defeat.

Action and Martial Arts:

The film is noted for its impressive fight choreography and martial arts action, drawing inspiration from classic kung fu films and incorporating modern cinematic techniques. Director Destin Daniel Cretton and the production team worked with expert choreographers and stunt coordinators to create thrilling fight scenes that showcase the physical abilities of the characters, especially Shang-Chi. The film blends traditional martial arts styles with the fantastical elements of the MCU, creating some visually stunning and innovative action sequences, including breathtaking wire work, acrobatics, and hand-to-hand combat.

One of the standout moments is the fight scene on the bus early in the film, where Shang-Chi showcases his exceptional fighting skills in a confined space while fending off multiple attackers. The fight scenes are not only intense but also emotional, as they often tie into the characters’ internal struggles and personal growth.

Visuals and Tone:

The film is visually stunning, with a vibrant color palette that blends realism with fantasy. The scenes in Ta Lo, a mythical village set in a magical realm, are particularly beautiful, with lush forests, breathtaking landscapes, and mystical creatures. The combination of martial arts action and MCU-level CGI allows the film to balance grounded human conflict with epic fantasy elements.

While the film does include action and spectacle typical of a superhero movie, it also has a heartfelt and emotional tone, with themes of family, reconciliation, and self-discovery. This balance of action and emotional depth is one of the reasons why Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings resonates with audiences.

Reception:

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was a critical and commercial success, receiving praise for its action choreography, performances (especially Simu Liu and Tony Leung), and the depth of its characters. It was hailed as one of the best solo superhero films in the MCU, offering a fresh perspective and unique cultural representation through its focus on Chinese mythology, martial arts, and family dynamics.

Simu Liu’s portrayal of Shang-Chi was widely praised, with many noting his charisma, physicality, and emotional range. Tony Leung’s performance as Wenwu was also a standout, with critics highlighting the depth and complexity he brought to the character.

The film’s success at the box office, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, further cemented its status as a significant entry in the MCU. Shang-Chi was also praised for introducing a new, diverse hero to the MCU, breaking new ground in terms of cultural representation in blockbuster films.

Conclusion:

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a standout film in the MCU, blending exhilarating martial arts action with a heartfelt story about identity, family, and self-discovery. With its vibrant visuals, stunning fight choreography, and complex characters, it offers both thrilling spectacle and emotional depth. The film sets up Shang-Chi as a powerful new hero in the MCU, and it is expected to play a significant role in the future of the franchise. With a perfect mix of heart, humor, and high-stakes action, Shang-Chi is a must-watch for MCU fans and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, action-packed adventure.