Like so many of the Marvel heroes (and for the die-hard fans more specifically, Phase I), there was the origin story. The plucky everyman throw in an extraordinary situation combined with actions scenes, a worthy soundtrack, beautiful imagery and a supporting cast that elevates it all. We all know the Marvel formula by now. Shang-Chi is no stranger to this but what makes it stand out is that Marvel has gotten so good at making that formula work that you even forget that it’s there.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings tell the story of Shaun (Simu Liu), a valet who spends most of his time with his best friend Katy (Awkwafina), drinking, doing karaoke, wasting time and, basically, refusing to grow up. But what Katy doesn’t know about her friend is that Shaun has a tortured past that includes his father Wenwu (Tony Leung), who might be a terrorist and his estranged sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), who might run an underground fight club for some types of superheroes. Shaun/Shang-Chi is forced to confront his past, including his father and sister, all while learning to be a hero in his own right.
We will not go further into the plot as the less you know, the more you can enjoy the journey the movie takes you on. Director Destin Daniel Cretton (who previously directed Short Term 12 – an excellent indie movie starring Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson) makes his blockbuster directorial debut and knocks it out of the park with an exciting, fun, funny and sometimes even emotional Marvel story. What he also brings to the table is a cultural history that is mesmerizing and unlike anything we have seen in a modern Hollywood blockbuster. Dragons, myths, creatures and martial arts, all related to the Chinese culture, are presented here in a tactile and exciting way.
The fight choreography is the best Marvel has put on screen so far. The fight scenes are so exhilarating, fast paced and gorgeous to look at that it may cause you to forget to breathe. It also benefits the movie that the actors are clearly doing most of their own stunts and are great at it. The soundtrack blends classical music with some modern songs and sets the tone for an exciting ride. The cinematography by Bill Pope is also gorgeous to look at.
The former stuntman, Simu Liu is a real find in the role of Shang-Chi and definitely shows promise for the future. Legendary actor Tony Leung shines in the role of Wenwu, as he always does, bringing pathos to what could have been an ordinary role. You start by hating Wenwu, but end up feeling sorry for him, all due to Leung´s magnetic performance. But the real star of this movie is Awkwafina. Her comedic timing is impeccable and a needed breath of fresh air. She has great chemistry with Liu and her lines are always funny. Hopefully we will see more of her in the future because she is definitely the star of this movie.
While origins stories have been done to death by now, Shang-Chi is definitely one of the better ones. It doesn’t have the pressure of setting up more movies (although it definitely includes Easter eggs, other Marvel references and 2 post credits scenes that you need to stay for) and it feels quite contained, while introducing new characters, a new world and the best fight and actions scenes Marvel has produced so far.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings is available only in theaters, right now. See it on the biggest screen, as it’s definitely worthwhile.
8.4/10
