If you can do so safely (which I did), see it in theaters.
I am a bit embarrassed to admit that Shang-Chi is one of those superhero properties I was unfamiliar with growing up. I know that it was one of the many comic book properties to spawn from the martial arts & ninja craze from the 1970s and 1980s, but that's about the extent of my knowledge of this particular series. After the unfortunate and undeserved disappointment with Marvel's first step into their next phase, Black Widow, I wasn't sure if Marvel Studios still had any energy left to maintain their well-earned winning streak of well-made and entertaining movies and that maybe superhero fatigue was finally kicking in for me. After witnessing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, I could not have been happier to have been proven so wrong. Not only is Shang-Chi a fantastic film, but it may also very well be Marvel Studio's best solo film since Black Panther! Yes, it's really that good!
Based on the Marvel Comics characters created by Steve Engleheart and Jim Starlin, the film's story follows Shaun (Simu Liu), a content hotel valet, and his best friend Katy (Awkwafina). They both enjoy working and having fun together, and both seem happy with their lives. However, things take a strange and incredible turn when a group of assassins finds and confront Shaun, who reveals himself to be a skilled martial artist, unbeknownst to Katy until she witnesses him handle the would-be killers with incredible skill. After dispatching his attackers, Shaun reveals his secret to Katy: his real name is Shang-Chi, and his father is an immortal warlord & conqueror named Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung), who is bent on achieving power. Shaun has been on the run from his father for years in the hopes of escaping his troubled past, but after this encounter, it becomes all too clear that it's now time for him to face his demons and confront his past. And in the process, he will discover his true self-worth.
Nearly everything about this film is unbelievable in the best possible way! The fight scenes, the special effects, the performances, the direction, the cinematography, the editing, and especially the writing are all so wonderfully executed and delivered that I genuinely have a hard time recalling anything about the film I didn't like (except for one minor nitpick but we'll get to that later on). This film became a wonderful and much-appreciated reminder that, much like PIXAR, Marvel Studios doesn't seem to be in any danger of losing their mojo. Sure, they may stumble once in a while, like any talented & competent artist, but it's clearly going to be quite a while before they run out of steam, and that's okay with me!
Much like Black Panther, Shang-Chi does a remarkable job with cultural appropriation and representation. Incorporating many aspects of Asian culture, philosophy, and design into the film. As someone who grew up surrounded by Chinese art and other cultural aspects, I feel confident that the movie feels spot-on with its Eastern influences. I especially loved its incorporation of mythical creatures, especially the Dragons.
Also, like Black Panther (again), the story's villain is three-dimensional and surprisingly sympathetic. It's a welcome and beautifully executed case of someone who has good intentions but is going about achieving them in the wrong way. While I do not intend to spoil how it all works out in the end, I will say that it is probably the most satisfying character arc for a villain I have ever seen, especially in a Marvel film.
The action scenes are spectacular. Unlike most modern action scenes delivered with headache-inducing shaky-cam and rapid-fire-editing, the action in Shang-Chi is fluid and graceful. Most of the time, the camera will run for a solid thirty seconds or so without cutting, maintaining a steady perspective of the fights, allowing for proper and earnest impact. The film also gains many bonus points for well-executed references to previous martial arts classics. You'll know them when you see them.
Simu Liu is a genuine movie star! He has charisma, charm, and a solid sense of conviction. He delivers the action scenes with expert precision and carries the emotional depth of his character with incredible ease. He is a talented and entertaining performer, and I can't wait to see him again soon.
The MVP award must go to Awkwafina. While I enjoy her comedic antics, this was the first time I saw her deliver a solid dramatic performance. Oh, she's still funny sometimes, and she's still awesome at it, but she also gets to shine as a capable dramatic actress. I know she won a Golden Globe for her dramatic performance in The Farewell, but I have not seen it yet. Rest assured, I will rectify that soon.
Probably the only nitpick I have with the film, as I alluded to earlier, is that the pacing can feel a tiny bit too slow every once in a while. Much like my favorite martial arts film (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Shang-Chi has an excellent sense of balance between narrative and action. It's not in a hurry to get to the next fight scene, nor does it take too long with the dialogue scenes. The film provides adequate build-up to the action with enriching character development along with compelling story turns. Having said that, it can at times feel as though it might be taking a bit too long with the build-up, but never to the point of boredom.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the much-needed can of whoop-ass I needed to shake me out of my funk. It is a beautiful story with wonderful characters, entertaining fight scenes, and relevant themes of family, cultural inheritance, and the value of self-worth. If you can do so safely, see this movie on the big screen. If you don't feel ready for that yet, please rent this movie and watch it ASAP. It is, indeed, worth the price of admission.
Go see it!
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
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