Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Movie Trailer
Release Date
September 3, 2021
Genre
Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts
Cast & Crew
- Simu Liu as Shang-Chi
- Awkwafina as Katy
- Tony Leung as Xu Wenwu
- Meng’er Zhang as Xu Xialing
- Fala Chen as Jiang Li
- Michelle Yeoh as Ying Nan
- Ben Kingsley as Trevor Slattery
- Benedict Wong as Wong
Director
Destin Daniel Cretton
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Just Mercy (2019)
- Short Term 12 (2013)
- The Glass Castle (2017)
Producer
Kevin Feige
Jonathan Schwartz
Writer
Dave Callaham
Destin Daniel Cretton
Andrew Lanham
Budget
$150 million
Production Company
Marvel Studios
Running Time
132 minutes
Languages
English (Original), with multiple dubbed and subtitled versions available
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Intense sequences of violence and action
- Some language
- Thematic elements involving family
Movie Story
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is Marvel Studios’ first film centered around an Asian superhero, introducing audiences to a rich blend of martial arts action, fantasy elements, and a compelling story about family, identity, and destiny. The film follows Shang-Chi (Simu Liu), a skilled martial artist who has been living a quiet life in San Francisco under the name “Shaun.” He works as a valet with his best friend Katy (Awkwafina) and tries to leave behind his troubled past. However, when a mysterious group attacks him on a bus, he is forced to confront the life he tried to escape.
Shang-Chi is the son of Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung), the leader of the Ten Rings, a powerful and ancient organization. Wenwu, also known as the Mandarin, wields the mystical Ten Rings, which grant him incredible power and immortality. After Shang-Chi’s mother, Jiang Li (Fala Chen), died, Wenwu trained his son to be a ruthless warrior, but Shang-Chi fled, unwilling to follow in his father’s violent footsteps. However, the attack on Shang-Chi reveals that Wenwu is seeking to reunite his family and intends to use the Ten Rings to unleash a dark force hidden in the mythical village of Ta Lo, where Shang-Chi’s mother was from.
Shang-Chi, along with Katy and his estranged sister Xialing (Meng’er Zhang), travels to Ta Lo to warn them of Wenwu’s plans. There, they discover their true heritage and the power that lies within them. The story explores the complex relationship between Shang-Chi and his father, where love, pain, and loyalty collide. Wenwu, though a formidable antagonist, is portrayed with depth and sympathy, driven by a misguided belief that he can reunite with his lost love.
The film builds to a visually stunning climax involving an epic battle between the forces of Ta Lo and the Ten Rings, culminating in a confrontation between Shang-Chi and Wenwu. Shang-Chi must embrace his past, accept his identity, and wield the power of the Ten Rings to protect those he loves and prevent the destruction of the world.
Special Effects
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is praised for its breathtaking special effects, particularly in the depiction of the Ten Rings’ powers and the mystical creatures of Ta Lo. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, blending traditional martial arts with modern CGI to create dynamic and visually striking fights. The film’s use of vibrant colors and fluid motion during battle scenes, particularly in the climactic showdown, sets it apart as one of the most visually captivating entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Box Office Performance
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was a box office success, grossing over $432 million worldwide, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. It became one of the highest-grossing films of 2021 and was celebrated for its cultural significance, as well as for introducing a new and exciting hero to the MCU.
Filming Locations
- Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- San Francisco, California, USA
- Macau, China
Notable Quotes
- “I gave you ten years to live your life. And where did that get you?” – Xu Wenwu
- “You can’t outrun who you really are.” – Xu Wenwu
- “You are a product of all who came before you, the legacy of your family.” – Ying Nan
- “If you aim at nothing, you hit nothing.” – Katy
Behind-the-Scenes
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was a groundbreaking project for Marvel Studios, marking its first film with an Asian lead and predominantly Asian cast. The filmmakers aimed to authentically represent Asian culture and martial arts, drawing inspiration from classic wuxia films. Simu Liu, known for his role in Kim’s Convenience, was cast as Shang-Chi, and his casting was met with widespread acclaim for bringing diversity and representation to the MCU. The film’s action choreography, led by experts in martial arts, was designed to blend traditional fighting styles with superhero dynamics, creating some of the most memorable fight scenes in the MCU.
Awards
- Nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2022 Academy Awards
- Nominated for Best Action Movie at the 2022 Critics’ Choice Awards
- Won Best Fight at the 2022 MTV Movie & TV Awards (Shang-Chi vs. Death Dealer)
Final Verdict
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is a thrilling and visually stunning entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a fresh take on the superhero genre with its rich cultural themes and breathtaking martial arts sequences. The film is anchored by strong performances, particularly from Simu Liu and Tony Leung, and delivers a compelling story that blends action, fantasy, and heartfelt family drama. It is a must-watch for fans of the MCU and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted, action-packed film.
IMDb Rating
7.4/10