A 2021 Marvel Comics Superhero release that was directed by Destin Daniel Cretin. He also wrote the screenplay with two others.
Centuries before, Xu Wenwu (Tony Leung) discovers ten mysterious magical rings. They gave him immortality, and he learned how to master their powers, enabling him to build a formidable organisation, conquer kingdoms, and amass wealth all through history.
In present time, he meets Li (Fala Chen), the love of his life, when she beat him in a battle to prevent him from fulfilling his quest to gain access to a mythical kingdom called ‘Ta Lo’. He practically retired and eventually had two children with her: a son, Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) and a daughter, Xialing (Meng’er Zhang).
However, Li’s subsequent murder causes Xu to revert to his old way of life, and he goes on to ruthlessly train young Shang in the skills of martial-arts with the plan to use him in future to avenge his wife’s death.
To get away from Xu and his proposed life for him, Shang runs away at 14, and grows up in the States, were he makes friends with Katy (Awkwafina).
Years later, Shang’s purposeless life is about to take a purposeful turn when he is attacked by Xu's men as part of his (Xu's) renewed mission to enter ‘Ta Lo’ by force.
There was a lot of hullabaloo about the pending release of this film; not only because it was based on the first Asian Marvel superhero character, but also because the trailer looked sooooo good. I had high expectations. However, I must say, I was very disappointed. Of course the CGI, special effects, costumes, props, etc. were perfect. Even the martial-arts fight scenes were creative, captivating, and enjoyable to watch. Nevertheless, the story wasn’t very exciting. In fact, I thought the plot was somewhat lacking and a little boring.
I love Awkwafina; being the comedian that she is, her quirky humour tends to add flavour to the movies she stars in, and this was no exception. To be honest, not quite sure what her true relationship was with Shang. I do wonder though; is she expected to be a permanent character with a prominent role beside him in the Marvel Universe? So her character learned to use a little bow and arrow – big deal! I wouldn’t throw her in the superhero category just yet.
I don’t know much about Simu Liu, although he has starred in a number of series and TV dramas. He is not a bad actor, and I am looking forward to seeing how he builds up Shang, as the character could do with a little more confidence pumped into him.
Asian heartthrob, Tony Leung, and in my opinion, one of the most attractive Asian men in the movie industry, was the one who stole the show. I loved the authority he commanded as Xu Wenwu. You knew you had to hate him, but you just can’t seem to hate him completely. If you are into martial-arts films, then you will probably remember him as Ip Man in 2013’s martial-arts drama – The Grandmaster.
Ben Kingsley is a very good actor, and one that I respect immensely. I have seen him play many roles, but I was not expecting to see him in this movie. He played the failed, silly actor, Trevor Slattery very well. I just didn’t understand why he was playing that character, or why the character was there at all.
Michelle Yeoh played Li’s sister - Ying Lang. As a martial-arts veteran, she is no newbie to playing these sorts of roles. Although, sometimes, it is good to see her in simpler roles like that of Eleanor Sung-Young, a cold, controlling and snobbish rich mother in 2018’s romantic-comedy – Crazy Rich Asians.
I was not overly impressed with this film, and it definitely isn’t one that keeps you basking in the euphoria long after watching it. In fact, it is not very memorable. The story didn’t hit the mark for me and, besides the exhibition of some sensational Kungfu skills and use of weaponry, not sure there is much else to talk about.
I really do hope this Marvel segment (and the character of Shanh-Chi) picks up its game. My rating? 6.3 out of 10.
Currently showing at local cinemas.
Further Information
Director
Screenwriters
Played Shaun
Played Xu Wenwu
Played Li
Played Ying Nan
Played Katy
Played Xialing
Played Trevor Slattery
Played Master Guang Bo
Played Razor Fist
Played Death Dealer
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