In 2008 the Marvel Cinematic Universe launched itself onto screens around the world with Iron Man. Now in 2021 Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings launches its first Asian lead.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings introduction to the MCU was rocked by a global pandemic, viewed as experimental by Disney, and lacked the same promotion given to its predecessors. Yet, it has proved itself to be a fan favourite and one of Marvel’s most cinematically exciting films. Simu-Lu portrays the first Asian superhero and guides audiences through Shang-Chi’s journey in accepting his past, embracing his family and the power that comes with owning the ten rings.
Family Held The Movie Together
Shang-Chi is a movie driven by family dynamics and here Marvel managed to write siblings who felt realistic, without killing off one of them at the end. The heart of this movie rests on Shang-Chi and Xialing’s reconciliation and their interactions drive the narrative forwards while demonstrating the strength of their familial bond. In Shang-Chi it is the emotional family scenes that lead to some of Marvel’s most exciting fight sequences and heartfelt moments as the siblings take up arms against their father and accept the harm that Xu Wenwu caused after the death of his wife. This death creates a villain unlike any other in the MCU, as Xu Wenwu’s motivation is understandable yet not even his sacrifice can redeem him.
Side Characters Once Again Steal The Movie
While Marvel may name its movies after their superhero it is often the side characters who prove themselves most popular among fans. Filled with adorable magical creatures, Shang-Chi provides an exciting glimpse into the magical worlds that exist within the MCU, and yet it is Morris’, a little ball of fluff and wings that steals hearts, making for some of the most humorous scenes in the movie. While Wong has already proven himself to be a fan favourite character and with his appearance in Shang-Chi, this has only been strengthened. His appearance neatly ties the movie into the rest of the MCU, and Wong, Shang-Chi and Katy doing karaoke is the perfect way to end any movie.
How The MCU Were Able To Rectify Their Past Mistakes?
The Mandarin’s first outing on the big screen in Iron Man 3 was filled with racial stereotypes and upset many fans at the time. Trevor Slattery’s appearance in Shang-Chi, Marvel shows how it has learnt to handle diversity and demonstrates a willingness to admit and rectify its mistakes. With Slattery’s admittance that his portrayal of The Mandarin was harmful tying the movie into the MCU’s past and moves forwards in an effort to reflect the diversity of the world we see outside the window.
Where Does The MCU Take Shang-Chi From Here?
Already director Destin Daniel Cretton is looking to the future of Shang-Chi and from what he has said it is something to be excited about. Now that audiences have been introduced to Shang-Chi, Katy, Xialing and the Ten Ring’s organisation has been established there is no end of possibilities for where the story can go. With Xialing and Katy striking up a sort of friendship, and when asked if the relationship would turn romantic Cretton said that he was not opposed to the idea. The MCU is becoming more magical and representative, something exciting and one that opens up story ideas yet untapped with the magic explored in Doctor Strange, hinting at what audiences will see in movies to come.
Comments
Post a Comment