Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

To understand the core concept of this film with the legend of the Ten Rings, it’s also noticeable to have watched Iron Man 3 before viewing this one. This is more like to follow up on the Ten Rings, where the audience was snubbed on the conclusive story as to how it initially was intended. This movie does however bring reforms that vision and tries latently to give it some background despite it doesn’t sell anything. Along with everything cultural about Asian culture, its structure is simply built up to make the main character develop on his journey as a hero.

The film succeeds with how the character slowly progresses from the early moments to the final scenes. It may be childlike and doesn’t always sell it as appropriate, but it feels hopeful. The connection between Katy (Awkwafina) and Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) is solid, and the chemistry feels occasionally forced in the beginning but becomes more natural as the story progress forward. The balancing between action and fighting scenes balancing sweetly with funny and joyful scenes. Even if the story is simplified and the magical creatures by the end, don’t sell that much, it does, however, grant the passion behind it. The main actors feel enthusiastic and are not bored most of the time, like Daniel Craig in No Time To Die.

The character is surprisingly likeable, and it’s easy to get the plot, even if it’s predictable, it’s a good ride to follow. Simu Liu does a good job of leading the story forward, with his funny lines and charismatic style and his fighting. Awkwafinas lines from script don’t always sell as she often is over-dramatic in her performance. She is the no-knowledge character from the USA that gain knowledge just like the audience. There are also strong supporting actors like Ben Kingsley and Michelle Yeoh that sell the surroundings as well.

Although, the film is cramped with visual effects, and some are of course better done than the others. In the first half, some shots are more unrealistic than others but are more naturalistic than most features that are available in cinema these days. Even it struggles with the plot points, the story and plot deliver either way, which is interesting and not that common. It’s a story that is fairly predictable, but it’s an enjoyable ride along the way.