The Legend of the Ten Rings is set right in the middle of the MCU. Events start in San Francisco, which we've already explored thanks to the Ant-Man films. But as the plot progresses, the map expands to include Macau and then the mythical Chinese village of Ta Lo. In fact, when the main characters reach Ta Lo, the film becomes a beautiful work of art. There are mythical Chinese creatures (I loved the lion things!), Chinese culture, artwork, fashion, and much, much more. That second half of this movie was just breath-taking.
That's not to say that this film was perfect. I did at times find myself getting bored, as I have with stale bits of superhero films. It wasn't Shang-Chi, who is to blame. It's an industry thing as a whole that has some elements which just seem to be getting old.
The premise of the film is linked with the events of 2013's Iron Man 3. In that film, we learned that the Mandarin, the so-called leader of the Ten Rings was really a ruse. Instead of an Asian man, a drunken actor named Trevor Slattery was hired to create a diversion for a foe of Tony Stark's. Well, the real leader of the Ten Rings wasn't so happy about that...
Originally, Shang-Chi's father was the legendary dime pulp villain Fu-Manchu. The character, created by San Rohmer, was based on racist stereotypes with his long, straggly facial hair and hideous claws. That tendency to imprison white women in a number of masochist, demeaning ways didn't help things either. Marvel about 15 years or so ago, rebooted the origin of Shang-Chi from which the comics is now more in line with the 2021 movie.
A thousand years ago, a Chinese warlord named Xu Wenwu obtained the magical 10 rings. These rings, which technically are bracelets, granted him immortal life along with a number of various powers. Looking to increase the power of his criminal organization, in 1996, Xu Wenwu attempted to breach the mythical Ta Lo. The man is stopped by the village's guardian Ying Li. The episode earns the mutual respect of both and the pair fall in love.
Xu Wenwu forsakes the rings during his marriage to Ying Li. Two children are born, Shang-Chi and his sister Xu Xaling. All appears bliss. However, Xu's past catches up with him, resulting in the death of Yin Li. Xu Wenwu bears the rings again, training his children to become assassins in revenge for their mother's death. However, Shang-Chi escapes his evil destiny, winding up in San Francisco under the name of Shaun.
Over time, Xu Wenwu begins to hear the voice of his fallen bride. The voice claims that if he can pierce a sacred barrier in the village of Ta Lo, the entire family can be together again. As Shang-Chi and his sister learn more of their mystical heritage, they prepare for battle with the forces of the Ten Rings to stop Xu Wenwu from his fool hardy quest which threatens to unleash hell on earth.
I know that there's a lot going on here. The story was complex, which is something many of the Marvel films have been missing lately. The martial art scenes were amazing. They were fluid, alluring and sometimes funny, like from a Drunken Master movie. When the theatrics appeared more like a typical comic book and not staying in the legacy of Bruce Lee, I got bored.
I don't understand why this film didn't become the cultural touchstone for the Asian community like Black Panther did for the black community. Actually, I do. Blame COVID. Even though this 2021 movie made over $400 million in theaters, the crowds just hadn't returned yet. Heck, the crowds still haven't gotten back to pre-pandemic levels and if things continue the way they do, I don't think they will any time soon...
Lots of great actors. Michelle Yeoh, the reigning queen of Asian cinema who has taken Hollywood by force. Tony Leung was great as the villain. He's the actor that you've seen before, really like and just can't remember where you've seen him from previously. Relative newcomer (at the time) Simu Liu was great as the lead. But the actor who stole the show (and maybe my heart) was comedienne Awkwafina, who stole the show as Shaun's best friend Katy. Look, if Margot Robbie decides to hang up her harlequin costume, I would put my vote behind Awkwafina as the next Harley Quinn! But with all this amazing Asian talent, where were legends such as Sonny Chiba, Donnie Yen and the king of Hong Kong cinema, Jackie Chan? Maybe they'll be available for the sequel?
Please tell me there will be a sequel...
Worth Consuming!
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
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