Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Cast: Simu Liu, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Awkwafina, Ben Kingsley, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Michelle Yeoh, Wah Yeun, Florian Munteanu, Andy Le, Paul W. He, Jayden Zhang, Elodie Fong, Arnold Sun, Stephanie Hsu, Tsai Chin, Jodi Long, Dallas Liu, Ronny Chieng, Stella Ye, Fernando Chien, Michael-Anthony Taylor, Zach Cherry, Raymond Ma, Benedict Wong, Jade Xu, Shelley Xu, Alistair Bates, Dee Bradley Baker, Brie Larson, Tim Roth, Mark Ruffalo.
The post snap world of The Avengers could be said to mirror our own experiences of the last two years, we have been left in a cycle of unfathomable grief and remorse, and without the possibility of seeing an end in sight of when we might grasp the idea of a full life again.
If art imitates life, then perhaps we have been shown that in the last two years, despite a call for normality, an adage maybe for people to deal with loss without regret, what matters is hope, that even the one person can make a difference to the world when they stand up and take a side for the force for good; and depending on your point of view, goodness, showing the decency in the act and not expecting reward, is one virtue that needs to be given greater acknowledgement than what we currently offer.
The 25th film in the MCU might not have the big name hit attached to it as with any of the previous cinematic offerings by the graphic novel company, nor indeed the subsequent and terrific television series that have expanded the Marvel Universe in ways that the great Stan Lee could only have dreamed of when he first started at Timely Comics in 1939, however what Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings lacks in graphic novel publicity, arguably being a fringe player in comparison to some of the more well known heroes, it more than makes up for in style, persuasion, and grace.
As with the remarkable Black Panther, Marvel had to make sure that they treated the character with upmost respect, and it had to be shown on screen with generosity of spirit and not give in to lazy stereotypes in which in times which are volatile and delicate, can be easily slipped into. As with the Black Panther, they succeed superbly, and whilst martial arts are not everybody’s idea of enjoyment in films, the sheer artistry that binds the film together is not only watchable, but also graceful, like the film it is supple, flexible, smooth and seamless, and one that portrays Chinese heritage as being nimble and steeped in as much myth and legend as perhaps you might find anywhere in the world.
Respect, it may not come easy, but it deserves to be observed, and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is such a film to inform the viewer of what may lay beyond their sight, beyond their understanding and open their eyes to other cultures.
It is arguably to the combines efforts of Destin Daniel Cretton, Dave Callahan, Andrew Lantham, and the cast, which includes Simu Liu in the role of Shaun/Shang-Chi, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, the superb Awkwafina, Ben Kingsley and the ever-impressive Michelle Yeoh, that brings an expressive, artistic, and elegantly paced film to life.
Shang-Chi might have had a niche following in the graphic novel world in comparison to the heavy hitters of Marvel’s roster of heroes, but by placing this particular hero, the first Asian led film from the MCU, it proves that if the stars align and the right script is realised, then even for the less well known stars of the comic book giant, they will be a big hit in screen.
Ian D. Hall