Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” hits theaters in early September, but the film rolled out the red carpet for its premiere last night. As such, the first wave of reactions from those who got to see it early are now being shared online. And many are calling the first Asian-led superhero film a knockout.
The film which stars Simu Liu as the titular hero, set in the MCU post blip, the origins story the explores themes of family, identity, and legacy through the Asian lens. It also stars Awkwafina and Benedict Wong, as well as legenday Asian icons like Tony Leung as Wenwu, and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan.
Many of the reactions are positive as critics like our very own Tee are calling it a welcomed addition to the Marvel family.
#ShangChi Delivers! The action sequences were some of MCU’s best—beautiful and rhythmic! @SimuLiu is the perfect addition to the Marvel family and I love all the bad-ass women in this film! Thanks to Marvel for the invite! pic.twitter.com/5LIRq74MJ0
— Tee/ThatsITLA (@ThatsITLA) August 17, 2021
I also had a chance to see it, and agreed as Shang-Chi not only represents a welcomed change, it’s beautifully Wuxia-inspired one-shot action sequences are a game changer.
#ShangChi flips the script on the hero’s journey by adding emotional depth to its characters and brings some much needed Asian representation to the MCU. What’s more the impressive one-shot action sequences are a game changer! Definitely not to be missed! pic.twitter.com/ULc09Cu17Z
— Michael Lee (@IamMichaelJLee) August 17, 2021
SHANG-CHI is such a fun ride & it kicks into overdrive right from the jump! Trust when I say they do NOT hold back on the action.
The best parts r the authentic touches Daniel put in along w/ some jump outta ur seat cameos.
Oh and 2 words ladies:
Florian Munteanu. *fans face*
— 🍅Jacqueline🍅 PRE-ORDER OUR BOOK TODAY!! (@THATJacqueline) August 17, 2021
#ShangChi is unlike any superhero movie you’ve ever seen before. It’s full of heart, badass martial arts action, and Shang-Chi isn’t your typical superhero. I can’t stress how awesome the movie is. pic.twitter.com/L3DcYDkGuM
— Mark Pacis #Fantasia2021 #JAPANCUTS 💜💛 (@PacManNR7) August 17, 2021
Just got out of #ShangChi. The action sequences were fantastic. It was a fun movie. I enjoyed it. Tony Leung looks amazing. I like the idea/ theme of family too. pic.twitter.com/Ukip8njeZC
— Laura ลอร’า 劳拉 (@lsirikul) August 17, 2021
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings is PHENOMENAL. Get hyped. Even fight scene/action sequence is better than the last. @SimuLiu fully embraces the marvel superhero role. Amazing imagery. Killer soundtrack. You’ll want to see this on the big screen. #shangchi
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) August 17, 2021
#shangchi is one of the best MCU films ever!!!! The filmmakers know how to capture the fight choreography with long takes and quick action. (No shaky cam!) The family story is touching. Tony Leung is perfect as “The Mandarin.” Simu Liu and Awkwafina are a great duo on the screen. pic.twitter.com/UaxQqU6zlQ
— John Nguyen (@JohnSpartan300) August 17, 2021
I’m still in awe of #ShangChi I really am not a big Marvel or action movie fan but this one… I rarely have moments of “AGAIN AGAIN!” but this was the one for me. pic.twitter.com/OXFHC2UStx
— 《💗josephine✨》 (@josephinespeaks) August 17, 2021
#ShangChi has some of the best fight scenes of any MCU movie, sometimes thrilling, other times just stunningly beautiful. @SimuLiu & @awkwafina are a fantastic pairing.
— Peter Sciretta (@PeterSciretta) August 17, 2021
All in all, it sounds like Marvel Studios has another hit on their hands. If there is any criticism to be found, its probably within the lengthy third act, that while is crazy, is pretty long-winded. But for the most part a lot of the good outweighs the bad.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings.”
Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. The film also stars Tony Leung as Wenwu, Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s friend Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, as well as Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu and Ronny Chieng.
“Shang-Chi and The Legend of Ten Rings” opens in theaters on September 3, 2021.
