The following review includes spoilers.

 The most recent installation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” has laid strong trackwork for future Marvel movies and entertainment as a whole. 

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” starts with the introduction of the ten rings (legendary arm bands that give the wearer the power of immortality and strength) and how Shang-Chi’s dad, Xu Wenwu, grew his empire with this power. Shang-Chi and his friend, Katy, are attacked by a henchman sent by Wenwu- the antagonist of the film. Furthermore, the same thing occurs to Shang-Chi when he went to help his sister, Xialing. Then Shang-Chi, Xialing, and Katy, are taken back to Wenwu’s Stronghold, and Wenwu shows his children what their late mother left for them, a way back to Ta Lo (Shang-Chi’s mother’s hometown in another dimension of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This part of Ta Lo has many mystical beings and items). On realization that Wenwu was planning on opening the gate in Ta Lo, which Wenwu thought was holding his wife hostage, the three leave with Trevor (an entertainer to Wenwu) and Morris (part of the Dijiang species from Ta Lo) in order to warn the people of Ta Lo. A massive fight scene starts with a confrontation between Shang-Chi and the people of Ta Lo and Wenwu’s army. With the death of the Soul Eater, a deceptive monster that gains power through the consumption of souls, Shang-Chi and the people of Ta Lo gather to honor those who fought for the protection of humankind. Finally, the movie ends with two snippets that foreshadow the movies to come in the ever-expanding MCU.

The film’s plot was packed equally with action and development. In comparison to the last addition to the MCU, “Black Widow,” this movie delivers more original character development. Surprisingly, our favorite scene is when Ta Lo fights the soul-sucking monsters who escape out of the gate. The realization that only dragonscales can kill the soul suckers,

and when both sides realized that they needed to team up in order to stop Wenwu from releasing this beast was one of the most memorable moments in the film. Katy’s character was, in our opinion, the best character in the movie. She plays a devil’s advocate in many of the scenes, and she brings a comical and relaxing light to the movie. Her character is very unique, and her interactions with other characters allowed for the movie to progress further into the plot. Another character we adored was Xialing. Her presence alone represents the equality there should be between men and women. Throughout the movie we can see how much of a ‘girl-boss’ she is. Even in the post-credit scene we observe her taking command of her father’s stronghold and army. 

Shang-Chi is the first Asian Marvel hero to get his own feature film. This is a step towards diversity by the brand, which many will look up to in the future. The movie presents many different aspects of Chinese and Asian culture on the big screen, from its weapons to its martial arts style and more. Also its cast is full of Asian actors, which tends to be lacking in the film industry. Actors such as Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung Chiu-wai and more. We especially liked Simu Liu who is a new face in the MCU, especially being of Chinese descent. This movie has hyped us up and we are really excited for another Marvel movie coming out Nov. 5, 2021, “Eternals.” We loved seeing that Marvel is diversifying its cast and expanding its cinematic universe with such interesting characters. Seeing characters from different movies, like Shang-Chi and Wong from Dr. Strange, in Marvel’s new phase of development. 

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is showing in theaters only for 45 days and then can be streamed on Disney+.