Marvel has spent a lot of time tinkering with its past — literally, given the recent time-hopping antics of Loki and Avengers: Endgame. Now, after Black Widow ended the MCU's two-year cinematic drought with a prequel, the studio is fixing its eyes on its future with Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
Starring Simu Liu in the title role of Marvel's longtime martial-arts hero, Shang-Chi is the first new hero to join the MCU since Captain Marvel introduced Carol Danvers way back in 2019. It's also the first AAPI-led Marvel film, one whose stacked cast includes legendary actors Michelle Yeoh and Tony Leung along with Awkwafina and Dr. Strange scene-stealer Benedict Wong.
The film's mashup of Eastern and Western filmmaking traditions has fans fired up to see what Marvel will unleash with the debut of the character, who has been a staple of Marvel's back-catalogue ever since the '70s. And if early reactions following last night's premiere are any indication, Shang-Chi could raise the bar considerably as Marvel enters Phase 4 of its cinema-dominating master plan.
Collider critic Steven Weintraub praised the film as a game-changer for Marvel, opening the door to a much larger world in the MCU.
#shangchi is like no Marvel movie you’ve seen. Love that it opens the door to a new world that I can’t wait to see more of. @SimuLiu literally kicks so much ass and he is perfectly cast. Got to see it in @imax tonight and this is how you want to see it. Looked and sounded perfect pic.twitter.com/43SaSxfx3m
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) August 17, 2021
Critic Drew Taylor called the film an unexpectedly emotional journey, with influences ranging from classic Jackie Chan to Studio Ghibli bringing the film to vibrant life.
#ShangChi is an absolute triumph, unexpectedly spiritual and emotionally complex, with some of the very best action in the MCU. @SimuLiu is your new favorite Avenger and the movie’s myriad influences (everything from Jackie Chan to Hayao Miyazaki) pay off big time). Astounding.🐉 pic.twitter.com/72Yubnb4KV
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) August 17, 2021
So far, the film is drawing universal praise for its MCU-best action sequences, ditching the CGI-heroes-vs.-beam-of-light house style for something more grounded, kinetic and eye popping.
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 the perfect balance of fun, heart and action! And when I say action, I mean jaw dropping action! @SimuLiu is the perfect addition to the #MCU! pic.twitter.com/D29Pll741Y
— The Illuminerdi (@The_Illuminerdi) August 17, 2021
I WATCHED #SHANGCHI!!!
— POC Culture (@POC_Culture) August 17, 2021
It’s an amazing blend of East meets West! Hong Kong martial arts action comes to the #MCU & CHANGES THE GAME!!!
It’s emotional, beautiful & HILARIOUS!
This isn’t like ANY MCU film to date. WOW! #Marvel #MCU @shangchi @MarvelStudios @SimuLiu @awkwafina pic.twitter.com/iEEJ0v1DXA
Much of the film’s success is being credited to headliner Liu, who critics say strikes a solid balance between heart, gravitas and badassery, making him a welcome addition to any future Avengers lineup.
#ShangChi director Destin Daniel Cretton brought something so fresh to the MCU. So much style and heart. The action is just absurdly epic.@SimuLiu is a legend. He nails the action sequences, brings the heart, and has great timing with @awkwafina. Bravo! pic.twitter.com/frQGscBBlF
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) August 17, 2021
#ShangChi is such a personal, family story at its core. That’s when it’s at its best.
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) August 17, 2021
The third act is full of surprises but sometimes is a little crazier than is needed. Ultimately delivers epic action and the intimate moments to land. Big MCU stuff.
Can’t wait to watch again! pic.twitter.com/4zy7HiF5EO
Insider’s Kristen Acuna heaped praise on Liu, but also heralded the “badass women” of the film.
#ShangChi is fantastic. It's full of INCREDIBLE, beautifully choreographed fight scenes and full of badass women. Get ready to know Simu Liu's name if you don't already. Marvel has another hit on its hands. pic.twitter.com/3efV1kzJ7O
— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) August 17, 2021
And Fandom editor-in-chief Eric Goldman said that while the film has some pacing issues, it avoids the origin-story trappings to become its own distinct thing.
I really dug #ShangChi! There is a lot not in the trailers (maybe avoid ads in the next couple of weeks I fear will show more?) and it has its own vibe and distinct elements that make it stand out and not feel like a standard origin story. And Simu Liu makes for an awesome hero.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) August 17, 2021
If the film continues to ride this wave of praise once the review embargo is lifted, it could rank among the MCU's best. We'll find out when Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings hits cinemas September 3.
Here's our entry-level guide to the world of Marvel's Shang-Chi