Cinemas have just reopened here in Malaysia and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, despite being delayed almost a month from its United States premiere, is the first major release that doesn’t have a crystal clear 4K version that’s readily downloadable off The Pirate Bay. What this means is that it’ll likely be the movie that gets Malaysians back into the multiplexes. What it also means, is that over the last month, the movie has already been reviewed and written about ad nauseam.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably already heard all of the praise and the platitudes. Yes, it is a triumph for Asian American representation. And no, Marvel didn’t drop the ball when orchestrating the movie’s many thrilling kung-fu set pieces. (Director Destin Daniel Cretton manages to strike that fine balance between paying homage and not coming off as being derivative.) Simu Liu is given just enough to shine. And Awkwafina is… well… Awkwafina.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is everything you’ve come to expect from a Marvel movie. We always knew that the first part of this new “phase” of the Marvel Cinematic Universe was going to have to do a lot of heavy lifting, by introducing us to new characters (Shang-Chi, Eternals) and reframing old ones (WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Loki). And this movie is very much cut from the same cloth as every first installment in the MCU. It’s crafted with assembly line perfection. It’s fast paced and funny. It delivers all of the big screen superhero hijinks you’re looking for with just enough heart and soul to keep it fresh.
Shang-Chi is a fantastic time at the movies and a joyful welcome back to cinemas.
Got it? Good. Now that I’ve gotten the review out of the way, let’s talk about Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh.
Simu Who?
Make no mistake. This is Tony Leung’s movie. He rules over every scene that he’s in. Critics often complain that the Marvel movies have a villain problem. And while I didn’t always agree with that observation, I’m pretty sure this portrayal would put any such fault-finding to rest.
Leung, who plays Shang-Chi’s estranged father Wenwu, is the most substantial character on screen. He takes on entire civilizations singlehandedly, he finds love, has children and raises a family, he rallies against the devastative force of grief, and does it all with the same stoicism that has made him one of the greatest Hong Kong actors of all time. Hell, there is so much passion in his portrayal that you will find yourself sympathizing with Wenwu’s obsessive and tyrannical quest.
Which is in stark contrast to Shang-Chi himself. Don’t get me wrong, Simu Liu has enough natural charm and charisma to carry a franchise. But Shang-Chi isn’t given quite as much material to work with and ends up being either confused or angry throughout this movie. There just isn’t enough personality to the character. Yet.
Now, you may think this is merely hyperbole. A fanboy’s rejoice at the fact that Hollywood has finally (finally!) discovered the wonder that is Tony Leung. (And it is, a little.) But walk out of this movie and tell me that his isn’t the best performance you’ve seen in the MCU to date. Go on. I dare you.
And then there’s Michelle Yeoh.
It’s Michelle Yeoh’s World, We’re Just Living In It!
Over the last few years, between Star Trek: Discovery, Crazy Rich Asians, and a bevy of smaller roles in films like Last Christmas, Boss Level, and Gunpowder Milkshake, the world has been experiencing something of a Michelle Yeoh renaissance. There’s a gravitas that she brings to each role – whether dramatic, comedic, or kick-ass (or all three at the same time) – that has elevated every one of those productions in some way.
Michelle Yeoh may not have as much screen time as the rest of the cast of Shang-Chi, only really showing up towards the end of the second act, but there is such a quiet majesty to the way she carries herself that you will be blown back in your chair. Despite her character serving a purely expository role in the movie, Yeoh nevertheless makes every line her own, commanding every moment, finding the perfect balance of sweet and serene with unwavering strength and sheer badassery.
If there is any power in Shang-Chi, it is rooted both of these performances. These two veterans of cinema, who have spent a lifetime wowing us in countless dramas, romances, and action thrillers, have finally been given the opportunity to bring that same magic to a Marvel movie. God knows you couldn’t make an MCU version of a wuxia fantasy-infused Chinese martial arts movie without the both of them.
Watch Shang-Chi on the biggest screen possible. You’ll go for all of the big blockbuster action and witty banter that is now a Marvel staple, but you’ll stay for the pure, unadulterated cool of Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh.
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