By Dahlia Alanis, Staff Writer
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is by far the best movie I have seen all year. It is one of my top five favorite Marvel movies.
It’s the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film centered around an Asian superhero, with Canadian actor Simu Liu featured as kung fu ace Shang-Chi. Master of martial arts Shang-Chi confronts a past life that he thought he left behind and his entanglement with the Ten Rings organization. In the beginning of the film, the narrator speaks in Mandarin, gives more background on the Ten Rings and introduces us to the main character Shang-Chi. Soon you find out the narrator is Shang-Chi’s mother and learn how she met his father. While sharing her story, there is a fight scene — so beautiful and graceful that it looks like they are dancing. You could see that Shang-Chi’s mother and father were in love. The father was powerful and wanted nothing more than money. It all changed when he met his wife and the dynamics shifted in a peaceful setting.
As the movie progresses, it jumps to the present day with Shang-Chi, known as Shaun, living in San Francisco. Shaun works as a valet driver with his best friend Katy, played by Awkwafina. I love Katy and Shaun’s bond with each other as they have been best friends since younger years. In some scenes, the show is entertaining with comedic relief.
I really recommend going to see this movie in theaters because the special effects are really good. The actors execute their parts well, with Xu Xialing being my favorite character. She has a strong female independence, and I felt empowered just watching her. The music is brilliant and moved me to tears. I admired the costumes that were made; they were elegant and traditional.
Shan-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is unlike any other Marvel film.