Cristo Varghese

Shang-Chi: the legend of the ten rings” has all the hallmarks of a Marvel superhero film - a clear plot, light comedic touches, relatable characters, and a climax with lots of CGI and fireworks - but has the distinctive stamp of Hongkong action films, full of the kinetic and elegant martial arts fight sequences that would thrill the hearts of many a Jackie Chan fan. The movie has a distinct Asian flavour masterfully blended with a Western aesthetic, much like the protagonist Shaun himself. The action scenes are laden with the wuxia style of martial arts, with crisp choreography that’s fast but never confusing. There’s no choppy cinematography here to convey action - the movements speak for themselves, and are coherent enough that they need no slowing down for the audience. Mad props to the fight choreographer, but we must also appreciate the physical skills of the actors. Simu Liu (Shang-Chi) has an extensive background in martial arts, and does most of his own stunts. Meng’er Zheng and Fala Chen, who portrayed his sister and mother respectively, did extensive preparations for their actions sequences. Tony Leung (as Shang-Chi’s villainous father Xu Wenwu) and Michelle Yeoh (as his aunt Ying Nan) have been doing these kinds of action films for decades, befitting their roles as experienced warriors. After watching numerous HK action movies as a child, I have formed a rather high standard for martial arts action sequences, as even low-budget HK films have well-crafted fight scenes. “Shang-Chi” is full of such action sequences, with similar creativity in the set pieces. Shaun’s first fight in a moving bus reminds me of the visual energy in “Speed”. A run-in with the usual army of evil minions atop dizzying heights of bamboo girders seems more like an elegant performance by Cirque du Soleil. The pace does slow down during the flashbacks which explain Shaun’s evolution as a fighter. However, Tony Leung’s masterful performance pulls the viewer in and even elicits a modicum of sympathy for his villain.