Part 4 of Marvel's Shang-Chi: Six Reasons to Love the Film (Even More)
Written by Deborah Lau-Yu
Images: Marvel Studios, Getty, Disney
Simu Liu & Jayden Zhang on the Red Carpet at the Toronto SHANG-CHI PREMIERE night on September 1, 2021 | IMAGE SOURCE: GETTY / Ryan Emberley
image source: simu liu twitter
Reason One: Simu Liu, Shang-Chi, is at the beginning of his biggest chapter yet.
Buy your movie ticket because you don’t want to miss being a part of Simu’s journey as an actor. Simu Liu has been an outspoken artist when it comes to representation in film and television. His first widely recognized major role was with television series Kim’s Convenience. You may or may not have taken his cultural advocacy seriously at that point in time, or you may have been an admirer already having snapped a selfie with him (such as at the 2017 Fete Chinoise Signature Event where he attended with several cast members).
Fan or not, he deserves your respect. Many people speak extravagantly, but how many can actually execute and deliver extravagantly? Simu fills a huge role in Shang-Chi, both in the film as the main character and also in the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe as the first Asian superhero. From training in martial arts to performing some gravity-defying stunts (have you seen the clip he shared of jumping off the bus and dangling mid air?) to matching the energy of superstar Tony Leung who plays his father and a villain in the film, Simu’s debut in Hollywood demanded of him a laser-focussed effort, which he demonstrated is his calling. As a Canadian actor, he represents Canada in an elegant and firm presence, and is a role model of dreaming big and running relentlessly towards a life calling. This is true for anyone aspiring and in particular, children of diasporic communities. His story of being defiant against stereotypes, not settling for the mold of the model minority myth, and working hard (even if it means starting off with modelling for stock images at the beginning of a career) tells us that it is possible. Dream. Then Do.
Then Transform. There is no doubt that being rocketed to the heights of the universe at such speeds is a lot to digest, albeit a wonderful, miraculous and happy journey to be on. In the weeks and months to come, Simu will continue to grow and morph as he fills his capacity as Shang-Chi beyond this first film, and after he is done celebrating the box office smash and his Met Gala debut on Sept 13th. His story is just starting to unfold.
Simu Liu on the Met red carpet with His look encompasses a white silk shirt with FENDI Sky Print, a natural-toned light wool jacket with black contrasting piping and matching trousers paired with a pair of loafers with FF Baguette motif. Watch: @jacobandco |
Image courtesy: Fendi
Reason Two: Tony Leung’s personal experience tied in with his character
You have probably read the numerous incredible reviews of Tony Leung’s monumental role in the film and why he’s already so amazing. As the premieres and press days unravelled though, one thing stands out as a unique relationship between Tony’s upbringing and this role: the concept of a failed father.
simu liu, tony leung & Destin Daniel Cretton | Image source: tony leung facebook
In the roles that Tony has aced in his career that so far, spans four decades, he has never had to play the role of a failed father. Not only is his villain role a much more nuanced and human portrayal of the bad guy in the Marvel universe, it is also personal for him. Growing up in Hong Kong, a place where status and family are both held in high regard (superficially and also deeply cultural), his father abandoned his family and left his mother at a young age. It made for an extra difficult childhood in recluse for Leung, one with unhappy memories. He reminds us by taking on this role of Wenwu, also a failed father who didn’t know how to express his love for his children, that we all have baggage. But we can also choose to confront our baggage and not only rid its spell on us, but to turn the weight of its burden into spectacular power. It is without doubt that his childhood pains and memories factored into how he approached his character and script, and how he shaped his performance to be worthy of a Marvel cinematic presentation.
Reason Three: The Most Beautiful Open to a Marvel Film
You read about why Fala Chen stands out as an up-and-coming superstar, after devoting herself to four years of unlearning and relearning her craft at the Juilliard School. One major reason we love the film is the breathtaking start to the film, which begins with Fala and Tony. It is narrated by Fala, as she recounts how her love story begins with Wenwu (Tony Leung), to the young version of her son, Shang-Chi. On screen, the audience is swept away with the most romantic and captivating fight scene between the two lovers. It takes place in a bamboo forest, and the choreography of the Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and Kung Fu combinations is pristine. There is love and tension in the air as you watch the stunning visuals sway in the wind while two martial arts masters fall in love in what feels at times like a fight, and most of the time like a dance in the wind. It sets the tone for the movie to be unique to many other Marvel productions, and in the story, becomes the foundation on the emphasis of love and family.
Reason Four: Cultural Values and Relatable Experiences
image source: michelle yeoh facebook
Destin Daniel Cretton & Simu Liu on set of Shang-Chi | Image source: Disney
The cast and crew behind the scenes have spoken very highly of Director Destin Daniel Cretton and of each other. They claim something that is unique to this film and quite special to Hollywood: honouring Chinese culture in the film — and, getting it right. Let’s be straight forward about stating the obvious: Marvel is an American-produced film for domestic and global audiences. How to get Chinese culture integrated correctly is still something greatly challenged in everday life in America, and on the big screens, the nuances would be magnified and scrutinized by audience members. It was important to root the film in Chinese cultural values that were in tune with audiences, and to have moments of relatability to allow everyone in with authenticity.
The film does both well. The idea of family legacy, family sacrifices and expectations, of unexpressed love and avoidance of and then coming to terms with grief and the past are all encompassed in the movie. Michelle Yeoh explained it best in her interview at the UK premiere, where she spoke to press about the familial context behind the story, and tension of love and loss that the two siblings (Shang-Chi and younger sister Xialing) and their father. There are tugs of the heart that you feel throughout the film, not only in the main storyline, but also in smaller moments like the scene with Katy (Awkwafina’s character) and her mother and grandmother at breakfast. The visual set design, the details of food culture and karaoke, the struggle of any Asian-American kid to fit in and find their calling are all adequately integrated in the film. These deeply rooted cultural nuances are done so well, you will find your story within as any child from an immigrant family.
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Then there are the light-hearted moments that are relatable to anyone who has ever had to explain their ethnically-inspired English name or middle name, or the butchered pronunciation of their surnames. During the flight to Macau, Shang-Chi explains to Katy that his name is not actually Shaun, but is Shang-Chi. Katy, being what would be called a white-washed Chinese-American who knows little about accurate pronunciation of Chinese names, wrongly says it and struggles to get it right, adding humour that bears great truths within. It’s the tiny detailing like this scene that makes the film authentic, relatable and plainly points out a daily event we have all endured before when teaching someone how to pronounce or spell our names.
Reason Five: Finely-Tuned Martial Arts Presented by Veterans and New Faces
While arguably the largest role, Shang-Chi’s character was not the only breakout role in this unique MCU movie. It delivered many firsts to Hollywood (congratulations to Hollywood for finally securing legend Tony Leung to be on the big screens) and delivered many firsts of Hollywood to new action heroes and heroines. And what allowed this to happen was the incredible martial arts integration that was seamless from start to finish.
It is already noteworthy to have Michelle Yeoh and Master Yuen Wah on set, as veterans to the scene of action and trained martial arts delivery — a pleasant surprise to those growing up watching Master Yuen in Hong Kong television and films. Then there are two new and exciting names that entered the discussion: Meng’er Zhang and Andy Le. Meng’er Zhang, who plays the role of Xialing, debuts on screen in fighting ring with brother Shang-Chi. In real life and also in the film, she had to learn how to use the roped darts, which was brand new to her as a theatre stage actress before Marvel. With a chiseled look and expressive eyes, she performed the martial arts moves with a natural stance, and also credits her stunt doubles for the well-rounded finished product. In real life, Meng-er also met the love of her life on set of the movie, who happens to be a Canadian action designer, and they were married in Disneyland!
Andy Le portrayed the Death Dealer in the film. And he was incredible. Behind the masked face were eyes that pierced like his swift martial arts moves. He is also a stunts person and incredible performer and athlete. If you have a moment to peruse his Instagram feed, you will undoubtedly be impressed by his flying kicks and many seemingly-impossible movements that are akin to watching the Olympics — the sequences mid-air and difficult landings are done with precision and momentum. He has gained a following of close to 300,000 and will inspire many young people to look at martial arts in a refreshing light. He is proud to have worked on set with Master Yuen Wah, whom he watched growing up and is one of his role models in the industry. We look forward to many spectacular performances from this young talent.
Reason Six: Representation Matters and Matters of Representation
All of the above reasons have to do with one big theme: Representation. This is the first Hollywood Marvel film to have a majority Asian cast and Asian protagonist, and in just one movie, the global audiences have exploded with enthusiam. The last major blockbuster of this stature was a completely different genre with Crazy Rich Asians, a romantic comedy based on Kevin Kwan’s book of the same name. In Michelle Yeoh’s words again, that was a good example of the demand of Asian representation in mainstream media and film, but it was already three years ago. Before that, the conversation stalled at Joy Luck Club, about two decades before that. With Shang-Chi, it is now evident that representation is here to stay, and Yeoh believes it will open many more doors and opportunities for this generation. As the world becomes more diverse and hybrid, issues of identity and culture will only become more complex. It is important that major films and consumption give diaspora communities a voice and visibility, not only because it is big business and opens up opportunity in the arts and performing arts, but that it addresses matters of the heart and mind. Representation matters as a part of community wellness and mindfulness that make us all better co-habitants in our communities.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to order some popcorn and show up to enjoy the movie, be inspired, and support a film that is a beacon of representation and why it’s important. In case you haven’t read, click below for the quick links of the first 3 part of this Shang-chi series:
About the writer, Deborah Lau-Yu
Deborah Lau-Yu is the Editor-in-Chief of Fête Chinoise Magazine & Platform, and the Creative Director of PALETTERA Inc. She is passionate about visual culture and design, the arts, and the Chinese Canadian diaspora.
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