As comic book characters go, Shang-Chi is not a household name. He isn’t like Spider-Man or Captain America, or Wolverine, who are recognized even by those who don’t count themselves among the ranks of comic book readers.

But for those who do dwell in the engrossing continuity of these made-up worlds and universes, Marvel Studios’ decision to make a Shang-Chi movie caused a bit of a stir. The character was somewhat known, had been around for a while and was full of potential but had not been in the spotlight much. What would the MCU version be like? You could feel the excitement build.

Created by artist Jim Starlin and writer Steve Engleheart, Shang-Chi was for the longest time one of the few Asian characters in the Marvel Comics roster. Marvel Studios wisely embraced the eastern aspect of the material for the film, with stunning vistas, magical forests and of course, Chinese-derived fantasy creatures. There’s a newness to it, and It immediately makes the film stand out among the rest of the Marvel line-up.

Of course the Cinematic Universe iteration of Shang-Chi differs from his comic book origins, but it does not stray very far. His history is relatively intact, and his fighting skills are on point. The difference? This movie Shang Chi (Simu Liu from Kim’s Convenience) would much rather hang with his best bud Katy (Awkwafina from Raya and the Last Dragon, The Farewell) and sing karaoke than contemplate the eightfold path to enlightenment.

With the change however comes an accessibility and relatability of character. That and the fact that "Legend of the Ten Rings" is pretty much a stand-alone film not too deeply intertwined in the rest of the Marvel Universe makes it an excellent jumping on point for those new to the character and the world he now inhabits.

Overall the tone is light, despite the high stakes. Ben Kingsley shines again as he plays against type as Trevor Slattery from Liverpool, a character he created for Iron Man 3, A self-styled actor, Treveor got into trouble for impersonating the head of the Ten Rings.

Hand-to-hand combat has been featured in other Marvel movies such as Black Panther or Winter Soldier, but never to this extent. Simu Liu’s background as a stuntman certainly shows in the wonderfully choreographed fight scenes. The style borrows heavily from Hong Kong cinema, complete with gravity defying, dance-like action and also clear homages to Jackie Chan’s distinct action-comedy style of incorporating props and his environment into the fight, such as bamboo scaffolding.

The end result is a superhero story with a distinctly Asian flavor, but none of the political baggage. Yes, the film features the MCU’s first Asian lead, and is composed of an almost completely Asian cast, which in itself is a big deal. It even includes Asian cinema legends such as Michelle Yeoh and Tony Leung, and yet it thankfully does not seem like it is pandering to any demographic or cause, nor is it force-feeding diversity down the viewers' throat.

It is fun to watch and at times beautiful to look at. Shang Chi is as much of a celebration of Asian culture as you can get in a superhero film. And that is a very good thing. #Movie #Marvel #ShangChi #SimuLiu #Asian