‘Shang-Chi’: First Reactions Praise Fight Choreography & Family Dynamic

The first reactions to Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings have praised the film’s amazing fight sequences and emotional family dynamic.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the first Marvel Studios film to be exclusively released in theaters since Spider-Man: Far From Home, so it’s fair to say that expectations for the martial arts project are through the roof. Starring Simu Liu as the titular character, the film follows Shang-Chi as he struggles to deal with his identity and legacy, which involves the shadowy Ten Rings organization that first appeared in Iron Man.

Marvel Debuts Action-Packed ‘Shang-Chi’ Clip & IMAX Poster

After months of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Marvel’s latest appears to be worth the wait. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings had its premiere last night in Los Angeles, ahead of its September 3rd release date. Shortly after the premiere, critics and influencers took to social media to praise the film. Their brief comments on the film have been nothing short of great, with particular praise being given to the film’s action sequences, as well as the interesting family dynamic.

#ShangChi was a blast! Actually, Marvel's first true "family movie" that has a lot of heart. Loads of fun, great fight choreography, & likeable characters galore!
— Umberto Gonzalez (@elmayimbe) August 17, 2021

#ShangChi is awesome. This movie hits all that Marvel does well (pacing, humor, character) and adds action like we’ve never seen from the MCU before! 👏🏻👏🏻

Lots of people are about to have a new favorite Marvel hero.

Darker than expected. Loads of fun. Integral to MCU Phase 4!👀 pic.twitter.com/YI3jkwLuq6
— BD (@BrandonDavisBD) August 17, 2021

#ShangChi is an absolute triumph, unexpectedly spiritual and emotionally complex, with some of the very best action in the MCU. @SimuLiu is your new favorite Avenger and the movie’s myriad influences (everything from Jackie Chan to Hayao Miyazaki) pay off big time). Astounding.🐉 pic.twitter.com/72Yubnb4KV
— Drew Taylor (@DrewTailored) August 17, 2021

Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings is PHENOMENAL. Get hyped. Even fight scene/action sequence is better than the last. @SimuLiu fully embraces the marvel superhero role. Amazing imagery. Killer soundtrack. You’ll want to see this on the big screen. #shangchi
— Wendy Lee Szany (@WendyLeeSzany) August 17, 2021

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings earns the title of the best superhero film of 2021 so far. The action scenes are simply spectacular, especially the train & skyscraper scene. Best martial arts I’ve seen in a long time. Simu Liu & Awkwafina are terrific. #ShangChi pic.twitter.com/M0EEMJqKu3
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) August 17, 2021

#ShangChi has some pacing issues – there’s a bit of a start/stop feel to it at times and slow parts. But it has a lot of strengths throughout and most crucially, ends very strong.
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) August 17, 2021

Been a big fan of Destin Daniel Cretton for a while now but WOW – this blows the doors wide open to endless possibilities for him. Lots of cast shout outs I want to give but I’ll limit it to Simu Liu and Awkwafina for now. What a hugely charming duo I absolutely must see more of.
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) August 17, 2021

#ShangChi is fantastic. It's full of INCREDIBLE, beautifully choreographed fight scenes and full of badass women. Get ready to know Simu Liu's name if you don't already. Marvel has another hit on its hands. pic.twitter.com/3efV1kzJ7O
— Kirsten (@KirstenAcuna) August 17, 2021

There are nits to be picked, but #ShangChi is a terrifically entertaining piece of blockbuster filmmaking. It's much better than the trailers (lots of goodies unspoiled) and is unafraid to be weird and fantastical. It is exactly the shot in the arm that Marvel and Disney needed. pic.twitter.com/b2VcSEKidU
— Scott Mendelson (@ScottMendelson) August 17, 2021

Well that was really something.
— Simu Liu (刘思慕) (@SimuLiu) August 17, 2021

The most consistent praise seems to be given towards the film’s various action sequences and deep family dynamic. It’s also interesting how a handful of the first reactions have said that the film is “better” than what the trailers have shown. The trailers have done a good job of keeping plot details to a minimum, and they’ve clearly not emphasized the sheer fantastical element that appears to be a constant in the film.

Here’s When Simu Liu’s ‘Shang-Chi’ Takes Place In The MCU

Here is the synopsis for Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings:

“Simu Liu stars as Shang-Chi in Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings. Shang-Chi must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization.”

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton from a script written by David Callaham, the Marvel film stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung, Ronny Chieng, and Dallas Liu. The upcoming movie will hit theaters on September 3, 2021.

Stay tuned for all the latest news surrounding Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings, the future of the MCU as we learn it, and be sure to subscribe to Heroic Hollywood’s YouTube channel for more original video content.