What comes to your mind when you hear the acronym MCU? For the longest time, I was not able to be a part of this conversation.

Not knowing about the Marvel Cinematic Universe might seem like a crazy concept, but if you lived in a foreign country for the first nine years of your life, American films and pop culture are alien concepts.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has released its latest film: “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”
Shang-Chi introduces a new hero and a film that is unlike what viewers have seen before in the MCU. Though it differs in style, the easter eggs hidden within the film help viewers spot the connections on how this movie fits into the Marvel Universe.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” implements culture and grief as the driving forces that develop the events of the film.

As a relatively new fan, it took me around three months to catch up on all the movies, and have seen the similarities and focuses of each film. However, the story of Shang-Chi focuses on a more emotional level by showing the different paths grief can take you.

The film leads viewers into this journey by the aspects of culture and its use of mystical elements to maintain the attention of viewers.

The film centers around a man trying to escape his past and the change of his identity to run away from everything that has led him into a dark path. Shang-Chi, using an American alias, “Shaun,” works at a hotel with one of his friends named Katy. After visiting Katy’s family, “Shaun” and Katy go to a subway and are attacked by men working for Shang-Chi’s father to get his attention.

This catalyzes these two characters to embark on a journey of confronting Shang-Chi’s past, for the actions of his past cannot be erased and in order for him to truly restart his life he must face what broke him.

The film turns into a journey of self-discovery for the characters involved, and while doing so, challenges viewers to reflect on their own past. Or maybe, if you just like the action and Computer-generated Information, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” definitely delivers.

This new direction the MCU is taking allows for meaningful underlying messages to be conveyed while still attracting the targeted audience. Not to mention, it illustrates beautiful scenery with elements of culture embedded in the movie.

I think the highlight of any Marvel movie is the end-credit scene, mostly because it gives viewers a better understanding of how it all connects.

However, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” has a very comedic end-credit scene. Most importantly, the clip takes you to a hotel in California. Wink, wink.

As we follow along the new releases of shows and movies that contribute to phase four, we should admire the pieces it brings to the cinematic experience and connection to the MCU.

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is a must watch for any MCU fanatic. I encourage you while watching the film to let the elements and journeys this film provides and apply it to your life.

Sometimes, a movie can be more than just a film, but a reflection on how we can make a difference in our own lives. Overall, the film is a 4/5 for me.