Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Shaun, who goes by Shang-Chi, tries to keep a low profile in San Francisco with his friend Katy, doing a steady day to day job and staying out of trouble. A sudden summons from the past drags him back into the orbit of the Ten Rings, a shadowy organization with a long reach and a history that seems larger than his own life. He discovers that the rings are not just weapons but a link to a family history he believed he had buried. The return of old enemies and the lure of new alliances forces him to question who he is, where he comes from, and what he is willing to fight for. The choice he makes will redefine everything he thought he knew.

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings was written by David Callaham with Destin Daniel Cretton and Andrew Lanham, adapting Marvel Comics for the screen. Marvel Studios released it in 2021 through Disney.

It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects at the 94th Academy Awards, recognizing the film's bold action sequences and the convincing blend of practical stunts with digital effects. The nomination highlighted Marvel's push for technical excellence in a large scale fantasy.

Shang-Chi marks a milestone as Marvel's first solo film led by an Asian actor in a central role, with a predominantly Asian cast and themes rooted in heritage. Its reception sparked conversations about representation, authenticity, and the evolving landscape of martial arts cinema in blockbusters.

Critics praised the film for its energetic fight choreography, visual style, and strong ensemble chemistry, while some noted pacing gaps in the middle. Core themes include identity, belonging, and reconciling family duties with personal history in a modern world.