The most recent Marvel Studio’s film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” has made its way to the theaters after years of speculation and confirmation of the film’s existence years ago.

“Shang-Chi” stars Simu Liu as the film’s main antagonist of the same name, Shang-Chi, and follows his journey of confronting his troubled past and toxic home life. Sounds like a simple premise, right? Well, to add to the drama and controversy, the father is a 1,000-year-old terrorist and an antagonist that the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been anticipating since its first release in 2008.

As a Marvel film, it stands out greatly, and not in a bad way. During a time where Asian hate is a great concern for Asian Americans in the United States, it is important milestone for many when a relatively unknown Chinese Marvel character can break Labor Day box office records due to its opening weekend success. Totaling $94 million at the box office during opening weekend, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” now stands as the highest-grossing movie over Labor Day weekend.

However, what does this mean for the Asian community? Like one of the film’s predecessors, “Black Panther,” Asian people can now feel pride in a superhero film that represents a Chinese character in an engaging, action-packed way. Especially in a film genre that mostly consists of white people.

During an interview with Total Film, the actor stated, “(Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) means that kids growing up today will have what I didn’t, which are characters that are aspirational, that also reflect their lived experience.”

“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” officially released on Friday, September 3 and will still be in select theaters for longer.

Source used: https://www.gamesradar.com/shang-chi-simu-liu-exclusive-image/